Three in Ten Albertans Spending Half Their Income on Housing as Affordability Pressures Mount
New Salvation Army report reveals growing food affordability concerns, widespread financial strain and the impact of U.S. trade tensions on Alberta households
CALGARY, Nov. 3, 2026 – Three in 10 Albertans are spending at least half their after-tax household income on housing, according to new research from The Salvation Army, highlighting the financial pressures facing households as the cost of everyday necessities continues to stretch budgets.
The Salvation Army’s 2026 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis reveals that 30% of Albertans spend at least half their after-tax household income on housing, compared with 24% nationally. At the same time, more than one in three Albertans (35%) report skipping or reducing meals because they couldn’t afford groceries, while food affordability has surged as a national concern among Albertans, rising 14 percentage points from 22% in 2025 to 36% in 2026.
The Salvation Army surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians to better understand their attitudes, behaviours and experiences related to poverty, food and housing affordability, financial security and other socioeconomic challenges. As Canada’s largest non-governmental direct provider of social services, the organization uses this research to better understand evolving community needs and inform the support it provides.
“Three in 10 Albertans are spending at least half their take-home household income just to keep a roof over their heads,” says Bernadette DeSantis, divisional secretary for public relations, Prairies and Northern Territories Division. “When so much of a household’s budget goes toward housing, there’s often very little left for groceries, transportation and other basic necessities. Even people who are working hard and managing their finances carefully can find themselves struggling to keep up.
At The Salvation Army, we see how financial pressures affect individuals and families in our communities. Through food assistance, shelter services and practical support, we’re helping Albertans navigate difficult times with dignity and hope. These findings reinforce the importance of having a strong community safety net so people know they have somewhere to turn when they need help.”
Food Affordability Concerns Surge as More Albertans Cut Back on Meals
Food affordability is becoming an increasingly prominent concern among Albertans, with 36% identifying it as one of Canada’s top three issues, up from 22% in 2025.
The report also reveals that:
- 35% of Albertans have skipped or reduced meals because they couldn’t afford groceries.
- Nearly one in five (19%) accessed community food supports, compared with 15% nationally.
- Two-thirds of Albertans (66%) report challenges managing limited financial resources.
These findings demonstrate how the cost of essentials is affecting Albertans’ ability to meet everyday needs.
“For many Albertans, the cost of living isn’t just about cutting back on extras anymore,” says DeSantis. “It’s about making difficult choices between the things families need most. No one should have to worry about whether they can afford enough food while also keeping a roof over their heads. That’s why The Salvation Army continues to provide food programs and practical assistance to help people through difficult periods.”
Trade Tensions Adding to Household Financial Pressures
Economic uncertainty is also weighing on Albertans, with growing concern about U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on everyday affordability.
The report finds:
- Two in three Albertans (67%) say their household has felt a financial impact from U.S. tariffs or trade disputes, compared with 60% nationally.
- More than nine in 10 (92%) are concerned that proposed U.S. tariffs will increase prices for everyday goods.
- One in four (25%) identify U.S. tariffs as one of Canada’s top three concerns, up from 15% in 2025.
The findings highlight how Albertans perceive trade tensions as an additional source of financial pressure at a time when many households are already struggling with the cost of basic necessities.
Community Support Remains Essential
The Salvation Army continues to provide food, shelter and practical assistance to individuals and families facing hardship across Alberta.
Nationally, the 2026 report finds that 83% of surveyed support-service users say accessing services improved their family’s wellbeing, compared with 80% in 2025. However, the proportion of Canadians reporting monetary charitable donations declined from 79% to 75% over the same period.
“Albertans have a strong tradition of supporting their neighbours, and that generosity makes a real difference,” says DeSantis. “As more households face financial pressure, community support is especially important. Every donation and every volunteer hour helps The Salvation Army continue providing food, shelter and hope to people who need it most.”
This holiday season, Albertans can help The Salvation Army continue supporting vulnerable individuals and families in their communities.
Give hope this holiday season. Your donation helps The Salvation Army provide food, shelter and practical assistance to people facing difficult circumstances.
To learn more or support The Salvation Army’s work in communities across Alberta, visit www.salvationarmy.ca.
About the Report
The Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis is an annual national survey commissioned by The Salvation Army to better understand the financial, social and structural challenges Canadians are facing.
The 2026 study was conducted by Edelman Intelligence from September 11 to 18, 2026, among a nationally representative sample of 1,525 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted by age, gender and region. Alberta-specific findings are based on 171 respondents.
Residents of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut were not included in the survey.
A margin of error cannot be calculated for a non-probability sample. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of 1,525 respondents would carry a margin of error of approximately ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. In Bermuda, the Army has been at work since 1896. Today, it is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country, offering hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and Bermuda and in more than 130 countries around the world.
We believe in the transformative power of a helping hand—empowering people to move forward, no matter where they’re starting from. With open doors, open minds, and open hearts, The Salvation Army provides practical, personalized support to those facing poverty, homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.
Our services include hunger relief through food banks and meal programs; shelter and housing support; addiction rehabilitation; long-term and palliative care; and life-skills development such as budgeting and cooking. We also offer children and youth programming, including after-school activities, camps, school nutrition, and Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys.
Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, The Salvation Army meets people in their moment of need—and stays with them for the journey ahead. When you give to The Salvation Army, you’re investing in renewed hope, restored dignity, and a stronger future for overlooked individuals and families in your community.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.salvationarmy.ca.
SOURCE: The Salvation Army
For Media Inquiries
Bernadette DeSantis
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations
Prairies and Northern Territories Division
The Salvation Army
(780) 220-6007
[email protected]