Moving guide · Ontario → Florida

Moving from Toronto to Sarasota

Siesta Key sand, arts scene and a favourite snowbird base. Here's how life in Sarasota compares with Toronto, and what changes when you cross the border.

Sarasota is roughly 21°C warmer than Toronto in January (about -5°C → 16°C), with little or no snow instead of about 120 cm a year and around 50 more sunny days. A typical home costs roughly 39% less in Sarasota (about C$1,050,000 vs US$470,000, compared at a sample exchange rate), and everyday costs in Sarasota are above the US average. Florida has no state income tax, compared with a medium provincial income tax in Ontario. For lifestyle, you gain warm winters, beach and golf and leave behind big city, nightlife and live music. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
-5°C → 16°C (+21°)
July average
22°C → 28°C (+6°)
Sunny days a year
200 → 250
Snow a year
120 → 0 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
125 → 112
Typical home
C$1,050,000 → US$470,000
Property tax rate
0.7% → 1%
Provincial or state income tax
Medium → None
Health care in Sarasota
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in Sarasota
Airport
15 min
Ski hill
3h+
Beach or lake
10 min
Main industries
Health, tourism, retirement
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Warm wintersBeachGolf
You leave behind
Big cityNightlifeLive music
Wildfire: Low Flood: High Heat: High
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.

Moving from Toronto to Sarasota · Pinned