3 ms·

I wonder what the difference is like between Canada and the States? It must be lower in Canada, even in Vancouver, BC with all the expenses here. Still, I'm su

I wonder what the difference is like between Canada and the States? It must be lower in Canada, even in Vancouver, BC with all the expenses here. Still, I'm sure I'm making well below what I should be. Well, whatever the situation, I'm happy I'm working at a fantastic place with great people and interesting work! I also make far more money than I need to live comfortably. [edit] I make far less than $100 000.

otoburb 15y ago
I am guessing that one of the biggest differences between total compensation packages between hiring Canadians vs. Americans is that companies don't have to pay for health care costs for their employees based in Canada. This is mainly because health care is funded from our income tax. I believe health insurance is a factor for Americans when choosing a job, but may not be as large a factor for Canadians. From a company standpoint, this should mean that Canadians may be cheaper to hire (although, given that CDN is higher than USD at the moment, this may not hold).
iqster 15y ago
When I visited Vancouver, the locals mentioned some ridiculously high rents/condo prices for places in downtown near Stanley park (and I'm from the Bay area). I thought the city was gorgeous but couldn't figure out any high paying employers (100K+). What gives? How can a developer afford this?
- jholman 15y ago
  The simple answer is sometimes the correct one: for the most part, developers do not afford those particular condos. Or many of those who do they're single and childless. Vancouver's one of the most desirable places to live in the world, and so people preferentially migrate here (it's typical for people to be half-seriously astonished to meet a native), and so the market soars (plus there are some weird factors inflating it, arguably). Although I've certainly known a few developers here to make over $100k. A few I've met professionally, and several of my old high-school friends. But this is not at all typical.

otoburb 15y ago

I am guessing that one of the biggest differences between total compensation packages between hiring Canadians vs. Americans is that companies don't have to pay for health care costs for their employees based in Canada. This is mainly because health care is funded from our income tax. I believe health insurance is a factor for Americans when choosing a job, but may not be as large a factor for Canadians. From a company standpoint, this should mean that Canadians may be cheaper to hire (although, given that CDN is higher than USD at the moment, this may not hold).

iqster 15y ago

When I visited Vancouver, the locals mentioned some ridiculously high rents/condo prices for places in downtown near Stanley park (and I'm from the Bay area). I thought the city was gorgeous but couldn't figure out any high paying employers (100K+). What gives? How can a developer afford this?

jholman 15y ago
The simple answer is sometimes the correct one: for the most part, developers do not afford those particular condos. Or many of those who do they're single and childless. Vancouver's one of the most desirable places to live in the world, and so people preferentially migrate here (it's typical for people to be half-seriously astonished to meet a native), and so the market soars (plus there are some weird factors inflating it, arguably). Although I've certainly known a few developers here to make over $100k. A few I've met professionally, and several of my old high-school friends. But this is not at all typical.