Relocation guide · 2026
Moving from United States to Canada 🇨🇦
High quality of life, universal healthcare, strong economy. Federal + provincial taxes.
The tax picture
Stay in United States
$46,500
Estimated tax on $150,000
Move to Canada
53.5% top rate
Local tax estimate
Cost of living
-5%
vs. United States (Numbeo-style index)
Local tax regime
Canada has top personal income tax around 53.5%, capital gains ~26.75%, VAT/GST ~13%. How much you actually pay depends on residency status and income type.
Residency / visa
Canada offers work, investment, and retirement residency routes. Requirements vary — the AI planner can map the best path for you.
What still applies (US)
You remain a US tax filer on worldwide income. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion shields earned income up to the annual cap; the Foreign Tax Credit offsets foreign tax paid. Investment income stays US-taxable, plus FBAR/FATCA reporting on foreign accounts.
At a glance
North America · currency CAD · cost-of-living index 72 (NYC ≈ 100).
All figures are illustrative estimates for tax year 2026 and do not constitute tax advice. Verify with a qualified expat CPA.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax could I save moving from United States to Canada?
Savings depend heavily on your income, income type, and how you structure residency. Run your own numbers in the calculator and ask the AI planner for a tailored estimate.
As a US citizen, do I still file US taxes after moving to Canada?
Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where you live. You can exclude earned income via the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) or credit foreign taxes via the Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116), but you must keep filing — and report foreign accounts on the FBAR and possibly FATCA Form 8938.
What visa do I need to live in Canada?
Canada offers several residency routes depending on whether you work remotely, invest, or retire. Ask the AI planner for the path that fits your circumstances.
Is Canada cheaper than United States?
Canada has a cost-of-living index of about 72 (Numbeo-style, where New York ≈ 100). Compare it directly with other destinations on the Compare page.
Know someone considering the same move?
Share this guide with your partner or accountant.