Observations of Canada from a US Citizen

[Brock Landers]

First off, the weather in the summer in northern Alberta is something to experience, not that warm, but the sun is out till 11 PM! When you are used to 8:30 or 9 at the lastest, its something to see it light that long. Nights get a bit cool still, below 50F or 10C.

Here's some things that really surprised me, the cost of living is higher there without a doubt. Every single thing from a bottle of Coke to gas to beer is more expensive, in some cases like alcohol, its twice as much as the USA. I can't help but think Canadians must have a higher avg wage to afford the higher costs, because it was noticeable, especially with the Canadian dollar being a little higher than the US dollar, i ended up paying even more than the already inflated sticker prices showed.

All in all its a fun place to visit, but no way in hell i'd live there, its way too easy and isolated to become a fukking drink and drink all day every day.

SALUD!

[Brock Landers]

If you are from the west part of Canada you are blessed with some good food though, i went to Taco Time twice, that place BLOWS away taco bell by a lot. Also Earls is excellent food, but again, a little on the pricy side.

[pavyracer]

I'm pretty sure the taxes are much lower there than the US so they take more money home from their paychecks.

[Brock Landers]

I'm pretty sure the taxes are much lower there than the US so they take more money home from their paychecks.

taxes are HIGHER in Canada to pay for their "free" healthcare..

[pavyracer]

taxes are HIGHER in Canada to pay for their "free" healthcare..

Don't we pay Medicare tax here in the US? Check your paystub.

[Brock Landers]

Don't we pay Medicare tax here in the US? Check your paystub.

yes, but they pay for healthcare with every purchase on everything. Not just withholding on paychecks

[The Bet Master]

Mindboggling that we don't have universal healthcare yet.

[pavyracer]

yes, but they pay for healthcare with every purchase on everything. Not just withholding on paychecks

And what do you think is the co-pay that you pay your doctor here in the US every visit? It's actually being taken from your take home pay so it costs you more.

[benjy]

Brock, whatcha doing way the heck up there? Working the tar sands?

Taxes vary by region in Canada, as they do in the US. Typically a bit higher, but sometimes lower. For instance the taxes in Alberta where Brock is are lower than those in NYC.

[tanner40]

Nice perspective Brock. Good write up

[Cap dat 4ss]

Been to taco time 3 x's this week. Fried chicken burrito is amazing.

Also, just got back from vancouver last night. Weather is amazing right now. Got to hike mt. Grouse, amazing views of the city. Stopped off at victoria island which is absolutely gorgeous. Prices are higher than the US but they are certainly in line with the euro countries and even lower than most. A glass of coke without ice in Denmark was 7usd. All the people were nice as well. All in all its got to be one of the prettiest places in the world this time of year. Tons of good food up there as well. And not fast food but authentic indian and iranian food, french pastry shops and even african food. Many different cultures.

[Brock Landers]

Brock, whatcha doing way the heck up there? Working the tar sands? Taxes vary by region in Canada, as they do in the US. Typically a bit higher, but sometimes lower. For instance the taxes in Alberta where Brock is are lower than those in NYC.

my wife's family is from ValleyView Alberta, so we were up there for their 50th wedding anniversary/family reunion. good time for sure! I am back home now, but i kept a close eye on prices and used my bank card all the time, and when i got home i noticed i paid a little more than the actual prices due to dollar value fluctuation

[DwightShrute]

I'm pretty sure the taxes are much lower there than the US so they take more money home from their paychecks.

higher overall

[DwightShrute]

taxes are HIGHER in Canada to pay for their "free" healthcare..

its not FREE and certainly not FREE in every province where you pay an additional monthly, semi-annual or annual fee to the amount deducted from your paycheck.

[jjgold]

Montreal much better than USA to live

[beermankirk]

TacoTime down the street here. $5 for 5 tacos after 5pm. Love the plastic cups of hot sauce..

[Brock Landers]

TacoTime down the street here. $5 for 5 tacos after 5pm. Love the plastic cups of hot sauce..

my wife and I LOVE the crisp meat burritos, she guards the ends with her life

[Brock Landers]

Montreal much better than USA to live

more expensive too

[Brock Landers]

getting used to so much money as coins is odd too, loonies and toonies in place of one and two dollar bills.