The data for this variable are reported using the following classification(s) and/or list(s):
'Shelter cost' refers to the average monthly total of all shelter expenses paid by a private household.
For owner households, shelter cost includes, where applicable, the mortgage payment, the costs of electricity, heat, water and other municipal services, property taxes and condominium fees. For tenant households, shelter cost includes, where applicable, the monthly rent and the costs of electricity, heat, water and other municipal services.
'Private household' refers to a person or group of persons who occupy the same dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada or abroad. The household universe is divided into two sub-universes on the basis of whether the household is occupying a collective dwelling or a private dwelling. The latter is a private household.