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Same salary in US and Canada - worth the move?

thisworks

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Apr 17, 2017
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Folks,

For argument sake, let's say you get offered the same before-tax salary in US as in Canada, in a similar institution. Would you make the move? What would you consider apart from salary in making your decision?

case A: Same nominal salary ( so US$100 in New York versus CA$100 in Vancouver)
case B: Same US$ salary ( US$100 in New York versus US$100 in Vancouver)

Thanks
 

lampbreaker

Champion Member
Apr 7, 2015
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Taxes, cost of living and exchange rate make it very complicated to convert one number into another.

Still, for argument's sake if we assume that actual monetary value of US salary is bigger than Canadian salary, then other compensating factors must be considered. Visa stability (especially for Indians), liberal/welcoming culture are in Canada's favor. Stronger economy, more opportunities, weather work in US's favor.
 

meyakanor

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Use sites like Numbeo for 'rough' cost of living comparison. I would assume that your 100 USD would go further in most places in the US than 100 CAD would in Vancouver.

Exceptions always exist, however. In places like New York City and San Francisco, cost of living can be more than 35 to 40 percent higher than Vancouver (at least according to Numbeo), so in this case, 100 CAD in Vancouver would go further than 100 USD in those places.

But again, this is only based on Numbeo, and the actual daily expenses would definitely vary.
 

appidisr

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Dec 22, 2015
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US Dollar is superior to any world currency, right now has 36% more value than the Canadian dollar. If you live in Canada and plan to spend all your earnings in Canada, then you are in good shape. But if you plan to send your earnings outside of Canada for savings or whatever reason or use the money for travelling then you get less exchange rate than USD.
 

shersingh

Hero Member
Oct 5, 2017
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Folks,

For argument sake, let's say you get offered the same before-tax salary in US as in Canada, in a similar institution. Would you make the move? What would you consider apart from salary in making your decision?

case A: Same nominal salary ( so US$100 in New York versus CA$100 in Vancouver)
case B: Same US$ salary ( US$100 in New York versus US$100 in Vancouver)

Thanks
I would take that offer, I can always change to a different employer as I find a better option later.
Atleast I won't have to worry about the headache of Visa renewal and endless wait for green card.