Where do YOU think life is better? Share your take below! 🇨🇦🇺🇸 👉 Before jumping in, here’s what you should know: 1. This video is grounded in my experience and research. It’s meant to spark conversation and share perspectives-add yours below. 2. What’s “better” depends on what matters to you. Career growth, healthcare, livability-your priorities shape your perspective. Life isn't black-and-white, and as such, neither is this video. My views are still evolving as I learn more, and I don't have all the answers. That said, my goal here is to raise the right questions, encourage discussion, and help you think through the trade-offs. 3. Disagree? Great! Let’s keep it thoughtful and constructive. Enjoyed this? Hit subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2, where we'll dive into the cultural differences between Americans and Canadians. 🙌
For me, working as a Fulltime Registered Nurse in Toronto, rate of 56 CAD per hour,single,owning a property, take the public transport, I don't have a work-life balance. I have to work more hours just to pay the bills. Yes ,Canada has more paid vacation hours than the US, but because of your bills, you can't really enjoy your off staying at home because you need to pick up o.t. or get a 2nd job just to get by. My friends who are RN's in the US, single income earner with family, still able survive financially not even doing an overtime.
My father (American) retired to Canada after meeting a Canadian woman and as he was well off, lived comfortably in Victoria BC. He enjoyed it and unlike most other parts of Canada, the climate is temperate. I visited him many times but had no interest in moving there, and he wouldn't be there unless he had the bank that he had earned in the US and the Canadian spouse to get a sponsorship visa. Sadly, many Americans don't understand that Canada isn't a 51st state that you can choose to live in when it strikes your fancy or the election results don't go the way you like.
Thanks for sharing your father’s story! You're totally right to point out that moving from the USA to Canada (or vice versa) isn’t as straightforward as some might think. Your point about having the resources and a sponsorship visa really highlights how much privilege and planning it takes to make a big move like that, thanks for sharing your perspective.
Such a well thought out video! It really is up to each of us to decide what is best for us because there is no “one size fits all” answer. Thanks for sharing your perspective and all of this information!
I'm from Ottawa Canada and I studied for 6 years at New England Conservatory in Boston just down the street from Berklee. And funny enough now I live in Montreal which is the city you compared to Boston. NEC is known for its world-class classical music programs and supplies many of the world's top orchestral musicians, chamber musicians and soloists. But unfortunately Boston in my opinion falls short in providing the population of musicians with opportunities to make a living, at least relatively speaking to Montreal. when living in Boston behind Symphony Hall, I was paying USD 1900 a month to live there, and now in Downtown Montreal near Place Des arts I'm paying Half that at about $1000 USD. Both of these locations are incredibly similar in their Cosmopolitan allure and access to the fine arts and education, but have such a huge affordability gap nonetheless. There is more work here in Montreal for Classical Musicians, It's way cheaper to rent centrally in Montreal Compared to Boston. i Don't know where you got your numbers from but after living in both places its no competition about affordability. there is absolutely no way an 18-year-old kid can afford $1900 per month in rent in Boston and pay US conservatory tuition (yes even with 90+% scholarships). but the same cannot be said in a place like Montreal. An 18-something-year-old can easily make rent, pay tuition at McGill, the Conservatoire etc.. and get more gigs even as a fresh starter in the industry. Boston is not nearly as friendly to its artists. I was only able to make it work because of good scholarships, generous gigs and education programs such as the Boston Philharmonic (youth) Orchestra and On-campus work (which aside from gigs is all my visa allowed me to do to earn money as a Canadian International Student). Boston is known for having a ton of gigs in the area, but as you said the competition down in the US is much higher. Montreal just has more opportunity per person in our industry and yet maintains a similar competitive environment, but still manages to amaze me on how much easier it is to break into the scene. if you are reading this comment and thinking about going to Boston to Study music, don't go there to make money. go there to study with the world-leading musicianship you can encounter at the amazing schools, and go there to make connections with other incredibly talented young musicians. However, i would be lying to you if I told you Montreal cannot supply you with those same opportunities, and save you a ton of money. i know this comment is rather niche and doesn't apply to most people, but I would be surprised if this doesn't apply to other people in different jobs and professions. i'd love to hear your experiences especially if you've lived in both cities!
Samuel was my student at a local coding school in Vancouver. So good to hear from him about his progress in Vancouver and that he is still calling Vancouver his home. Do pass on my regards to him. Wishing him the best.
I've lived in Vancouver longer than I have lived in my birthplace and I can truly attest to your Canadian facts and observation. From my age group perspective, I can add that if you're still young (20's to early 30's) and moving to the US, it is definitely a vast ocean of opportunities for you. If you're still adventurous even in your late 30's, I think there's still lots of opportunities in career growth. As for me, I moved to Canada in my late 30's and I felt the need to ground myself already as I have started a family then. All my friends who moved to the US surely made it more in dollar figures than me, but it doesn't mean that they are better off than me. I am happy and at peace here while I still get to have a taste of the US experience. So again, for me, it depends on your season in life and how you perceive success and contentment. Keep it up and shine brightly!!
Regarding salary I am in electrical engineering and generally these careers are paid so much higher in the US to my knowledge. There also are other factors like auto insurance or buying a home for example. Also taxes here in Canada if you make 100 k do increase a lot.
I'm a Gen-x Canadian, currently in LA, who has lived across the US during five discrete stays for a total of 15 years over the last 25 years. The difference between the two countries is the balance between quality of life versus quality of work. Quality of life is much better in Canada, but quality of work is much better in the US. Safety, work leave, cleanliness, and medical expenses, I say that as someone who has surgery a few times in both countries, are better in Canada. Yet, irrespective of income differentials, the scope, value, and quality of work I'm asked to provide in the US is commensurate with the full scope of my Canadian engineering training. While in Canada I'm asked to provide services far beneath my skill sets as Canadian industrialization beyond raw material production is nascent and lacking boldness. I moved back to Canada a few times for work but found myself reporting to people with far less competency and exposure due solely to Canadian lackluster industrialization. As someone who values developing creative work product, the US and Eurasia are far more enticing, but I often long to move back home to Canada. If only the work was there...
Also the curious case of Vancouver - simple answer is that those who can afford living in Vancouver did not make their money in Vancouver. They earned them money elsewhere and park/spend their money there
An in-progress answer isn't a bad thing man, holy hell was this video informative!! Was honestly thinking about a lot of this stuff lately too, so it couldn't have come at a better time 😅 Amazing video Ameer
What counts as "excellent" public transit, bike networks, or pedestrian infrastructure really depends on what you’re comparing it to. For instance, in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, you’ll find extensive public transit systems (like subways, metro lines, and buses), growing bike networks, and highly walkable neighborhoods. Are these cities on the same level as Amsterdam or Tokyo? No. Is there significant room for improvement? Absolutely. But are they better than what you'd find in car-centric U.S. cities like L.A., Houston, and Atlanta, where public transit is almost non-existent in some areas? Without a doubt. As @MrKongatthegates pointed out, some U.S. cities barely have any public transit at all. Most large Canadian cities, even with their flaws, have functional public transit systems as a baseline. That said, I also recognize that smaller Canadian cities or suburban areas can be a completely different story. I grew up in a car-centric Canadian suburb myself, so I know the struggle firsthand. Canada has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to public transit, but it’s still far ahead of what you'd find in many American cities.
What an amazing video! I appreciate how you've compared every important aspect to consider when living somewhere. I've visited Canada once about a decade ago (Toronto and Montreal), and would like to visit again. I can even see these differences between U.S. states. I was born in New Mexico (quite a poor state, but plenty of job opportunities in the arts), and moved to Wisconsin (fewer opportunities in the arts, but a wealthier state). Both states have a similar (low) cost of living, however.
Thank you so much-I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Moving from New Mexico to Wisconsin must’ve been an interesting shift, especially with the trade-offs in arts opportunities and incomes. How have you found the arts scene in Wisconsin compared to New Mexico? Also, I hope you get the chance to visit Canada again! Toronto and Montreal are fantastic, but the smaller cities have such a unique charm too. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
If you ever want to get rich beyond your wildest dreams AND don’t mind working your butt off to achieve it yet not having free health care at the start of your journey then go to the US. It’s a risk but if you win you can win big. Otherwise, if you don’t mind not making as much money no matter how hard you work, and paying a bit more in taxes but you and you and your fellow citizens get free healthcare (dentistry not included) and a decent pension and would like to receive a decent but temporary social net if you should lose your job then go to Canada. Lower risk, lower reward. You may struggle to find housing in both countries ao that point is moot.
@@MrKongatthegates@MrKongatthegates Yes, but the property tax is higher, and the mortgage rate (on average) is higher in US. If you look at a monthly payment for 30 years, you will pay the same $ and get a house 1.5 times the price in Canada.
I really appreciate this video. It was well done and easy to follow. I'm in Vancouver in healthcare getting a lot of hate for saying I'm considering Settle as people are telling me it's so much worse and shouldn't leave. I just want to be able to live, not simply survive
This is a really informative video, answered a lot of things I have wondered about. I live in Surrey, BC, but i did wonder why you didn't mention MSP. It's still something Canadians in BC above a certain tax bracket have to pay, and certain institutions still require fees for using their facilities as part of their premiums. From what I have asked from some of my friends who live in Texas, they have so much opportunities to make a lot more than I do, and their increased opportunities and wealth far exceeds their needs, so they are able to have huge safety nets, and buy bigger things. I know Texas isn't the same as the rest of the US, but I think if you were to improve this video, interviews with people from other parts of the US would also benefit it, along with interviews from other parts of Canada.
Thanks for watching! You’re absolutely right that MSP is a unique part of B.C.’s healthcare system, and it’s worth addressing. Direct premiums for MSP were eliminated in 2020, and the program is now funded through general taxes, including the Employer Health Tax for businesses. While higher-income residents no longer pay MSP premiums directly, they still contribute indirectly through progressive income taxes. As for the fees you mentioned, like private hospital rooms or non-covered services, these are already reflected in the out-of-pocket spending data I cited at 8:29 from CIHI. The $97.33/month figure includes direct payments for non-covered services, co-pays, and prescriptions/dental/vision. I glossed over the details for brevity, but they’re definitely accounted for-good catch. That said, I want to flag something important: the numbers I shared in the video were based on CIHI’s 2021 estimates, but they’ve since been updated with actual figures. The latest data shows Canadians pay an average of $1,243.40 per year (or about $103.62 per month) out-of-pocket. I really appreciate you raising these points and leaving such a thoughtful, constructive comment!
If money and job prospect/career growth is not an issue Canada all day. However that could be the dominant factor when consider where to live in many cases
This video was released 5 hours ago, but has very outdated information. After COVID, specialists in the US have been taking months to book. My neurologist appointment in NYC made yesterday had to be scheduled for July. I don't know why, but this trend did not reverse after COVID ended. So specialist appointments in the US are now both extremely expensive and extremely slow. It actually makes sense to go to Canada now unless you're a millionaire.
Thank you for sharing your experience-I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to deal with those kinds of wait times. I hear you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to add your perspective. I hope things get easier for you soon. From what I’ve seen, wait times in the US are a mixed bag. They seem to vary a lot depending on where you are US, the type of specialist you’re trying to see, and the facility itself. A 2022 survey by Merritt Hawkins, which looked at family physicians and specialists like dermatologists and cardiologists across U.S. metro areas, found an average wait of about 26.0 days for new patients. By comparison, Canada’s Fraser Institute reported much longer waits in 2022-around 12.6 weeks for a specialist referral, plus 14.8 weeks for treatment. hasdic.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/mha2022waittimesurveyfinal.pdf www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/waiting-your-turn-2022.pdf That being said, averages like these don’t capture everyone’s reality, and your experience shows that. Personally, I’ve been pretty lucky with relatively short waits. I’ve had eight specialist appointments in the US over the last 12 months and they all were booked in two months or less. The only exception was a six month wait for a high-demand, specialized dermatology clinic. But even with shorter waits, I know how stressful it feels to be stuck waiting, especially when you just want answers. I’m curious-how have you been navigating these delays? Have you found any strategies or resources that help make the process easier? I know post-COVID delays have made things harder for a lot of people. Thanks again for sharing your story, and I really hope things improve for you soon!
That US data is outdated. You are showing data from before the end of COVID when a lot of people were intentionally not going to specialists to avoid contagion. Family practices and ERs were overwhelmed, but specialists in particular saw a reduction in appointments. Presumably, you are a Canadian citizen and if you saw short waiting times, you were likely paying out of pocket rather than through insurance like most Americans do. Cash payers often skip the line.
@@user-615frlxxcd You’re right-post-COVID delays are a real challenge, and I can see how your experience with booking your appointment highlights this. I can see why this feels so different from the data I shared. The 2022 data I cited is relatively recent, but I understand that it may not fully reflect the effects of post-COVID demand surges. If you come across any newer studies on wait times, I’d be really interested to check them out. That said, the Canadian data I referenced is from the same timeframe as the US. Even during a period of reduced demand in both countries, Canada’s wait times were still significantly longer-12.6 weeks for a referral and 14.8 weeks for treatment, compared to 26 days in the U.S. It seems highly unlikely that post-COVID delays have completely closed this gap unless Canada’s system improved dramatically while the U.S. worsened significantly, neither of which is supported by current trends. Both systems have serious issues, and personal experiences will always vary-your experience is valid and demonstrates that. It sucks that you have to wait that long. At the same time, when we look at the bigger picture, the data still shows that, even with its flaws, the U.S. healthcare system generally provides faster access to specialists than Canada. Also, just to clarify, my eight specialist appointments this year were all booked through insurance-not as a cash payer. I hope your July appointment goes smoothly and provides the answers you’re looking for. Thanks again for contributing to this conversation, and I wish you all the best.
earning around median household income as a singler person, im living quite comfortably other than having roommates and not having a car. compare to my friends who moved to canada about that same time i did and are still working at low paying jobs, im very fortunate and i can definitely feel their stuggle.
Interestingly, many Americans look upon Seattle as VERY expensive. Perhaps you can answer a question I have about housing in Canada - the Canadian government keeps talking about assuring that more housing would be built. Why are they involved in housing construction? Private companies don't build the housing?
The Canadian Government is trying to provide incentives to municipal and regional governments to loosen high density residential zoning restrictions and increase the speed at which construction permits are issued. Canadian municipalities are notorious for refusing to provide permits for anything other than single family suburban homes, it's very difficult to build high density housing in Canada. Canadian real estate developers also have a bad habit of sitting on land and permits rather than building anything while they wait for real estate prices to increase, so they can huck their shoe-box condos and plywood cabins for millions of dollars a piece.
I am from Winnipeg, and I now have lived in Chicago for about 5 years. And while cost of living is cheaper in SOME USA cities, I still believe life in Canada Is better. Better work life balance and overall people are more community based in Canada. Americans make free health care sounds like it’s an insane idea and why should they pay for other people’s health care. But for me I can’t afford health care. It’s 200USD dollars a month through my employer. I choose not to do it but it’s so risky and I’m terrified I’ll have a health issue, but 2400USD a year is too much and a system that is designed to favour the upper class. As a whole America feels designed for the upper class and is honestly brutal. Canada is a much better place to live and much more secure unless you’re upper class.
I would say when you're younger and healthier you would rather be in the US. But then as you get older and want to settle, especially if you're not a high income earner, Canada is better. But again, the housing affordability and the declining healthcare and safety that we are experiencing in Canada kinda tilt the balance towards the US a bit
You left out a big factor for some of us…weather…also entertainment, food, variety, beaches, etc. love Canada but as a person with seasonal affective disorder it isn’t for me.
It depends who you are, where you are, How you make your money, and how much you make. Theres pros and cons to both, but if you are poor, or need a lot of medical care, then Canada. If you are a decent earner, arguably the US. Theres slums and mansions in both, so as far as money, your class is far more important than your pasport. Averages dont mean that much. If you are a professional, you will make double in the US. If you are working class, you are pretty broke either way. A good number of Americans loose all their wealth at the end of their life due to predatory health care. So have insurance or savings, because old folks homes are just disgusting, or maybe getting cancer with out health coverage, not really sure on that one, im 44 and been healthy so far. And yes American cities have more grit and homelesness, and yes gun crime is higher, but if you stay in your lane, ie dont live a dangerous lifestyle with drugs and prostitutes etc, then it is basically just as safe. Downright boring most of the time. Like if getting struck by lightning was 3 times more likely would you be worried? Its still so so rare in reality. I dont live in fear in the US at all. I think thats part ignorance, part racism, and part propaganda against the US. Which is a real thing. Canadians be "hatin" but they just go on what they see in movies and tik tok. Its not reality. Most Americans live in quiet suburbs, and the cities are not even that bad. AND if find Americans FRIENDLIER and its easier to make friends here. Canadians are usually friendly but often reserved and have all these cliques. Americans are so friendly and open.
You're a young, healthy guy. That's why you cannot choose or make up your mind. If you are sick, have health issues, and more adult like in your 30s or over, then definitely you're not going to choose US for sure.
What kind of jobs though? What education is needed to make these incomes? The question is going to be very different if I am a Dr. versus if I am a factory worker.
Don't most Americans have insurance through their employer? Healthcare costs in the US sound ridiculous, but i have read that outcomes are better. Another factor is public health. Covid should uave taught is that if your neighbors are sick, you are sick. One thing that is unappreciated about universal healthcare is that it makes for a healthier population.
Sadly, less than 50% of Americans get their health insurance through their employers, these days. Small businesses do not have to offer it. As you get older, paying your own health insurance premiums can get very expensive. I was paying over $900 USD per month for health insurance, plus there was a $4,500 per year deductible and co-pays, too. Conversely, even with employer health insurance, it's not unusual for a family to have over $20,000 USD per year in healthcare costs - premiums, co-pays and deductibles. It's crippling.
I lived in cincinnati area i know live in around halifax area... for a family canada is better at least for us and i come from a third world country so..... yeah
Do you think your answer will change dramatically with the political power shift that is imminent in the US? This is from someone who lives in neither country.
You are more likely to meet your fate in Canada, Canada is a 3rd world health care system. If i had 2 choices between the healthcare system of Canada vs the universal healthcare system of the United States. I would choose the United States because you'll have doctors who truly care about you.
For all the things Canada does better, many European countries do even better. Canada is just America light and doesn't have the ambition to truly be better. If you have options, there is no reason to consider Canada.
@@yang3625 ^ This. 1.3-1.4 exchange rate is the nominal rate, but in the video, I’m referring to purchasing power parity (PPP). PPP adjusts for cost of living differences between countries, so $1 in the U.S. could buy roughly the same amount of goods as about $1.17 CAD in Canada (according to the World Bank). It's a way to compare real purchasing power, not just the exchange rate.
I'm a huge fan of NotJustBikes! Jason does a great job highlighting the issues with car-centric design. Canada has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to transit, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure. That said, I still think most large Canadian cities are way ahead of many American cities in this area. In cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver you'll find solid transit systems, growing bike networks, and walkable neighborhoods. Are they on the same level as Amsterdam or Tokyo? No. But compared to places in the U.S. where public transit barely exists, they’ve got a much better foundation to build on. That said, I also recognize that smaller Canadian cities or suburban areas can be a completely different story. I grew up in a car-centric Canadian suburb myself, so I know the struggle firsthand. That’s why I resonate so much with NotJustBikes's videos. They're are a great reminder of what’s possible when cities put people first.
Canadians are cleaner. Traditionally more polite. The dirtiest cities and mismanaged services are in Democrat run cities. High speed rail project in California has been running since 2000. 25 years to build a rail line and theyv3 completed a short line of track. It costs billions and billions so far. Totally corrupted. Teaching accountability and responsibility is lost on parents in the US. Crime and thug mentality is ridiculous.
I have heard that Canada has become heavily influx by Indian immigrants and that some Canadian citizens are experiencing homelessness and living in tents. Is this true?
Where do YOU think life is better? Share your take below! 🇨🇦🇺🇸
👉 Before jumping in, here’s what you should know:
1. This video is grounded in my experience and research. It’s meant to spark conversation and share perspectives-add yours below.
2. What’s “better” depends on what matters to you. Career growth, healthcare, livability-your priorities shape your perspective. Life isn't black-and-white, and as such, neither is this video. My views are still evolving as I learn more, and I don't have all the answers. That said, my goal here is to raise the right questions, encourage discussion, and help you think through the trade-offs.
3. Disagree? Great! Let’s keep it thoughtful and constructive.
Enjoyed this? Hit subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2, where we'll dive into the cultural differences between Americans and Canadians. 🙌
would you say living in a smaller town in each country is different?
For me, working as a Fulltime Registered Nurse in Toronto, rate of 56 CAD per hour,single,owning a property, take the public transport, I don't have a work-life balance. I have to work more hours just to pay the bills. Yes ,Canada has more paid vacation hours than the US, but because of your bills, you can't really enjoy your off staying at home because you need to pick up o.t. or get a 2nd job just to get by. My friends who are RN's in the US, single income earner with family, still able survive financially not even doing an overtime.
My father (American) retired to Canada after meeting a Canadian woman and as he was well off, lived comfortably in Victoria BC. He enjoyed it and unlike most other parts of Canada, the climate is temperate. I visited him many times but had no interest in moving there, and he wouldn't be there unless he had the bank that he had earned in the US and the Canadian spouse to get a sponsorship visa. Sadly, many Americans don't understand that Canada isn't a 51st state that you can choose to live in when it strikes your fancy or the election results don't go the way you like.
Thanks for sharing your father’s story! You're totally right to point out that moving from the USA to Canada (or vice versa) isn’t as straightforward as some might think. Your point about having the resources and a sponsorship visa really highlights how much privilege and planning it takes to make a big move like that, thanks for sharing your perspective.
Such a well thought out video! It really is up to each of us to decide what is best for us because there is no “one size fits all” answer. Thanks for sharing your perspective and all of this information!
I'm from Ottawa Canada and I studied for 6 years at New England Conservatory in Boston just down the street from Berklee. And funny enough now I live in Montreal which is the city you compared to Boston. NEC is known for its world-class classical music programs and supplies many of the world's top orchestral musicians, chamber musicians and soloists. But unfortunately Boston in my opinion falls short in providing the population of musicians with opportunities to make a living, at least relatively speaking to Montreal. when living in Boston behind Symphony Hall, I was paying USD 1900 a month to live there, and now in Downtown Montreal near Place Des arts I'm paying Half that at about $1000 USD. Both of these locations are incredibly similar in their Cosmopolitan allure and access to the fine arts and education, but have such a huge affordability gap nonetheless. There is more work here in Montreal for Classical Musicians, It's way cheaper to rent centrally in Montreal Compared to Boston. i Don't know where you got your numbers from but after living in both places its no competition about affordability. there is absolutely no way an 18-year-old kid can afford $1900 per month in rent in Boston and pay US conservatory tuition (yes even with 90+% scholarships). but the same cannot be said in a place like Montreal. An 18-something-year-old can easily make rent, pay tuition at McGill, the Conservatoire etc.. and get more gigs even as a fresh starter in the industry. Boston is not nearly as friendly to its artists. I was only able to make it work because of good scholarships, generous gigs and education programs such as the Boston Philharmonic (youth) Orchestra and On-campus work (which aside from gigs is all my visa allowed me to do to earn money as a Canadian International Student).
Boston is known for having a ton of gigs in the area, but as you said the competition down in the US is much higher. Montreal just has more opportunity per person in our industry and yet maintains a similar competitive environment, but still manages to amaze me on how much easier it is to break into the scene. if you are reading this comment and thinking about going to Boston to Study music, don't go there to make money. go there to study with the world-leading musicianship you can encounter at the amazing schools, and go there to make connections with other incredibly talented young musicians. However, i would be lying to you if I told you Montreal cannot supply you with those same opportunities, and save you a ton of money.
i know this comment is rather niche and doesn't apply to most people, but I would be surprised if this doesn't apply to other people in different jobs and professions. i'd love to hear your experiences especially if you've lived in both cities!
Samuel was my student at a local coding school in Vancouver. So good to hear from him about his progress in Vancouver and that he is still calling Vancouver his home. Do pass on my regards to him. Wishing him the best.
I've lived in Vancouver longer than I have lived in my birthplace and I can truly attest to your Canadian facts and observation. From my age group perspective, I can add that if you're still young (20's to early 30's) and moving to the US, it is definitely a vast ocean of opportunities for you. If you're still adventurous even in your late 30's, I think there's still lots of opportunities in career growth. As for me, I moved to Canada in my late 30's and I felt the need to ground myself already as I have started a family then. All my friends who moved to the US surely made it more in dollar figures than me, but it doesn't mean that they are better off than me. I am happy and at peace here while I still get to have a taste of the US experience. So again, for me, it depends on your season in life and how you perceive success and contentment. Keep it up and shine brightly!!
Regarding salary I am in electrical engineering and generally these careers are paid so much higher in the US to my knowledge. There also are other factors like auto insurance or buying a home for example.
Also taxes here in Canada if you make 100 k do increase a lot.
I'm a Gen-x Canadian, currently in LA, who has lived across the US during five discrete stays for a total of 15 years over the last 25 years. The difference between the two countries is the balance between quality of life versus quality of work. Quality of life is much better in Canada, but quality of work is much better in the US. Safety, work leave, cleanliness, and medical expenses, I say that as someone who has surgery a few times in both countries, are better in Canada. Yet, irrespective of income differentials, the scope, value, and quality of work I'm asked to provide in the US is commensurate with the full scope of my Canadian engineering training. While in Canada I'm asked to provide services far beneath my skill sets as Canadian industrialization beyond raw material production is nascent and lacking boldness. I moved back to Canada a few times for work but found myself reporting to people with far less competency and exposure due solely to Canadian lackluster industrialization.
As someone who values developing creative work product, the US and Eurasia are far more enticing, but I often long to move back home to Canada. If only the work was there...
Thank you for this comment it was very informative
Quality of life vs quality of work is a really thoughtful comparison! I didn't think about it like that. Thank you for such an insightful comment.
I've lived 5 years in Canada and 19 years in US. US is much better.
Also the curious case of Vancouver - simple answer is that those who can afford living in Vancouver did not make their money in Vancouver. They earned them money elsewhere and park/spend their money there
Or we started a long time ago
Super Impressed with the analysis with clear cut backgroud details. Good Job
An in-progress answer isn't a bad thing man, holy hell was this video informative!! Was honestly thinking about a lot of this stuff lately too, so it couldn't have come at a better time 😅 Amazing video Ameer
Sameee
Thank you so much! I appreciate you as always for being here from the start :)
Canadians have "excellent public transit" that has to be a joke right? takes them 20 years to build a new subway line man
Canada's terrible public transit is better than the non-existent public transit in many parts of the US.
Some US cities have almost no public transit
What counts as "excellent" public transit, bike networks, or pedestrian infrastructure really depends on what you’re comparing it to.
For instance, in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, you’ll find extensive public transit systems (like subways, metro lines, and buses), growing bike networks, and highly walkable neighborhoods.
Are these cities on the same level as Amsterdam or Tokyo? No.
Is there significant room for improvement? Absolutely.
But are they better than what you'd find in car-centric U.S. cities like L.A., Houston, and Atlanta, where public transit is almost non-existent in some areas? Without a doubt.
As @MrKongatthegates pointed out, some U.S. cities barely have any public transit at all. Most large Canadian cities, even with their flaws, have functional public transit systems as a baseline.
That said, I also recognize that smaller Canadian cities or suburban areas can be a completely different story. I grew up in a car-centric Canadian suburb myself, so I know the struggle firsthand.
Canada has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to public transit, but it’s still far ahead of what you'd find in many American cities.
@@MrKongatthegates neither do 90% of our cities with the exception of like 4 or 5
Well done!
What an amazing video! I appreciate how you've compared every important aspect to consider when living somewhere. I've visited Canada once about a decade ago (Toronto and Montreal), and would like to visit again. I can even see these differences between U.S. states. I was born in New Mexico (quite a poor state, but plenty of job opportunities in the arts), and moved to Wisconsin (fewer opportunities in the arts, but a wealthier state). Both states have a similar (low) cost of living, however.
Thank you so much-I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Moving from New Mexico to Wisconsin must’ve been an interesting shift, especially with the trade-offs in arts opportunities and incomes. How have you found the arts scene in Wisconsin compared to New Mexico?
Also, I hope you get the chance to visit Canada again! Toronto and Montreal are fantastic, but the smaller cities have such a unique charm too. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Thumbs up your video before even starting. I know its gon be a banger.
If you ever want to get rich beyond your wildest dreams AND don’t mind working your butt off to achieve it yet not having free health care at the start of your journey then go to the US. It’s a risk but if you win you can win big.
Otherwise, if you don’t mind not making as much money no matter how hard you work, and paying a bit more in taxes but you and you and your fellow citizens get free healthcare (dentistry not included) and a decent pension and would like to receive a decent but temporary social net if you should lose your job then go to Canada. Lower risk, lower reward.
You may struggle to find housing in both countries ao that point is moot.
Housing is cheaper to buy relative to average income in the US by far.
@@MrKongatthegates@MrKongatthegates Yes, but the property tax is higher, and the mortgage rate (on average) is higher in US. If you look at a monthly payment for 30 years, you will pay the same $ and get a house 1.5 times the price in Canada.
I really appreciate this video. It was well done and easy to follow. I'm in Vancouver in healthcare getting a lot of hate for saying I'm considering Settle as people are telling me it's so much worse and shouldn't leave. I just want to be able to live, not simply survive
This is a really informative video, answered a lot of things I have wondered about. I live in Surrey, BC, but i did wonder why you didn't mention MSP. It's still something Canadians in BC above a certain tax bracket have to pay, and certain institutions still require fees for using their facilities as part of their premiums. From what I have asked from some of my friends who live in Texas, they have so much opportunities to make a lot more than I do, and their increased opportunities and wealth far exceeds their needs, so they are able to have huge safety nets, and buy bigger things. I know Texas isn't the same as the rest of the US, but I think if you were to improve this video, interviews with people from other parts of the US would also benefit it, along with interviews from other parts of Canada.
Thanks for watching! You’re absolutely right that MSP is a unique part of B.C.’s healthcare system, and it’s worth addressing.
Direct premiums for MSP were eliminated in 2020, and the program is now funded through general taxes, including the Employer Health Tax for businesses. While higher-income residents no longer pay MSP premiums directly, they still contribute indirectly through progressive income taxes.
As for the fees you mentioned, like private hospital rooms or non-covered services, these are already reflected in the out-of-pocket spending data I cited at 8:29 from CIHI. The $97.33/month figure includes direct payments for non-covered services, co-pays, and prescriptions/dental/vision. I glossed over the details for brevity, but they’re definitely accounted for-good catch.
That said, I want to flag something important: the numbers I shared in the video were based on CIHI’s 2021 estimates, but they’ve since been updated with actual figures. The latest data shows Canadians pay an average of $1,243.40 per year (or about $103.62 per month) out-of-pocket.
I really appreciate you raising these points and leaving such a thoughtful, constructive comment!
@@AmeerCorro You've still earned my subscription! Just looking through your channel has peeked my curiosity a bunch.👏
Really well made video, the editing style reminds me of Vox. I'm in New York and thinking about moving to Montreal so this has been very helpful.
Thank you! Glad it was able to help
If money and job prospect/career growth is not an issue Canada all day. However that could be the dominant factor when consider where to live in many cases
I don't remember the last time I got an upload update from Ameer. Got a lot to catch up
Also, GREAT Video! S+ tier
Thank you! 🫡
This video was released 5 hours ago, but has very outdated information. After COVID, specialists in the US have been taking months to book. My neurologist appointment in NYC made yesterday had to be scheduled for July.
I don't know why, but this trend did not reverse after COVID ended. So specialist appointments in the US are now both extremely expensive and extremely slow. It actually makes sense to go to Canada now unless you're a millionaire.
Thank you for sharing your experience-I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to deal with those kinds of wait times. I hear you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to add your perspective. I hope things get easier for you soon.
From what I’ve seen, wait times in the US are a mixed bag. They seem to vary a lot depending on where you are US, the type of specialist you’re trying to see, and the facility itself.
A 2022 survey by Merritt Hawkins, which looked at family physicians and specialists like dermatologists and cardiologists across U.S. metro areas, found an average wait of about 26.0 days for new patients. By comparison, Canada’s Fraser Institute reported much longer waits in 2022-around 12.6 weeks for a specialist referral, plus 14.8 weeks for treatment.
hasdic.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/mha2022waittimesurveyfinal.pdf
www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/waiting-your-turn-2022.pdf
That being said, averages like these don’t capture everyone’s reality, and your experience shows that.
Personally, I’ve been pretty lucky with relatively short waits. I’ve had eight specialist appointments in the US over the last 12 months and they all were booked in two months or less. The only exception was a six month wait for a high-demand, specialized dermatology clinic. But even with shorter waits, I know how stressful it feels to be stuck waiting, especially when you just want answers.
I’m curious-how have you been navigating these delays? Have you found any strategies or resources that help make the process easier? I know post-COVID delays have made things harder for a lot of people.
Thanks again for sharing your story, and I really hope things improve for you soon!
That US data is outdated. You are showing data from before the end of COVID when a lot of people were intentionally not going to specialists to avoid contagion. Family practices and ERs were overwhelmed, but specialists in particular saw a reduction in appointments.
Presumably, you are a Canadian citizen and if you saw short waiting times, you were likely paying out of pocket rather than through insurance like most Americans do. Cash payers often skip the line.
@@user-615frlxxcd You’re right-post-COVID delays are a real challenge, and I can see how your experience with booking your appointment highlights this. I can see why this feels so different from the data I shared.
The 2022 data I cited is relatively recent, but I understand that it may not fully reflect the effects of post-COVID demand surges. If you come across any newer studies on wait times, I’d be really interested to check them out.
That said, the Canadian data I referenced is from the same timeframe as the US. Even during a period of reduced demand in both countries, Canada’s wait times were still significantly longer-12.6 weeks for a referral and 14.8 weeks for treatment, compared to 26 days in the U.S. It seems highly unlikely that post-COVID delays have completely closed this gap unless Canada’s system improved dramatically while the U.S. worsened significantly, neither of which is supported by current trends.
Both systems have serious issues, and personal experiences will always vary-your experience is valid and demonstrates that. It sucks that you have to wait that long. At the same time, when we look at the bigger picture, the data still shows that, even with its flaws, the U.S. healthcare system generally provides faster access to specialists than Canada.
Also, just to clarify, my eight specialist appointments this year were all booked through insurance-not as a cash payer.
I hope your July appointment goes smoothly and provides the answers you’re looking for. Thanks again for contributing to this conversation, and I wish you all the best.
Sooooo insightful!!!!!!! Love this vid❤
Thank you!
earning around median household income as a singler person, im living quite comfortably other than having roommates and not having a car. compare to my friends who moved to canada about that same time i did and are still working at low paying jobs, im very fortunate and i can definitely feel their stuggle.
Well, done. As a 42 year old American woman... Canada is sounding pretty good to me!
Same
Interestingly, many Americans look upon Seattle as VERY expensive. Perhaps you can answer a question I have about housing in Canada - the Canadian government keeps talking about assuring that more housing would be built. Why are they involved in housing construction? Private companies don't build the housing?
The Canadian Government is trying to provide incentives to municipal and regional governments to loosen high density residential zoning restrictions and increase the speed at which construction permits are issued. Canadian municipalities are notorious for refusing to provide permits for anything other than single family suburban homes, it's very difficult to build high density housing in Canada.
Canadian real estate developers also have a bad habit of sitting on land and permits rather than building anything while they wait for real estate prices to increase, so they can huck their shoe-box condos and plywood cabins for millions of dollars a piece.
Love ur vids!!
Thank you!
This is the best comparison I ever seen.
I am from Winnipeg, and I now have lived in Chicago for about 5 years. And while cost of living is cheaper in SOME USA cities, I still believe life in Canada Is better. Better work life balance and overall people are more community based in Canada. Americans make free health care sounds like it’s an insane idea and why should they pay for other people’s health care. But for me I can’t afford health care. It’s 200USD dollars a month through my employer. I choose not to do it but it’s so risky and I’m terrified I’ll have a health issue, but 2400USD a year is too much and a system that is designed to favour the upper class. As a whole America feels designed for the upper class and is honestly brutal. Canada is a much better place to live and much more secure unless you’re upper class.
I would say when you're younger and healthier you would rather be in the US. But then as you get older and want to settle, especially if you're not a high income earner, Canada is better.
But again, the housing affordability and the declining healthcare and safety that we are experiencing in Canada kinda tilt the balance towards the US a bit
so basically work in usa earn all that money then retire or canada, (or somewhere cheaper)
What a great video!
Thank you!
Love this🎉
You left out a big factor for some of us…weather…also entertainment, food, variety, beaches, etc. love Canada but as a person with seasonal affective disorder it isn’t for me.
Montreal is better than New York.
But Texas might be a league of their own.
It depends who you are, where you are, How you make your money, and how much you make. Theres pros and cons to both, but if you are poor, or need a lot of medical care, then Canada. If you are a decent earner, arguably the US. Theres slums and mansions in both, so as far as money, your class is far more important than your pasport. Averages dont mean that much. If you are a professional, you will make double in the US. If you are working class, you are pretty broke either way. A good number of Americans loose all their wealth at the end of their life due to predatory health care. So have insurance or savings, because old folks homes are just disgusting, or maybe getting cancer with out health coverage, not really sure on that one, im 44 and been healthy so far. And yes American cities have more grit and homelesness, and yes gun crime is higher, but if you stay in your lane, ie dont live a dangerous lifestyle with drugs and prostitutes etc, then it is basically just as safe. Downright boring most of the time. Like if getting struck by lightning was 3 times more likely would you be worried? Its still so so rare in reality. I dont live in fear in the US at all. I think thats part ignorance, part racism, and part propaganda against the US. Which is a real thing. Canadians be "hatin" but they just go on what they see in movies and tik tok. Its not reality. Most Americans live in quiet suburbs, and the cities are not even that bad. AND if find Americans FRIENDLIER and its easier to make friends here. Canadians are usually friendly but often reserved and have all these cliques. Americans are so friendly and open.
You're a young, healthy guy. That's why you cannot choose or make up your mind. If you are sick, have health issues, and more adult like in your 30s or over, then definitely you're not going to choose US for sure.
What kind of jobs though? What education is needed to make these incomes? The question is going to be very different if I am a Dr. versus if I am a factory worker.
Don't most Americans have insurance through their employer? Healthcare costs in the US sound ridiculous, but i have read that outcomes are better.
Another factor is public health. Covid should uave taught is that if your neighbors are sick, you are sick. One thing that is unappreciated about universal healthcare is that it makes for a healthier population.
Sadly, less than 50% of Americans get their health insurance through their employers, these days. Small businesses do not have to offer it. As you get older, paying your own health insurance premiums can get very expensive. I was paying over $900 USD per month for health insurance, plus there was a $4,500 per year deductible and co-pays, too. Conversely, even with employer health insurance, it's not unusual for a family to have over $20,000 USD per year in healthcare costs - premiums, co-pays and deductibles. It's crippling.
Québec >>>>
Unless you really want to be rich and famous, Canada mostly wins out. Just avoid Vancouver, lol
Look at how many people are getting richer every year in both countries. Simple.
I lived in cincinnati area i know live in around halifax area... for a family canada is better at least for us and i come from a third world country so..... yeah
Do you think your answer will change dramatically with the political power shift that is imminent in the US? This is from someone who lives in neither country.
You are more likely to meet your fate in Canada, Canada is a 3rd world health care system.
If i had 2 choices between the healthcare system of Canada vs the universal healthcare system of the United States. I would choose the United States because you'll have doctors who truly care about you.
In Canada nowadays they offer you euthanasia cause you feel sad
For all the things Canada does better, many European countries do even better. Canada is just America light and doesn't have the ambition to truly be better. If you have options, there is no reason to consider Canada.
1 USD is 1.3-1.4 CAD. What world are you in?
PPP = purchasing power parity. Go figure
@@yang3625 ^ This. 1.3-1.4 exchange rate is the nominal rate, but in the video, I’m referring to purchasing power parity (PPP). PPP adjusts for cost of living differences between countries, so $1 in the U.S. could buy roughly the same amount of goods as about $1.17 CAD in Canada (according to the World Bank). It's a way to compare real purchasing power, not just the exchange rate.
Canada is cooked, didn't watch the video but usa is 3x better
yeah, he covered that in the video. In the usa the per-capita homicide rate is 3x better. 👍
27:41 i think notjustbikes would have a word with you
I'm a huge fan of NotJustBikes! Jason does a great job highlighting the issues with car-centric design.
Canada has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to transit, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure. That said, I still think most large Canadian cities are way ahead of many American cities in this area. In cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver you'll find solid transit systems, growing bike networks, and walkable neighborhoods.
Are they on the same level as Amsterdam or Tokyo? No.
But compared to places in the U.S. where public transit barely exists, they’ve got a much better foundation to build on.
That said, I also recognize that smaller Canadian cities or suburban areas can be a completely different story. I grew up in a car-centric Canadian suburb myself, so I know the struggle firsthand. That’s why I resonate so much with NotJustBikes's videos. They're are a great reminder of what’s possible when cities put people first.
USA
Probably Canada for the next 4 years LOL 🤣🤣 All jokes aside, Canada seems like a nice place to live.
Definitely America. Canada is a walking L
Healthcare is a pain in the as$.
Better in the Phils. if you are not a materialistic person living near the beach and enjoy the nature.
That’s a floating patch of garbage in the pacific.
First comment
Hi!
Canadians are cleaner. Traditionally more polite. The dirtiest cities and mismanaged services are in Democrat run cities. High speed rail project in California has been running since 2000. 25 years to build a rail line and theyv3 completed a short line of track. It costs billions and billions so far. Totally corrupted. Teaching accountability and responsibility is lost on parents in the US. Crime and thug mentality is ridiculous.
I have heard that Canada has become heavily influx by Indian immigrants and that some Canadian citizens are experiencing homelessness and living in tents. Is this true?