More in Survival & Crisis
What this calculator does
This calculator separates non-negotiable survival expenses from discretionary spending. It shows the minimum income you need and the total cost of your wants.
The math
Survival total = rent + groceries + utilities + transport. Discretionary total = sum of all other expenses entered.
Worked example
With $1,200 rent, $350 groceries, $200 utilities, $150 transport, and $485 in other spending, your survival minimum is $1,900 and your cuttable spending is $485.
Why this matters
When money is tight, the right arithmetic can protect your housing, food, and transportation. This tool gives you a fast triage number so you can make the least-damaging choice.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
What counts as a survival expense?
Shelter, basic food, utilities, and transport needed to keep income flowing. Everything else is negotiable in crisis mode.
Can I enter expenses in a list?
Yes. Enter one expense per line or separate them with commas in the format name $amount.
What should I do with the difference?
Use it to pay down high-interest debt, build an emergency fund, or survive a reduced income period.