How is life in Toronto for people who moved from the US?

[Jancy]

The problem is that people agree to pay ridiculous prices for properties. Same type of house can cost between 200 - 1,200,000 depending on location in Canada (if you compare for example mid size city in NS and GTA in ON).
But the bubble will burst at some point (same as it did in Europe) where people will be surprised that the house they bought for 1.5 million is really only worth 300,000, but bank still wants the million.

Wages are a completely different story... If you have a good trade or higher education, you can afford to live comfortable and not worry to meet needs ends. But if you only have a minimum wage job, you won't survive in GTA. Simple as that.

If you are going to move to Canada, make sure there is demand in job market for your profession and if possible, choose to live in smaller city/town that prices are bearable.

My husband is a test automation engineer and would be earning at least 90k in major cities in the US. Was surprised to find if he gets an intra company transfer to Toronto within the same company and job, looks like he might be getting 75k ( based on indeed and glassdoor)which I think is much much lower and is not a salary to live comfortably given the housing prices. Some one correct me if am wrong about the salary range. We haven't gotten the actual compensation letter from the company so am not sure either.

 

[Pixiegirl]

My husband is a test automation engineer and would be earning at least 90k in major cities in the US. Was surprised to find if he gets an intra company transfer to Toronto within the same company and job, looks like he might be getting 75k ( based on indeed and glassdoor)which I think is much much lower and is not a salary to live comfortably given the housing prices. Some one correct me if am wrong about the salary range. We haven't gotten the actual compensation letter from the company so am not sure either.

75k is not bad if you will find a job that pays lets say 40k... But if you stay home and have children for example, that might be tough. Day care costs fortune. If he's willing to commute, 100k between two of you, living somewhere like Mississauga, Oakville etc. wouldn't be that bad.

 

[DEEPCUR]

My husband is a test automation engineer and would be earning at least 90k in major cities in the US. Was surprised to find if he gets an intra company transfer to Toronto within the same company and job, looks like he might be getting 75k ( based on indeed and glassdoor)which I think is much much lower and is not a salary to live comfortably given the housing prices. Some one correct me if am wrong about the salary range. We haven't gotten the actual compensation letter from the company so am not sure either.

75k USD or CAD? Glassdoor or Indeed may not be right indicators for the salary. Do keep us posted once you get to know the specifics just for us to get a sense of how the market works.

 

[Jancy]

75k USD or CAD? Glassdoor or Indeed may not be right indicators for the salary. Do keep us posted once you get to know the specifics just for us to get a sense of how the market works.

CAD. It's again an Indian consultancy. Will keep u guys posted.

 

[Jancy]

75k is not bad if you will find a job that pays lets say 40k... But if you stay home and have children for example, that might be tough. Day care costs fortune. If he's willing to commute, 100k between two of you, living somewhere like Mississauga, Oakville etc. wouldn't be that bad.

Yes hopefully that's how it's going to go

 

[russ6970]

I am a software tester and do a bit of automation too and I get 67k in Newfoundland.

 

[Jancy]

I am a software tester and do a bit of automation too and I get 67k in Newfoundland.

That's good to know. How's the cost of living in NFL?

 

[russ6970]

That's good to know. How's the cost of living in NFL?

Not as expensive as Toronto by any means.

 

[Jancy]

Not as expensive as Toronto by any means.

How did you manage to land a job in NFL? It's difficult to find IT jobs anywhere outside Toronto?!

 

[russ6970]

How did you manage to land a job in NFL? It's difficult to find IT jobs anywhere outside Toronto?!

I cam here on a study visa for 2 years which had a co-op term. The company I worked for in the co-op term hired me full time when I got a 3 year PGWP.

 

[DEEPCUR]

CAD. It's again an Indian consultancy. Will keep u guys posted.

That is so dismal. 75k CAD means 58k USD, but cost of living more than what is present in US even after conversion to USD. Only advantage is spouse can work. But at this level, if you convert to INR, savings from one income in US would be more than savings from two incomes in US, even after factoring healthcare costs.

 

[Jancy]

That is so dismal. 75k CAD means 58k USD, but cost of living more than what is present in US even after conversion to USD. Only advantage is spouse can work. But at this level, if you convert to INR, savings from one income in US would be more than savings from two incomes in US, even after factoring healthcare costs.

Yes everything is better on the US if only immigration was not an issue

 

[Jancy]

But then am hoping this is just a starter job and we will be able to do better once we gain some Canadian experience. In the longer run, choosing Canada seems better

 

[canuck78]

Increased housing prices in especially Toronto have to do with the fact that the majority of immigration is to large cities especially Toronto. Also many young Canadians are chasing to settle in urban areas. Of course low interest rates are a big factor as well. Hate to break it to you but Mississauga and especially Oakville will be probably unaffordable (except a condo) if you make 75k. Most Canadians couples both work so your wife will likely have to work as well.

 

[Jancy]

Increased housing prices in especially Toronto have to do with the fact that the majority of immigration is to large cities especially Toronto. Also many young Canadians are chasing to settle in urban areas. Of course low interest rates are a big factor as well. Hate to break it to you but Mississauga and especially Oakville will be probably unaffordable (except a condo) if you make 75k. Most Canadians couples both work so your wife will likely have to work as well.

I am the wife. I work now in US and I most probably won't be able to work wen we land in the US because of personal reasons