[woud420]

Being from Quebec and working in Manhattan, I figure I can have some input on this.

In Quebec, at income X, my effective tax rate was around 34%, which includes federal and provincial rates. I did have a private plan at work although I don't fully recall how much it would cost me per paycheck, it was really low.

In NY, at income 3X (including exchange rate), the rate is similar, I think around 33-34% including federal, state and municipal income tax (which is ballpark 3%). I do have private insurance here which amounts to a couple hundred a month.

Personally in the end, I get better service in the States but I'm probably biased.

edit : Sales tax ~8.5%