Income, rent, cost-of-living, and subsidy calculators

All arithmetic runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded. These are planning estimates, not official RGI or COHB determinations. Print before you leave.

1. Affordability & 30% rent test

Household income Income period Monthly rent (shelter only) Monthly utilities paid by household Other essential monthly costs (optional)

Waiting for figures

CMHC and many programs treat 30% of income as the affordability line and 50% as severe burden.

2. Simplified RGI estimate

Most non-benefit households pay about 30% of Adjusted Family Net Income (often CRA line 23600), minus a small employment deduction, plus or minus utilities, subject to minimum rent. Benefit units on OW/ODSP often pay a scale amount until non-benefit income crosses a threshold. Confirm tables with the provider.

Calculation method

30% of net (family unit / over-threshold) Social-assistance scale amount Annual net income (AFNI) …or monthly net if no annual figure Employment deduction (often $75–$150 / month — enter the local figure) Monthly OW / ODSP received (informational) If using scale method: monthly scale rent Utility adjustment (+ charge or − allowance) Minimum rent to apply (2026 many areas ~ $145)

Waiting for figures

Roundings, benefit-unit splits, student exclusions, and occupancy standards will change the official number.

3. Portable benefit / COHB-style gap

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit and many portable benefits use a gap formula in the family of: greater of 80% of local Average Market Rent or actual shelter (capped at 100% AMR), minus 30% of monthly AFNI. Households usually cannot stack this with RGI. Priority groups often include SPP-type survivors, people experiencing homelessness, Indigenous households, seniors, and persons with disabilities — confirm the current provincial / local window.

Local Average Market Rent for the right unit size (monthly) Annual AFNI …or monthly net Actual monthly shelter costs (rent + eligible utilities)

Waiting for AMR and income

Look up current CMHC Rental Market Report tables for the census area and bedroom count.

4. Cost-of-living gap map

Total monthly income (all sources after tax if known) Rent Utilities Food Transit / transportation Phone / internet Child care Medications / disability costs not covered Minimum debt payments Other

Waiting for a budget

A gap is a system failure, not a personal one. Pair this with income maximization and subsidy tools.

Reference rates (verify — they move)

Figures compiled for planning from publicly reported July 2026 social-assistance tables. Always confirm on official program pages.

Household	OW max (basic + max shelter)	ODSP max (basic + max shelter, Jul 2026)
Single	$733 ($343 + $390)	$1,436 ($825 + $611)
Couple, no children	$1,136 ($494 + $642)	$2,148 ($1,189 + $959)
Single parent + 1 child	See current OW table + OCB	About $2,074 including OCB (reported)

OW basic rates have been frozen for years; ODSP core rates are inflation-adjusted each July. Shelter is a maximum, not an automatic lump if actual housing costs are lower. Earnings exemptions and asset limits differ sharply between OW and ODSP.