On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $73,812 in United States (California) versus $71,109 in Canada (Ontario) — a difference of $2,703/year ($225/month).
Tax Breakdown Comparison
United States
2025 tax year
Take-Home Pay
$73,812
$6,151/mo
Effective Rate
26.2%
of gross
Canada
2025 tax year
Take-Home Pay
$71,109
$5,926/mo
Effective Rate
28.9%
of gross
Effective Tax Rate by Income
Shows effective tax rate (total tax / gross income) at different income levels in USD
Life & Taxes
What it's like to live and earn in each country
Chasing the North Star
Whether you are a tech wiz eyeing Silicon Valley's glow or a nature lover dreaming of the Ontario wilderness, moving between these neighbors is a classic North American rite of passage. Families often lean toward the Canadian safety net, while ambitious professionals frequently chase the high-octane career ladders found in the States.
Lifestyle Vibes and Values
Life in California offers a fast-paced, sun-drenched culture of innovation where the individual is king and the opportunities feel endless. Conversely, Ontario provides a more relaxed, community-focused pace where the peace of mind from public services creates a different kind of daily comfort.
The Tax Bracket Tango
The U.S. uses a complex seven-step ladder that rewards middle-income earners but scales up quickly, while Canada keeps it simpler with five federal tiers. Navigating California's additional state taxes versus Ontario's unique surtaxes and health premiums feels like choosing between two different flavors of complexity.
What Your Dollars Buy
In Canada, your taxes act as a collective membership fee for universal healthcare and a robust social cushion that catches you when you fall. South of the border, you might keep more of your paycheck upfront, but you'll need to budget for private insurance and individual retirement strategies.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to maximize raw take-home pay and don't mind managing your own risks, the U.S. often takes the trophy. However, for those who value predictable costs and a comprehensive social safety net, Canada's system offers a 'sleep-better-at-night' factor that is hard to quantify.
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