Posted on: 10-02-11 10:44:29
Hello! I am thinking of moving to California. I am wondering how much more costlier is California (bay area) compared to suburbs of GTA (Mississauga/Brampton like areas).
I know a 2000 sq ft house would be roughly 500K here and I think in that area it would be a million dollars. Also I assume property tax is higher there and the tax is more than in Canada, its rougly 38% (28 Fed+10 State) for higher income people
Apart from that .. anything else to consider?
The main question is
Q) How much more money should one make in California to have a similar lifestyle to living in Mississauga/Brampton? e.g. say if you make CDN $100K, what should you make in California?
Other than the housing, things are quite comparable and in most cases cheaper in the bay area.
The rental accomodation cost is quite high there - usually $2000 for a two bedroom apartment.
The cost of grocery will be much cheaper as compared to GTA.
The Gas is expensive compare to other parts of USA, but still cheaper than Canada. There are some highways always packed, so when you choose accomodation consider that. (There are no tollways)
The Taxes are high compare to other states of the USA, but as you know Canadian taxes can't be beaten.
There are many Good Indian restaurants, from all parts of India. They are also relatively cheap.
The bay area is surrounded by so many attractions, so be ready to spend money on that.
So the only major cost is housing. Add taxes on top of it and you can calculate it yourself. There should be some sites like below comparing cost of living
http://www.moving.com/real-estate/compare-cities/index.asp
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A Proud Indian Canadian
Garvo Gujrati is right. The main cost to consider is the cost to own / rent. It depends on where you want to live in the bay area. If the school district is not important to you, then the prices are lower but if you care for a good school district, then the prices are very expensive.
The salary depends on your job(field)/experience.
If you know where you will be moving, I can give you the specifics/links.
Quote:
Originally posted by wall-E
Hello! I am thinking of moving to California. I am wondering how much more costlier is California (bay area) compared to suburbs of GTA (Mississauga/Brampton like areas).
I know a 2000 sq ft house would be roughly 500K here and I think in that area it would be a million dollars. Also I assume property tax is higher there and the tax is more than in Canada, its rougly 38% (28 Fed+10 State) for higher income people
Apart from that .. anything else to consider?
The main question is
Q) How much more money should one make in California to have a similar lifestyle to living in Mississauga/Brampton? e.g. say if you make CDN $100K, what should you make in California?
Having done just the reverse couple of years back, I'll say, take the opportunity and run - unless you have family reasons to be here. Housing cost varies from place to place within bay area - Sunnyvale is where I was. If you lead the same life style as here, u'll probably save more there. Plus salary and rake home will also be a bit higher. But as said in the previous post, there are tones of avenues to spend it too - but then, it's worth it, I'll say.
Duplicate...
Have you thought of income tax? If you keep any kind tie with Canada then technically / legally u will have to pay Canadian tax on your US income. This all depends upon your income bracket and this requires discussion with your accountant.
cdn_dude not sure where I may end up .. but take mountainview or san jose as an example.
By the way how is San Diego? Is there a big indian population there? Whereever I go I must have lots of Indian restaurants, Indian groceries, Indian movie halls and some temples .. all within 30 mins .. like in GTA.
aqua .. I do have family and plan to take them along 
hopes4foever .. I thought I would have to pay minimal tax if I have realestate or some other ties in Canada. Are you sayin you have to pay tax on your whole income in Canada .. that would be like 30% in USa and 30% in Canada. That can't be right.
