Calgarians struggling with housing affordability

According to the Housing Needs Assessment report released by the City of Calgary this month, one in five households in Calgary struggled to afford housing costs in 2021 — which means around 84,600 households were forced to shell out more than 30 per cent of their total income on housing.

According to the Housing Needs Assessment report released by the City of Calgary this month, one in five households in Calgary struggled to afford housing costs in 2021 — which means around 84,600 households were forced to shell out more than 30 per cent of their total income on housing.

The situation is probably worse in 2023 with more and more households feeling the brunt of the housing crisis, the report added.

The assessment, which is published once every five years, focuses on affordable housing strategies and helps the city collaborate with housing providers and the government.
 
"The latest data published in the Housing Needs Assessment shows us that an increasing number of Calgarians are struggling with housing affordability," said Tim Ward, manager of housing solutions for the city, in a release.

"The findings in the assessment also highlight that the housing crisis is affecting a wide range of Calgarians including those looking to buy or rent a home and those that are in the greatest need of affordable housing supports."

According to the report, Calgarians now need an average household income of $156,000 to buy their first detached home.

Meanwhile, purchasing an apartment in the city requires a household income of $70,800.

Calgarians hoping to rent a home need to earn $84,000 a year. That number was far lower in 2022 — $67,000, to be precise.