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Just wondering if anyone else thinks that Canada in general is a ripoff??? I love Canada and all, but when you compare the cost for just about anything from fresh food to gasoline to going out, it doesn't compare to the US or even Europe for many things... I find we get less value for our dollar and we pay more for lesser quality... I won't even mention the housing costs... It's as if the country is still priced for a Canadian dollar valued at $0.65 US... What's the problem with Canada?
I've noticed similar things. I think often, its not that Canada is a rip off, but because countries like the US are struggling to an extent with their economy. Not as bad as the UK or anything, but it almost seems as if they don't have a choice but to reduce costs on certain things in order to maintain stability.
Plus, we got free healthcare up here; personally, I wouldn't trade that for the world, and that, to me, is the most important plus, and kind of evens things out if you ask me. Plus, school in the US seems to be a lot more than up here as well
Plus, we got free healthcare up here; personally, I wouldn't trade that for the world, and that, to me, is the most important plus, and kind of evens things out if you ask me. Plus, school in the US seems to be a lot more than up here as well
Uhh, it's not free. You pay out the butt in taxes for it. State Universities are comparable cost wise for in state students to Canadian schools.
I think food is Europe is even more expensive. Gasoline is about twice the price in EU countries while in Canada it is about 20-25% higher.
In terms of housing price, Vancouver may be overpriced, but not compared to CA or FL. In other cities, it is generally more affordable than their US counterparts.
In general, if you compare prices based on a larger sample of countries, it is the US which is exceptionally cheap, not that Canada is exceptionally expensive.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ajau
Just wondering if anyone else thinks that Canada in general is a ripoff??? I love Canada and all, but when you compare the cost for just about anything from fresh food to gasoline to going out, it doesn't compare to the US or even Europe for many things... I find we get less value for our dollar and we pay more for lesser quality... I won't even mention the housing costs... It's as if the country is still priced for a Canadian dollar valued at $0.65 US... What's the problem with Canada?
I think food is Europe is even more expensive. Gasoline is about twice the price in EU countries while in Canada it is about 20-25% higher.
In terms of housing price, Vancouver may be overpriced, but not compared to CA or FL. In other cities, it is generally more affordable than their US counterparts.
In general, if you compare prices based on a larger sample of countries, it is the US which is exceptionally cheap, not that Canada is exceptionally expensive.
Food in Europe is generally of better quality IMHO, and if you compare apples to apples (literally and figuratively) I would say Europe has the better food deal.
As for European fuel prices, at least they have an excellent transit system in most countries as an alternative... Most transit infrastructure in Canada is solely lacking, even compared to the US.
As for US vs. Canada housing prices take a look at this Alberta Real Estate Watch: Dare to Compare . Seattle is 1/2 the cost of Vancouver. Denver is 1/2 the cost of Calgary, etc.
Food in Europe is generally of better quality IMHO, and if you compare apples to apples (literally and figuratively) I would say Europe has the better food deal.
As for European fuel prices, at least they have an excellent transit system in most countries as an alternative... Most transit infrastructure in Canada is solely lacking, even compared to the US.
As for US vs. Canada housing prices take a look at this Alberta Real Estate Watch: Dare to Compare . Seattle is 1/2 the cost of Vancouver. Denver is 1/2 the cost of Calgary, etc.
Honestly, I don't think it is fair to compare Vancouver with Seattle, or Calgary with Denver, despite the seemingly size similarity. Vancouver and Calgary are both among the largest 5 cities in Canada, while Seattle and Denver bear much less importance. Comparing with San Francisco and Chicago will be more appropriate.
I've noticed similar things. I think often, its not that Canada is a rip off, but because countries like the US are struggling to an extent with their economy. Not as bad as the UK or anything, but it almost seems as if they don't have a choice but to reduce costs on certain things in order to maintain stability.
Plus, we got free healthcare up here; personally, I wouldn't trade that for the world, and that, to me, is the most important plus, and kind of evens things out if you ask me. Plus, school in the US seems to be a lot more than up here as well
When will people understand..... healthcare in Canada is not free, you pay for it with your extremely high taxes!!!!! and the service is much worse than it is in the US.
and the service is much worse than it is in the US.
If you can afford good insurance down there!
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