How Do I Compare Cost of Living Expenses Between The U.S. and Canada?

Question

I'm interested in comparing the cost of living between California and British Columbia.. I'm contemplating a move from the States up to the Great White North, and want to see how much more or less things are going to cost. I know it's going to be difficult due to the difference in currencies, but something is better than nothing. Thanks!

Answer 1

Mr Canada obviously hasnt spent time in the US.i lived in LA for 6 months and ill tell you,the wages in Canada are way better and housing is WAY WAY better.we had an apartment downtown on 6th and flower for 1800 a month and it was a dump.even expensive places in expensive parts of town are dumps.everything is small,old,and worn out.we stayed in hollywood too and people in LA genuinely believe that this or that apartment is great,and i dont have the heart to tell them that in Canada,it wouldnt be fit to keep our pets in.

Answer 2

Alright well first off I would try and narrow your search a little. Pick three locations in BC that you think hold some potential for you in terms of employment possibilities, available leisure activities and size etc. Once you have picked these three place, you will be better off to do research on local sites relating to rental/housing prices as well as food cost's, wages, and the like. I would recommend choosing place's that have a university or college in the area, that way you can go on those sites and look into what they recommend for their new students, they might even have some forums about the topic.

Be for warned though. Price's vary a LOT all over BC. If you moved to Prince George for example you could plan to pay a LOT less then you would in Vancouver, but would it have the job you want, or the night life you want, or the sports activities your are interested in?

This is a pretty big move, so you might even want to visit a couple of your choices first and see if you think they will work for you. Other then that, I would make sure you get your visa sorted out pretty quickly. When you know where you are with that, then you will have a better idea of if this move is worth it for you.

Best of luck, I hope you get the chance to try it at least, Canada is an amazing place to live.

Answer 3

at the beginning you should ask your self which u . s . a .'s tax you would be paying. that's no longer an consumer-friendly question and somebody making seventy two,000 after tax ought to make some inquiries with a tax professional. you could land up paying double taxes or a minimum of inflated taxes in case you do no longer do it properly. As others have noted, the place you're getting into Canada makes a tremendous distinction. somebody earning this point of earnings will stay ok in Vancouver or Toronto, stay very actual in smaller cities and stay ok in maximum others. that's comparable to the transformations between long island, Chicago and Tulsa or Charlotte with very distinctive fees of residing. usually the fee of residing in Canada is concerning the comparable by means of fact the fee of residing contained in the U. S.. some products are extra money (autos) and a few are much less yet on established you will pay a splash extra in Canada. while you're being paid in US money which will extra suitable than make up the adaptation.

Answer 4

Just as a general guide, I have found that the cost of living is about 35% more than Washington State, NOT including housing costs. Cost of housing will vary greatly by area .. city vs suburb vs. small town/rural.

I am happy to help you and provide more information if you would like, more precise to your interests and needs, including immigration information in order to move here.
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Answer 5

Generally speaking, wages are lower in Canada than they are in teh U.S. Taxes in Canada are also much higher than what you're used to. Houses and living spaces in Canada are smaller than in the U.S., and often housing is slightly cheaper here in Canada.

However, your day-to-day expenses will be much higher in Canada than in the USA: filling up your car, food shopping, clothing, cars, restauants, cigarettes, booze are all MUCH, MUCH more expensive in Canada than in the U.S.

Hope this helps.