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Is EVERYTHING likely more expensive in Canada than in the US.
My friends visiting from the US were shocked in finding the price tags on stuff here ranging from grocery to electronics to designer clothes.
Let's not get into healthcare. For one, it is a different system and eventually is paid by my own income tax, for two, it is better only for those who can't afford good insurance (low income/unemployed), so it is hard to compare $ to $ in a general sense.
Housing is not cheaper either if we compare apple to apple. So what's cheaper here, and if not, why?
Compared to some areas I've lived in in the US - groceries are cheaper in Ontario, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. I don't really understand why - I live in Ohio now, but when we go back to Ontario, the price difference surprises me.
Other than that... I can't give you many examples, sorry. The US is cheaper.
I posted this a little while ago, hopefully all of the links still work:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fred Derf
Once you convert the dollar there isn't much of a difference. Books is probably the worst deal in Canada. The same book will cost 11% more in Canada once the dollar is coverted. A Starbucks tall nonfat latte is actually cheaper.
Canada-U.S. price gap narrows
BMO economist says strong loonie and consumer outcry helped close gap to 6.8% from 18% last year
Jul 30, 2009 04:30 AM
Madhavi Acharya-Tom Yew TheStar.com | Business | Canada-U.S. price gap narrows
Anything that is not grown or made here is going to be more expensive. (And some stuff that is made here, is still more expensive here than in the USA) Usually, if we have something here that is also in the USA, then we're importing the goods, and therefore making it more expensive for Canadians.
But here's the kicker... I live in Winnipeg; and Gimli, only a 45 min drive away, is the home of Crown Royal (Premium Whiskey/Rye)... which sells for a ridiculous price here for a 26oz bottle, and when I head to Grand Forks I can pick it up for at least 10-15 dollars cheaper. Damn Manitoba Liquor Commission, means no competition = higher prices.
Anything that is not grown or made here is going to be more expensive. (And some stuff that is made here, is still more expensive here than in the USA) Usually, if we have something here that is also in the USA, then we're importing the goods, and therefore making it more expensive for Canadians.
But here's the kicker... I live in Winnipeg; and Gimli, only a 45 min drive away, is the home of Crown Royal (Premium Whiskey/Rye)... which sells for a ridiculous price here for a 26oz bottle, and when I head to Grand Forks I can pick it up for at least 10-15 dollars cheaper. Damn Manitoba Liquor Commission, means no competition = higher prices.
It isn't the lack of competition, in Canada we have fairly high "sin" taxes to discourage the use of non-healthy products like alcohol and tobacco.
Is EVERYTHING likely more expensive in Canada than in the US.
My friends visiting from the US were shocked in finding the price tags on stuff here ranging from grocery to electronics to designer clothes.
Let's not get into healthcare. For one, it is a different system and eventually is paid by my own income tax, for two, it is better only for those who can't afford good insurance (low income/unemployed), so it is hard to compare $ to $ in a general sense.
Housing is not cheaper either if we compare apple to apple. So what's cheaper here, and if not, why?
I really disagree. Real Estate in Canada is generally less expensive per square foot than in the United States.
Products here in Canada are also coming down in price and our cost-of-living is at an all-time low with the Conservative Government.
It isn't the lack of competition, in Canada we have fairly high "sin" taxes to discourage the use of non-healthy products like alcohol and tobacco.
I think it's because of the free health care, unlike the US, they are more vested in you staying healthy.
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