Moving guide · Ontario → New York

Moving from Toronto to New York City

The ultimate big city for culture, food and career. Here's how life in New York City compares with Toronto, and what changes when you cross the border.

New York City is roughly 6°C warmer than Toronto in January (about -5°C → 1°C), with about 50 cm less snow a year and around 34 more sunny days. A typical home costs about the same (C$1,050,000 vs US$780,000), and everyday costs in New York City are above the US average. Income tax goes from a medium provincial income tax in Ontario to a high state income tax in New York. For lifestyle, you keep everything Toronto is known for and add beach. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
-5°C → 1°C (+6°)
July average
22°C → 25°C (+3°)
Sunny days a year
200 → 234
Snow a year
120 → 70 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
125 → 165
Typical home
C$1,050,000 → US$780,000
Property tax rate
0.7% → 0.9%
Provincial or state income tax
Medium → High
Health care in New York City
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in New York City
Airport
35 min
Ski hill
1h 15m
Beach or lake
40 min
Main industries
Finance, media, tech
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Beach
Wildfire: Low Flood: Moderate Heat: Moderate
Crossing the border

Moving from Canada to the USA

Staying vs. moving
As a visitor you can usually spend up to about 6 months a year in the US. Living or working there full time needs a visa or green card (TN, E-2, L-1, H-1B and others).
Mortgages
US lenders often want a larger down payment from Canadians and may need an ITIN or US credit. Some Canadian banks have US arms that use your Canadian credit history.
Taxes
Plan for both countries: US property tax, state income tax, and Canadian departure-tax rules if you become a non-resident. Selling later can trigger US withholding (FIRPTA).
Health care
Provincial coverage usually ends after a long absence. Budget for US health insurance from day one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with a licensed immigration lawyer and cross-border tax adviser.
Step-by-step: Canada → USA ›Legal must-dos ›Moving FAQ ›
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Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.

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