Moving to Chevy Chase

[guelphinvestor]

Hi

I currently work in Guelph, Ontario, Canada in Information Technology for an insurance company.

I have an opportunity to get a similar job in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

The salary will be slightly higher, but the main difference is that I will be paid in American dollars ( which is $1.34 Canadian ) .

This location looks quite a bit more expensive than where I currently live.

Do you think I would be able to save more money with this new job ?

I am 47 and am hoping to retire around 55.

Thanks.

[FIRE Artist]

I think you have to do the research and the math. 

Moving is expensive even if the company is picking up the tab for a household move, expect a large outlay for stuff you won't think about that adds up - getting a new driver's license, new insurance policies, are there different safety/inspection requirements for your car?  Utility hook up fees?  Who will cover visa application fees?  If you are going to divest yourself of most physical assets before moving, you have to include replacement cost of necessities on the other end. 

What is the difference in income tax rates?  What about health insurance?
Housing, I assume you will rent, how does that compare to your current situation? 
Food costs can easily be compared online.
Where do you intend to retire?  if in the US, your current CND retirement savings will not go as far.  If you will retire back in Canada, then this will work in your favour, but when you retire/quit, who will pick up the tab for your move back to Canada?
Consumer goods are usually much cheaper in the US than Canada, but if you are already Mustachian, that will not help you much.

[FiftyIsTheNewTwenty]

What kind of housing are you looking for?  The immediate Chevy Chase and Bethesda area is indeed very expensive, at the higher end of an expensive metro area.

Is your job near the Metro, or any of the bus lines?  Can/will you bike or walk to work?

[Ocinfo]

Really need a bit more info. As others have said, this is an expensive area (I live in DC). If you're single then it's not too bad and it's very common for established professionals to rent a room in a large house for $800-$1,000 per month but if you need a home it's crazy expensive. Traffic is terrible but there are some good places north that are cheaper such as Columbia MD and should still be pretty convenient. The Metro (subway) is currently falling apart so I wouldn't recommend relying on it for any long distance travel unless you want to hate life (I routinely ride to work out in Tysons Corner and can't stand it anymore) Also, no guarantee that the dollar will stay as strong as it is so might not be as beneficial to you in the long term.