It's a complex question, and there's no easy answer. Generally speaking, salaries for tech roles in the US *tend* to be higher than in Canada, but it's not always a clear win.
Cost of living is a huge factor. A high salary in San Francisco might not go as far as a lower salary in, say, Montreal or Calgary. You've gotta factor in rent, groceries, transportation, and all that jazz. Canadian healthcare is a big plus though – not having to worry about massive medical bills is a real stress reliever.
Also, consider taxes. Canadian taxes are generally higher, which can eat into your take-home pay. Benefits packages can differ too; some US companies offer really sweet perks (stock options, fancy lunches), while Canadian companies might have better vacation time or pension plans. It really depends on the specific company and role.
I'd recommend looking at sites like Glassdoor or Levels.fyi to compare salaries for specific roles and locations. Try to get a feel for after-tax income and factor in cost of living to get a realistic comparison. Don't forget to consider the non-monetary benefits too, like work-life balance and career growth opportunities. Good luck with your decision!