Toronto has more startups (in the sense of VC funded young companies) but the culture is not like SF. There are a lot more jack of all trades and learning/growi

Toronto has more startups (in the sense of VC funded young companies) but the culture is not like SF. There are a lot more jack of all trades and learning/growing opportunities in smaller orgs even if the culture is conservative, though. In Montreal the pay is not that much lower but cost of living is easily halved compared to Vancouver, so your Canadian salary will look a lot more appealing. If the weather is an issue, find a company in SF that'll let you work remotely. Be smart on the salary -- if they have to pay you as a contractor you'll have more expenses than as an employee.