iaink

I've seen a few comments regarding the cost of stuff in Canada and the UK recently, which has peaked my curiosity.

My experience is that usually the stuff I buy here, TVs ,Fridges, Pianos, Cars etc, works out less expensive than the "equivalent" item in the UK.

Obviously there isnt always an identical item to be found, but sometimes there is.

Im not sure if this is just cos Im a tight sod and wont buy something until I find a deal on it, or whether stuff actually is cheaper, so this thread it intended to be a "Window Shopping" thread where people can brag about what they found for how much of a bargain, and then others can pop their ballon by pointing out how much less it would have cost the other side of the atlantic...

Obviously exchange rates go up and down, but I thought it might be interesting to try some sort of comparison.


So to set the ball rolling I managed to get my 46" 120Hz Sony Bravia for
$790 x1.13 (tax) -150 new card credit. Thats $742 out of the door, or about £460ish.

A quick scan of amazon doesnt find anything for much less than £600?

I suppose this thread could also drift into more mundane grocery cost directions, but I guess the intent is for folks to post "How much would this have cost where you are", and maybe a bigger picture will emerge.

Londonuck

Blimey, thats cheap. Good news cos im leaving my 42"er behind.

Atlantic Xpat

I will be conducting extensive comparisons of the cost of beer and cheese, not to mention the quality differential over the next couple of weeks. Is that too mundane for you?

Oink

A case of a fairly cheeky merlot blend at Tesco, £19.92 per case (6).

Similar style and quality wine in the BC liquor store, £54.47 per case.

iaink

Casio Privia PX330 Digital Piano. I can mail order one here from Axe in Calgary for $775. (although I actually paid $500 to a guy in Toronto on ebay)

Cheapest a quick search of the UK found is £610...

Oink

Clarks Original Weaver boot UK = $77.00. Same shoe at Gravity Pope, = $180.00, although I think they may be having a sale soon.

Clarks Original Ashcott shoe UK = $68.00 in Canada = not for love nor money.

Atlantic Xpat

A Clarkes outlet store is something we plan to hit tommorrow upon arrival.

Apparently, Bras are another item that are much more expensive here. I recall the Mrs paying $70+ for a bra that she could buy in UK for GBP20 or so.

Oink

Don't forget to get the VAT back at the airport.

iaink

I picked up some Clarks at a discount shoe place in the mall for $80. Nice and comfy but didnt last 6 months before the sole cracked and water comes through. Very disappointing. Made in China now though arent they...

Joe_Sleepy

I know my Docs were almost twice the price in Canada than they are in the U.K...

8 hole DM's

Canada - $208~

U.K. - £69.99~ ($108.58)

Oink

Not to hijack the thread but my last pair of Wallabees have lasted three years and are still going strong, even in the harsh wet BC climate. Maybe you got a pair of seconds seeing as it was a discount place.

Clarks Manufacturing History

iaink

My Sorels boots were $100 here and seem to be about the same in pounds...

el_richo

My car = $4k cheaper in the UK

Car insurance UK = ~£350 with full breakdown cover
Car insurance Canada = $1700 +tax without breakdown cover

Our 46" TV Canada = $999 + tax
Same 46" TV UK = £583

My father-in-law prescription for blood pressure in Canada = $lots
My mum prescription for blood pressure in UK = FREE

iaink

Cant really compare my cars, but new Subaru Outback here starts at $29k, plus taxes, so on the road for about $35k.
Like for like the cheapest Ouback with the 2.5 is £27k MSRP.

Of course if you buy used here the taxman here takes his chunk again (and again, and again) which is a bit of a liberty!

Steve_

But you wouldn't buy an Outback in the UK, or you would be less likely to anyway because you don't really need a car that tough. In the UK the Outbacks are from Japan, here they come from Indiana which is the main reason for the price difference.

Am I just better at getting insurance deals or am I a much safer driver? My car insurance is $900 + tax a year, or it was for this year anyway. More than I paid in the UK but not massively. Or perhaps it's because of the deductibles. I joined the AMA for breakdown cover.