What are the pros and cons moving from the us to canada?

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Blue T

It is a hard one. Many of the really rich have historically based themselves in Canada because of the lighter business regulation, greater choice of laws because federalism is more of a reality there, so far as the economy is concerned. The taxes are higher for the average Joe, but there are lots of loopholes, etc. The government agencies are generally not as dogged, although their rules are usually more socialist. There is an older book by Seymour Martin Lipset called "Continental Divide" or something like that. It may be at Amazon. The USA taxes citizens on their worldwide income even if they are resident elsewhere. Canada does not tax non-residents. There are no death taxes in Canada, unless things have changed in recent years. You will note that Lord Black was prosecuted in the USA. There is not the Patriot Act, but the Tories who won office as a minority government in recent elections are into that stuff. The healthcare system there is disastrous if you are really sick. You pay twice. Once for the government system that is not worth using and again for something else, probably in the USA. If you just have coughs, etc., the socialized system is fine.

traveler

Pros are that Canada has a lot fewer people, it's cleaner and safer, has many beautiful areas, has strict gun control laws, and government provided medical insurance. It also ranks as the fouth best country in the world to live in according to the UN.

Cons are higher taxes and cost of living, rough winters throughout much of the country, the ongoing debate over whether or not Quebec will secede from Canada, and of course, the hassle of moving in general!

Patricia m

The most obvious pro is that you get to live in Canada. Also, education is better, healthcare....far superior, less crowded, people are nicer, multi-cultural, growing economy and greater opportunity to do well with newer industry. Really, the list goes on and on.

Oh yah....no Bush.

FYI to the comment "Ruled by England" use some of our free education and you'd learn that we are no longer ruled by England and that we now have our own constitution. Please check your facts before making such statements cause you risk sounding like an American.

Grand pa

pro weather people medicare and now the good news Bush doesnt live here

dgiles1122

As a Canadian living and working in the US, here's my educated answer.
Taxes are lower in Canada....yes I said taxes. Its a flat out myth that Canadians pay higher taxes. Fed tax is marginally lower in the US BUT....you pay state tax on top of that and the kicker FICA. On $58,000 taxable income this year I have paid $19,000 between those 3 taxes. My Canadian taxes would only be $12,000. Keep in mind this doesn't include the $500 + per month for health care. If your like me and believed US healthcare is better. Go to a US hospital. Its a business and you can't trust anyone. I had a friend go to the hospital with a headache and no insurence. They performed a Cat scan for $5000 and wanted to do a Spinal tap for $10,000. She ended up going home took an advil, woke up and it was gone. Her and her fiance were fighting and she was stressed. Now they have a $5000 bill. Thats messed up and very commonplace.

Yeah the weather is warmer in the US but, Canada is cleaner, prettier and we are not bombarted with US Gov't mindgames and lies. The one story that never gets told in the US is its debt. The US is pushing bankrupcy. The house prices in Canada are moving up, in the US they are losing value. The Canadian dollar is worth more. Canadian prices have come down. The Canadian government is flush with money and taxes are coming down. Canadians know how to laugh and have fun, I find Americans uptight.

I believe there are only 2 disadvanges to living in Canada. Number One is the weather. I hate winter. Next year though I'm buying a skidoo when I'm back home. Number two is the US has more cities and therefore more places to work.

Thats my educated opinion. Take it for what its worth.

Swagato

FOr once you might get a better health care system

For another you might get higher taxes and lesser job opportunity.

Definitely weather is a factor for many.

Kacey

pro-healthcare would be better and there are less pollutents. cananda is pretty much a free coutny anyways although it is ruled by england lol
con-very harsh wineters (especially if you are moving from florida or another southern state). i dont know if they have many of the same stores if you are big on any chain stores.

good luck moving if you decide to. pretty much there is no difference... same continent.

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