Questions for Edmonton folks (homes, income, income tax)

[jazzlover]

I'm looking at a potential job in Edmonton. I am a "Yank," so I'm trying to make the salary/cost of living comparison in Edmonton to what I make in the US. This particular job pays in the range of $60K-$80K CDN per year. Is this a good wage for an administrative type job in Edmonton--and how does that rate on the "affordability index" for housing in Edmonton? I realize that there are very significant differences in income taxes, etc. in Canada, so I need some help in deciding whether this is workable for me. I will add that the job is a specialized one with a relatively small pool of qualified applicants in Canada or anywhere else, so I suspect getting a work visa wouldn't be a problem were I hired. (The job has been advertised internationally.)

Also, I'm familiar with the climate in Calgary/Edmonton and have lived in some pretty cold places in my life, so that isn't an issue. Thanks for any advice.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by jazzlover

I'm looking at a potential job in Edmonton. I am a "Yank," so I'm trying to make the salary/cost of living comparison in Edmonton to what I make in the US. This particular job pays in the range of $60K-$80K CDN per year. Is this a good wage for an administrative type job in Edmonton--and how does that rate on the "affordability index" for housing in Edmonton? I realize that there are very significant differences in income taxes, etc. in Canada, so I need some help in deciding whether this is workable for me. I will add that the job is a specialized one with a relatively small pool of qualified applicants in Canada or anywhere else, so I suspect getting a work visa wouldn't be a problem were I hired. (The job has been advertised internationally.)

Also, I'm familiar with the climate in Calgary/Edmonton and have lived in some pretty cold places in my life, so that isn't an issue. Thanks for any advice.

Yes. 60-80K is a comfortable wage. Edmonton is a bit less pricey than Calgary, and you should be fine. You can find homes via www.mls.ca and narrow your search from there.