Good day BE people,

I'm considering two offers of employment, one in Calgary and one in New York.

Both are very similar roles and the benefits, relocation and visa are the same.

The NYC one is paying about USD$135k base + a realistic bonus of $40-70k

The Calgary one pays CAD$90,000 base + a realistic bonus of $50-80k

I'd really appreciate any advice on the standard of living i could expect on those salaries in those cities please.

I have a gf (wife if moving to NYC!), no kids, want to live in good quality accommodation with a short commute.

Thanks

What visa if the US? L1?

Personally I would think you'll get much more for your money in Calgary then in NYC.

The real question is what do YOU want out of the move? Nightlife? Culture? Would you like to eventually be a resident of either country?

Short commute depends on who you work for, in downtown Calgary it's possible to live in a condo and take the +15 to work and never step foot outside, there's a movie about it called: Waydowntown.

Either is doable. The NY money is OK, but not great. I can't comment on the Calgary money. The choices are verging on two extremes of life in North America, so what sort of life do you want?

How long would you be staying? I think New York would be fun...for a while. It is a world city. Kids and New York do not mix (IMO).

Calgary would be amazing if you like the outdoors. Banff is one of the most beautiful places I have been. As a city, meh.

What does that mean?

Well they can't be thinking of a H1 as that's done for the year...well I'm presuming it isn't a academic job because they certainly don't pay that kind of coin

Anyway, choice of visa might be key, if the OH wants to work or not and their potential employability.

It means I wouldn't live in New York long term because I would not want to raise kids in New york. But it would be great fun to live in such an amazing city for a short time.

Thank you everyone for your advice.

The lifestyle question is one we're considering, but it's not relevant if we won't be able to afford to live there!

I guess what I'd really like to know is whether USD $135,000 + a realistic bonus of $40-70k is enough to live in NYC and how 'good' an income that is, relative to the cost of living.

My partner would also work, and I understand would get around $85k

Thanks again,

Saintstu

My wife and I had a great lifestyle in manhattan on a similar salary. No kids, car or debt payments though.

Our 1 bed apartment was in the 3500k range.

The difference in lifestyle between Calgary and New York is probably greater than between where you are living now and New York!

Well, if your income was $200k (you+spouse, excl bonus), you'd lose approx 30% to income tax and social security, so you'd be left with $140k or just under $12k/mth.

You could get an apartment for $3k (the cheapest in Manhattan start around $2k). Utilities aren't going to be much (quantity), but aren't cheap, so $200/mth. Total $3,200/mth.

A subway pass would be about $200 each, catch a cab three times a week ($30/ride) and rent a car for two weekends ($250/weekend, incl gas and ins), and $500 for hotels each time you rent a car, and east-coast flights once a month $250 each, so totalling almost $2,800/ mth.

Food and household supplies are expensive because the are no large groceries in Manhattan, so $500/mth. You'll be eating out a lot, sometimes at a deli or pizza joint, but sometimes more fancy so 20 times/mth at $100/avg is another $2,000, $2,500 total/mth.

Gym membership, I'm guessing, $250 each might cover it. Entertainment two shows a month at $100/ticket, two movies at $40/ticket incl drinks and . So just over $1,000/mth.

So that's about $9½k accounted for, leaving about $2½k/mth towards clothing, holidays and long haul travel.

Needless to say there are numerous areas to save on this draft budget: don't catch a cab, eat at home a bit more often, lose the Broadway shows and the gym, don't rent a car so often, or stay in a hotel on a weekend, and you'd could easily have another $2k to play with.

There's going to be cable/ internet costs, and cell phones too, so they might run another $300/mth

In conclusion a couple could live pretty nicely on $200k in Manhattan.

I lived in Calgary and it's proximity to the Rockies is the deciding factor.

If u r an outdoor person Calgary is a no brainier.

Calgary is the Canadian oil capital and the cost of living is expensive.

All jobs pay above average because employers have to simply to attract people.

I now live about 70 miles from NYC which is a great place but it's like comparing apples and oranges.

Calgary can be boom or bust but it's one of the most modern beautiful cities in North America

Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking for!

You're welcome.

If you're under 35 go to NYC.
35 or over, Calgary.