Should I Stay or Should I Go? (sales, car insurance)

[Jadel812]

My boyfriend/fiance are trying to debate on the best place to be. At this moment, his job pays him well and he is certain as I am that he will not be able to get the same kind of pay here in Florida as he is currently getting in Canada. He only possess a high school diploma, but surprisingly is making almost 45k a year in Canada.
I on the other hand, am a Credit & Risk Manager with an MBA/TM and a graduate certificate in Financial Analysis; I also have three sons (who would probably benefit more from the schools there, financially). He feels if I move to Canada with my experience and the salary that I will be able to get and his income, we will surely live a comfortable life in Canada. Whereas, if he were to move here, surveyed results shows that his income would drop to at about 30k annually.
I know that things such as homes, food, taxes and the bare necessities are very expensive in Canada, on top of that, having being an American Citizen, with a masters degree, I would probably end up being double taxed (Paying taxes in both Canada and America).
I am now looking for honest opinions, especially from Americans now residing in Canada (Toronto, Ontario Region to be exact). Do you think that I should move there or insist on him coming here? For the most part, I absolutely love Canada, a bit afraid of the cold, but I've spent so many years in New York that I know I can re-adjust.

[ZX14TJ]

As an American living in Canada, I can say only you know the answer. Money aside, live where you will enjoy life the most. Canadian jobs generally pay more but COL is generally higher. It usually evens out in the end.

Everything costs more here; sometimes significantly more. Housing, gasoline, car insurance, food, entertainment, travel, et al. Keep in mind, almost every province in Canada, other than Alberta, has VERY high income and sales taxes.

You will still have to file a US tax return each year but you won't be fully double-taxed. Your accountant can explain in more detail. The taxation laws are pretty general. Your masters degree won't matter when it comes to taxation.

Study up on the immigration laws and how you will get legally authorized to work. I came in on a Temporary Work Permit and found the process to be pretty painless (albeit lengthy).

Again, live where you wil be happiest. However, if the only thing that matters is money/lifestyle, I would look at the full picture with expenses, taxes, and everything else considered.

When you actually run the numbers on net income and then factor in expenses with high housing costs, fuel at $4.90/gallon, and everything else you buy with 13% tax (5% GST + 8% PST in Ontario), you may be surprised.

[KevK]

The poll question does not logically match the answers.

[gdude]

you would be better off in canada

[k8swirl]

Why not live together in one place on a temporary basis? Save the final decision for after you've had an experience in the new place and after you've lived together for a couple of years - immigrating to a whole new country is a big decision. Living with him for a couple of years first will allow you to be sure of the relationship and the country before you make big commitments. If you move to Cda, you will still have to file income tax, but unless you earn more than $85000, you won't actually pay US taxes. If he moves to FL, he won't have to file in Cda at all, and, as long as he doesn't move back within 2 years, he'll never have to pay taxes on his US income in Canada (if he moves back before 2 years, he'll have to file and pay).

[JasonRox]

Originally Posted by k8swirl

Why not live together in one place on a temporary basis? Save the final decision for after you've had an experience in the new place and after you've lived together for a couple of years - immigrating to a whole new country is a big decision. Living with him for a couple of years first will allow you to be sure of the relationship and the country before you make big commitments. If you move to Cda, you will still have to file income tax, but unless you earn more than $85000, you won't actually pay US taxes. If he moves to FL, he won't have to file in Cda at all, and, as long as he doesn't move back within 2 years, he'll never have to pay taxes on his US income in Canada (if he moves back before 2 years, he'll have to file and pay).

You don't want to make decisions based on how many tax returns you need to write! That's terrible.

Canadian tax returns are easy. Seriously, it's not hard.

Also, choose the area wisely in Canada. You don't want to choose an area that is going under or an area that's always been known to lack jobs. (Avoid the Niagara Region.)