NLVNet Life Value

Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 22.4% to 17.8%. Quality of life drops by 2 points.

Comparing Canada and the United States reveals a closely contested quality of life, with Canada holding a slight 2-point advantage (65 vs. 63). The most significant divergence lies in safety, where Canada scores a remarkable 90 against the US's 62, a substantial 28-point gap reflecting a much lower perception of risk. Conversely, the US offers a more appealing taxation score (63 vs. Canada's 48), a 15-point lead, and a warmer average climate (14°C vs. 6°C), resulting in a 12-point climate score advantage for the US. Healthcare scores are remarkably identical at 59 for both nations. Despite a higher price level in the US (100 vs. Canada's 96), the considerable safety disparity remains the most impactful factor in Canada's favor, outweighing the US's tax and climate benefits.

Canada prevails over the United States, predominantly due to its vastly superior safety rating, which is a critical component of overall well-being.

Moving to United States? NLV varies by city.

Austin51Los Angeles50New York45San Francisco45

Tax Comparison

At $48,164 USD equivalent gross salary

🇨🇦 Canada

GrossC$65,086
Income Tax-C$9,816
Social-C$4,732
NetC$50,538
Effective Rate22.4%

🇺🇸 United States

Gross$48,164
Income Tax-$4,876
Social-$3,685
Net$39,603
Effective Rate17.8%

Net difference: +$2,205/year in United States.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Canada = 97, United States = 100 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.60→$5.69
+2%
☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.80→$5.50
+15%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$6.50→$7.00
+8%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$830.00→$799.00
-4%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$13.49→$15.49
+15%
⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.30→$0.95
-27%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.60→$2.75
+6%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$105.00→$120.00
+14%
See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn C$65,086 gross in Canada ($48,164USD), here's what you need in United States depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

$45,209

You keep the same $37,398/yr net in both countries. United States taxes 5.1% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

$46,607

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $48K

🇨🇦 Canada

54

-3

🇺🇸 United States

51

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Canada: 65/100 vs United States: 63/100

Cost of Living
61
59
-2
Climate
52
64
+12
Safety
90
62
-28
Healthcare
59
59
0
Internet
77
76
-1
Taxation
48
63
+15

Moving to United States: Practicalities

Visa Openness

45/100

English Level

100/100

Expat Community

15.3%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Canada to United States?▾
The effective tax rate changes from 22.4% in Canada to 17.8% in United States. You keep about $2,204.9 more per year in United States.
Is United States cheaper to live in than Canada?▾
Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).
What salary do I need in United States to match my lifestyle in Canada?▾
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Canada and United States. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.
Is it worth moving from Canada to United States?▾
It depends on your priorities. You save on taxes but United States is more expensive to live in. The net benefit depends on your spending pattern.

Also Consider

🇨🇦 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇨🇦 → 🇫🇷 France🇨🇦 → 🇩🇪 Germany🇨🇦 → 🇪🇸 Spain🇨🇦 → 🇵🇹 Portugal🇨🇦 → 🇮🇹 Italy