[deanCommie]

2x-3x is excessive, and is changing.

Anecdotally, the Amazon/Microsofts of the world pay "only" 30% less in Vancouver than they do in Seattle. I haven't confirmed but supposedly Salesforce no longer discounts.

And despite what the local fear-mongering suggests, these companies aren't just using Vancouver as an H1B parking lot - they are establishing real centers of excellence and hiring plenty of local talent.

All this to say is salaries take a long time to adjust, but local companies will learn they will need to pay more to compete.

[whitecat]

I think 2x-3x is not excessive at all. The exchange rate is ~1.30 CAD to 1 USD. I work at UBC and most software developers graduating here are in the $60k range.

Taxes are worse for Americans as you have to pay both US and CAD taxes if you make over $100k.

[spoonie]

Due to the tax treaty between Canada and the US you'll get tax credits in the US for Canadian taxes paid that would offset the US taxes in most cases.