I've lived in a four bedroom duplex (with just my child) for about over five years. The rent (which includes water, heat, laundry, and hydro) is 14% of my gross income. I've looked at homes in my area, the lowest adjusted-COL area in Canada, and I struggle imagining paying so much more. In other words, I'm sincerely baffled at how people can carry large mortgages and large student loans (relative to their income).