Tech IndustryJan 13, 2020
AmazongYLH88

Moving to Toronto vs Stay In London?

A startup, that has been acquired by a public company, are interested in hiring me but require a relocation to Toronto. The pay is better than my current TC but I can also find this comp in London. There is aslo a London startup interested in hiring me for the same comp package. I am wondering if a move to Toronto from FAANG makes sense? I am trying to ‘buy some time’ to basically finish up my Masters and LeetCode so I can ace Software Engineering interviews at FAANG (or similar) later this year. The UK contract policies are changing in April so getting a UK contract may be risky. I do have enough freelance work to keep me busy while LeetCoding but once I leave my FAANG I am unsure if I am still desireable for interviews without another solid job.

Add a comment
IBM KgLd81 Jan 13, 2020

Salaries are always higher in North America than Europe. I’d be more concerned about your citizenship/immigration and related tax implications. Not knowing anything about your situation I don’t know how anyone can advise.

Amazon gYLH88 OP Jan 13, 2020

When I calculate the post tax amount and convert it to GBP, it seems the same as what I can get in London (post tax) hence I am confused. What additional information may I add to help? I am a British Citizen / UK born.

IBM KgLd81 Jan 13, 2020

So you should really look into immigration implications and it’s a glaring omission of your company to not do so up front. It’s not as though you can just rock up to Canada and work without a visa. Canada has a points based system like the UK for visas. Also you bear taxes in both countries, although you can claim tax paid elsewhere to reduce the amount. Plus health insurance and benefits schemes- you will end up in the red unless your company will cover the cost. Sounds like you/your employer has not thought this through, UNLESS the intent is for this to be a short term assignment and not a long term relocation.

Zynga DORw15 Jan 13, 2020

OP what’s the TC in Toronto ?

Amazon gYLH88 OP Jan 13, 2020

I wrote 120,000 GBP on my profile so I’m guessing they will change that to CAD (200,000 CAD). This was base they offer a bonus and stock too but I don’t know the value yet. After tax though I could earn this through a contract role in London (GBP equivalents) hence wondering what is best.

Zynga DORw15 Jan 13, 2020

200k CAD ok Toronto will afford you a really good life(though not too different from 120GBP in London).Keep in mind there are way more opportunities innLondon and 10x more stuff to do + you don’t have to deal with the horrid winters. Is it fairly commonplace to get 120k GBP in London for senior roles?

Amazon gYLH88 OP Jan 13, 2020

Got ya. Yeah most senior data engineering roles are paying 90-110k GBP base pretty normally.

Microsoft parzaval Jan 13, 2020

OP, your company is the Top tech pay master in Canada. 200K CAD is hard to get in Canada. I would suggest not to make the move. You won't find many companies to switch which will pay you more than that.

Amazon gYLH88 OP Jan 13, 2020

That is the new comp, not my current comp. :)

Microsoft parzaval Jan 13, 2020

I am saying Amazon is the top tech pay master here. So in case you end up looking for a job change if you don't like the new company, you will not find many. Also I don't know about London but 200K CAD is kind of a top salary here. Unfortunately, even with that you wont go too far in terms of living standard.

Amazon gYLH88 OP Jan 13, 2020

I’m not getting 120k GBP at Amazon :)

Microsoft parzaval Jan 13, 2020

Yeah, I figured that out. But if you can get 120k GBP easily in London in another company then try that first. In case, its not easy similar to what it is here in Canada than take this jump. DM, me if you need any further info.

IBM bbWI22 Jan 13, 2020

London vs Toronto is a tough call, but if it were London vs Vancouver it would be a no brainer to move to Vancouver. For higher TC though, move to Toronto. Keep in mind that weather sucks there.

Zynga DORw15 Jan 13, 2020

It’s cheaper to rent in Vancouver though

IBM bbWI22 Jan 13, 2020

Cheaper than what? Vancouver is more expensive than Toronto. If you’re talking about London, then yes it’s way cheaper. Pay is higher and rent cheaper in Toronto, but I believe quality of life cannot be beaten in Vancouver.

Bell it9450 Jan 21, 2020

I'm based in Toronto, lmk if you decide to move and need help relocating! Always down to meet new friends.

Amazon gYLH88 OP Jan 21, 2020

Think I will stick to London tbh. Brexit plus Google / FB etc increasing headcount here will probably work out better for me.