Ottawa Home Sharing

No — home sharing costs are not standardized. They’re privately negotiated between the homeowner and the person moving in. The agreed amount can vary based on location, room size, amenities, and whether household contributions (like companionship or light chores) are expected in exchange for reduced rent.

Since there is no fixed pricing, home sharing is not included in our cost calculator. But knowing your specific arrangement can help you compare it to other housing options, depending on your needs and goals.

Renters:
A student or working adult may simply compare rent to market prices for a room or small apartment in the same area. A younger senior might look at home sharing versus independent living options in their community.

Homeowners (typically older adults):
You may want to weigh the net cost of staying in your home — factoring in tenant income, household expenses, and any care costs (out-of-pocket or through Ontario Health atHome) — against the cost of moving into a retirement residence or Independent Living plus Care facility.

Yes — especially for homeowners comparing the cost of staying in their home with a tenant versus moving into senior housing. Once you know your monthly baseline (household expenses, care costs, tenant income), you can use the Senior Housing Cost Calculator to compare that to retirement homes, independent living, and assisted living options in your area.