Cutler Bay, FL vs Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill is a sterile, overpriced Toronto suburb where a one-bedroom in the city center will set you back $1,781 a month, yet the average net salary is only $2,965. The cost of living index sits at 85, but the budget tier total of $1,630 a month is laughably unrealistic given that rent alone outside the center is $1,758. You get excellent healthcare and a safety index of 85, but the air quality index of 45 and continental climate make it feel like you're paying a premium for mediocrity. Unless you're a digital nomad with a Canada Digital Nomad Visa or a retiree on the Super Visa, this place is a hard pass.

Canada taxes hard: expect 33% federal plus up to 21.8% provincial, a real drag on FIRE math. A retirement visa exists, so retirees do have a potential entry path, though it's not always straightforward. But remote workers and digital nomads should look past this, given a 9/10 expat friendliness score and 379.96 Mbps average internet. A 1BR apartment averaging $1,304.56/mo confirms the tax hit is the real cost center here, not rent.