[amit_m]

Wow, $60k CAD is really low. I don't think the smaller market is enough to explain it. In Israel the market for most startups is practically nonexistent, yet typical salaries are >$100k with Google/MSFT senior devs making more than $200k CAD.

Many of the Israeli startups are structured as dual US-Israeli companies with sales and marketing in the bay area and R&D in Tel-Aviv. Canadians could pull this stunt a lot more easily, since the geographical distance timezone and culture are much closer to the bay area.

[TimPC]

The idea is that $60k CDN in a market where $300K CDN buys a semi-detached and $500k CDN buys a detached house is a good rate. To me I say if you really want to live there consider doing a 3-year tour on a TN in SV on a frugal budget and move back with your house paid off. Or do 15 years in SV then retire to a nice environment in Canada in your 40's.