We are starting to think seriously about moving to Canada as well. We qualify for PR and need to spend time actually getting the PR. I'm loving this thread since it has thrown light on more cities and their pros and cons. Our first choice is still large cities like Vancouver and Toronto (nothing in Quebec due to lack of French) but I think we need to look into Windsor, London and Victoria (milder weather is a big draw).
For those with kids, how easy it is to bring up kids there? Has anyone moved from US to Canada with kids? How has the transition been? Mine are four and one.
Also any pointers on how to position finances where income=expenses+rrsp+tfsa would be appreciated. We are not looking for adding to our stash but would love to not touch the stash for a few more years if possible.
Don't forget the Prairies :) Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg all have advantanges you won't find elsewhere. The prairies have colder extremes but lower humidity, that means it doesn't feel as cold. A -20 in Ottawa is the equivalent of -30 on the prairies. It's a fun rabbit hole learning how humidity can change how a temperature feels.
Its easier raising kids in Canada, from everything I read on this forum. University is inexpensive; I'm saving $40,000 for each child (20% of the principle is government grants). Healthcare isn't an issue, if my child breaks her arm my only concern is her well being (not insurance). Daycare is the same price as the USA, except we get a year off work for maternity/paternity leave...so the first year was free for both my children. My lifetime cost of Daycare will be lower then the typical american cost (I only need it for 4 years until they turn 5 and start school).
The best part of kids in Canada in is the CCB, up to $6500/kid/year under 6 and then its $5500/kid until 18. Its income tested so the more you earn the less you receive, its designed to give basic support to all children. So in a $40k/year FIRE situation the kids will get $10K to cover their expenses, $5000 of which is used to save for University (to get the 20% grants) and $5000 to cover childhood expenses like food and clothing. My FIRE budget ignores their teenage food costs, how does that compare to the American FIRE budget?
TFSA and RRSP are Roth and 401K equivalents, with a few twists. No age limitations, that's a stupid american rule (whats the point if it anyways?). We do rollover of contributions room to allow catch up, but we have lower annual limits. We have friendly tax rules, I have RRSP/TFSA/Taxable accounts, the rules mean I'll pay nothing on withdrawal from my taxable accounts (I plan on under $40k/year living expenses). My wife could also pull money from a taxable, its not combined so hers can also be tax free from the taxable accounts.
Basically Canada is easier to live the FIRE lifestyle; no healthcare insurance concerns and kids receive generous support. What Canada lacks is massive income disparities, our 1% don't earn as much, if you're among the US 1% you'll earn more south of the border.