The sad reality is that while the cost of living in the US and Canada are not so far apart when comparing like for like, the standard of living, particularly for those earning higher incomes is much lower in Canada than the US. Whether you are a doctor, an executive, a high-end software engineer or a pilot you can earn far more if you are willing and able to uproot your life and get a green card. Some of us do that while many others accept the hit to our bank account for other benefits of living in a more egalitarian Canada.