DoorbookHousing allowance or accommodation
Put both options on the same monthly ledger. The worked comparison shows the current difference and the headcount at which providing accommodation breaks even.
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01 Gather
Bring both options together
Use the allowance offered today, the dormitory fixed and variable costs, and any recovery from staff. Add turnover assumptions only when you have a defensible replacement cost.
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02 Compare
Test the headcount that matters
The calculator includes monthly and annual totals, then solves the break-even headcount from the fixed building cost and the per-person difference.
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03 Print
Take one plain conclusion to the meeting
The comparison stays in this browser and makes no request. Print the result, then change one assumption at a time when the proposal moves.
Housing allowance or accommodation
Allowance versus accommodation comparison
Prepared from the figures entered above. Change the assumptions when the proposal or market changes.
- Allowance option per month
- £2,813.40
- Accommodation option per month
- £2,325.60
- Allowance option per year
- £33,760.80
- Accommodation option per year
- £27,907.20
- Difference per month
- £487.80
- Break-even headcount
- Break-even at 11.7 people
At this headcount, providing accommodation saves £487.80 per month compared with allowances.
Questions to check
Use these questions to make the comparison clear before it becomes a budget commitment.
What does the break-even headcount mean?
It is the headcount where the fixed accommodation cost is offset by the per-person difference between the two options. It is a planning point, not a promise that either option will stay unchanged.
Why include turnover in a housing comparison?
A different living arrangement can change retention and replacement work. Enter a rate only when the assumption is supported by your own records; otherwise leave both rates at zero.
How is staff recovery treated?
Recovery is subtracted from the accommodation option, while the allowance remains a cost paid to the employee. The monthly and annual figures keep that distinction visible.
What if accommodation never breaks even?
The result says so when the per-person difference does not create a positive crossing point. That is more useful than showing a negative or misleading headcount.
Does this store our staffing figures?
No. The calculation runs in this browser only, makes no network request and writes nothing to storage.