I’m Canadian, but frequently travel in the US. Over the past year I am also shocked at US prices.
It used to be that everything in the US was about 25% cheaper (makes sense as their dollar is worth more).
Lately I’ve noticed that everything is priced the same. And I mean exactly the same.
On work trips over the past year I’ve had to buy tools at Home Depot, supplies at IKEA and Walmart, groceries, hotel, etc. I was in both large and small cities on the east and West coast … and the pricing is the same.
The drill I bought for $279 USD is $279 CAD. The IKEA cabinet I got for $199USD is $199CAD, etc..
Note sure what is going on with US prices, but Canadian making $17/hr minimum wage are struggling. I can’t imagine how Americans do it..
And just for context … if medication is not covered and has to be paid out of pocket, the cost is generally under $100. Canadians don’t have $1000 medical costs
Canadian (OHIP recipient) here. As a long time employer, and former employee, I can tell you that no one takes a job here for the heath care.
Some things like dental and vision are not covered (unless you are under 18, over 65, or low income), but everything else is.
Over the course of a decade my father in law had 3 heart attacks, a stroke, and ultimately lost a year long battle with lung cancer. The total health care bill to him (or his employer) was $0.
Now the downside … because health care is free, everyone uses it and the wait times are longer. My grandfather recently required an MRI (non life threatening). The wait time in Ontario was 3 months. He drove to the USA, paid out of pocket, and had it done within in week …
Just glad I don’t have to pay American prices, that’s all.
But have fun continuing to tell yourselves that you’re doing so great.