September 18, 2025 | 09:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the two largest countries of North America, the banter about US vs Canada prevails time to time again, with many residents comparing governments, social security, inclusivity and overall living opportunities.
While both are proven to be economic powerhouses, one country shows more potential than the other in various aspects. To those planning on settling down in either nations, let’s see how they compare to each other below.
Differences Between Canada and the US
Despite having a nearly identical root, both Canada and the US operate differently. Some experts from Investopedia, Get Golden Visa, and Narcity have pointed out multiple differences as follow:
The U.S has More Expensive Healthcare Yet Less Reliable than Canada
It’s universally known that the US ranks first on the most expensive healthcare cost globally, and that makes Canada appear better through so many perspectives.
In Canada, a single visit to clinics or nearby hospitals won’t cause a dent on the wallet since residents receive health benefits. On the other hand, Americans must prepare to break their bank if ever they catch a cold and choose to get treatments.
According to a US government page, a stay at the hospital for three days would cost about $30,000 without private health insurance. That’s why a lot of Americans suffer from irreversible debt because of this system.
Canadian Earn Less than Americans
On average, it’s been reported that the US holds a higher median income than Canada, boasting more than 20 trillion differences in GDP. From an objective standpoint, America also has a bigger job market offering more career opportunities for both residents and foreign nationals.
As stated by multiple sources, 84% of Canadian Waterloo Software Engineering undergraduate students ended up flying to the United States to look for a place within the workforce.
At the same time, the average salary between Canada vs the US show similar patterns, with men receiving higher paychecks than women in many industries.
The US Charge Lesser Taxes than Canada
By all accounts, both countries reinforce a progressive tax system that charges different percentages for ranges of income. In the US the wealthiest citizens pay taxes as high as 37%, while Canadian top federal tax rate stays at 33%.
Beyond the scheme, Canadians pay higher taxes that compromise a myriad of social services, including healthcare, education, and public transportation. Thus, every Canadian province and territory impose income taxes, unlike certain American states.
Canada Offers Better Maternity Leave Programs than the US
While Canada is among the top ten countries offering best maternity leaves, it’s not a federal mandate to provide paid leave at all in America. Expecting families in Canada can choose to have 12-month leave with 55% of their income or an extended 18-month but only 33% of their salary.
Canada and Its Tap Water
Canadians enjoy the accessibility to clean water through available tap water to drink anywhere possible. In a hindsight, residents grow up drinking straight from the kitchen sink.
Meanwhile, the United States isn’t able to provide the same treatment for its citizens. The majority of the restaurants in the country only offer bottled water.
The ongoing debate of US vs Canada highlights how both nations excel in different areas, from healthcare and taxes to career opportunities and social benefits.
Choosing between the two ultimately depends on what individuals value most, whether it’s affordable healthcare and social programs in Canada or higher income potential and a larger job market in the United States.
Editor’s Choice: The Highest-Paying Jobs in Canada: Healthcare Industry Still Dominates
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