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It is just pitiful how much cheaper things are across the border (people do seem a bit stupider, though). A Sephore foundation that is $42 in the US is $51 in Canada. Another foundation by Revlon is $10 in US but $25 in Canada. Ben & Jerry's is $4 in US, 7.50 in Canada. Everything is a rip-off in comparison. But I notice US stores keep popping up, like Victoria's Secret, Wal-Mart, and the new Target. Does this mean Vancouver is headed toward increased affordability?
The US stores in Canada don't charge US prices so it doesn't make Vancouver more affordable.
Last edited by JohnSoCal; 01-10-2013 at 10:26 PM..
Staples like potatoes and rice (large bags of basmati or jasmine) are sold more cheaply at the supermarkets in Canada than I can find in the U.S.
Packs of bottled spring water are way cheaper in Canada sometimes as low as $2 for a 24 pack (Compliments brand at Freshco). At Aldi in the U.S. you will pay closer to $3.50 or $4 for a 24-pack of spring water.
Most of the fresh produce is consistently cheaper at Freshco or Food Basics here in Ontario than in U.S. supermarkets. The prices are even lower here for the most part than at the big Asian markets and the discount produce chains I'm used to back on the east coast.
The discount supermarkets here tend to carry a much better selection of ethnic foods and produce than the ones in the U.S. I think that's because due to the huge diversity in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the big supermarkets had to adjust to serve the ethnic demographic whereas in the U.S. most of the big players focus on the American audience and the ethnic groups supplement their shopping with locally owned ethnic markets instead.
Anything dairy or poultry is generally more expensive in Canada. However, yogurt and sour cream don't seem overpriced at all. The local stores here sell a couple middle eastern/indian styles of yogurt which often go on sale for $1.99 for a regular sized tub.
Haagen-Dazs is expensive because of the import duty on dairy products.
You can still find it for $4.99 at Wal-Mart.
It's $7.99 at the regular rip-off supermarkets like Loblaws/Zehrs and I am guessing Safeway on the west coast.
I don't know where you are comparing it with but it sure isn't true in California. Our fresh produce prices and ethnic foods, etc. are much cheaper in California than in Canada.
I assumed it was more expensive because of the cross-border transportation and duties, it didn't occur to me that it's lack of competition. If that's the main reason, then the fact more and more US retailers are moving in will increase competition and drive prices down, correct?
Not necessarily. There is a cost factor that can't be ignored.
Why is it that Ben & Jerry's always comes up during a cost of living comparison between the two countries? This probably the 4th time I've heard this...
I mean, it's good ice cream and all but the conversation always seems to go like this: Fuel, housing, taxes, produce and Ben & Jerry's - like it's some basic life necessity.
Why is it that Ben & Jerry's always comes up during a cost of living comparison between the two countries? This probably the 4th time I've heard this...
I mean, it's good ice cream and all but the conversation always seems to go like this: Fuel, housing, taxes, produce and Ben & Jerry's - like it's some basic life necessity.
I think it is kind of strange why it is used as a COL comparison.
why is it that ben & jerry's always comes up during a cost of living comparison between the two countries? This probably the 4th time i've heard this...
I mean, it's good ice cream and all but the conversation always seems to go like this: Fuel, housing, taxes, produce and ben & jerry's - like it's some basic life necessity.
no, either sales tax or VAT I think, but not both.
Sales tax is hardly the main reason for Canada's higher prices.
You pay federal and provincial tax., except Alberta which does not have a prov taz
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my precious
