$
Use your actual deposit amount — after income tax, CPP & EI.
$
Landlords look at gross income. Leave blank and we'll estimate it from your take-home pay.
Transport
Getting around every month$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
Debt Payments
Minimum monthly obligations$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
Savings Goals
Pay yourself first$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
Food & Daily Life
Groceries, dining, essentials$/mo
$/mo
Phone, Bills & Utilities
Monthly services$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
Lifestyle
Health, personal care, fun$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
$/mo
🎯 Your Rent Sweet Spot
Your monthly expenses are higher than your take-home pay, so there is nothing left for rent. Trim some expenses above to see a rent range.
🌿
Comfortable
$0/mo
Enter your income to see this tier.
—
monthly cushion
Sweet Spot
⭐Standard
$0/mo
—
—
monthly cushion
⚠️
Stretch — Avoid
$0/mo
—
—
monthly cushion
📅At the sweet spot, rent costs you $0/day — about $0/week of take-home pay.
🔑 Move-In Cost Reality Check
Based on your sweet spot rent — the costs most tenants underestimate.
First month's rent$0
Security deposit (AB: max. 1 month's rent)$0
Moving costs ($400–$800 estimate, $600 used)$600
💰 Total Move-In Budget$0
Enter your income above.
In Alberta, a landlord can hold one security deposit of up to one month's rent. Rules can change, so confirm current requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act.
🔍 What a Landlord Sees
Alberta landlords typically apply these informal rules at your sweet-spot rent:
💡 Smart Renter Tips
Compare the full cost. Utilities included can mean real savings. A $1,500/mo apartment with heat & water included beats a $1,350 unit where you pay about $200/mo in utilities.
Know your credit. Many landlords check credit, and each sets their own standard. Look at your report before you apply and correct any errors.
Keep rent comfortable. Many renters aim for about 30% of take-home pay or less. Stretching further leaves little room for a surprise bill, and missed rent can affect future rental applications.
Check your income against the rent. Landlords often look for gross monthly income of about 3× the monthly rent. A letter of employment can help support your application.
Have move-in funds ready. First month's rent plus a security deposit (in Alberta, no more than one month's rent) is usually due before you get the keys. Being ready can help you secure a home faster.
