Moving guide · Ontario → Arizona

Moving from Toronto to Scottsdale

Desert sunshine, golf and a favourite of snowbirds. Here's how life in Scottsdale compares with Toronto, and what changes when you cross the border.

Scottsdale is roughly 18°C warmer than Toronto in January (about -5°C → 13°C), with little or no snow instead of about 120 cm a year and around 90 more sunny days. A typical home costs about the same (C$1,050,000 vs US$750,000), and everyday costs in Scottsdale are above the US average. Income tax goes from a medium provincial income tax in Ontario to a low state income tax in Arizona. For lifestyle, you gain warm winters, golf and desert and leave behind big city, nightlife and food scene. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
-5°C → 13°C (+18°)
July average
22°C → 34°C (+12°)
Sunny days a year
200 → 290
Snow a year
120 → 0 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
125 → 115
Typical home
C$1,050,000 → US$750,000
Property tax rate
0.7% → 0.6%
Provincial or state income tax
Medium → Low
Health care in Scottsdale
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in Scottsdale
Airport
20 min
Ski hill
2h 30m
Beach or lake
45 min
Main industries
Health, finance, tourism
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Warm wintersGolfDesertHiking
You leave behind
Big cityNightlifeFood sceneLive music
Wildfire: Moderate Flood: Low 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.
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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 Scottsdale · Pinned