Curious about the prospects of leaving Ontario during one's career (for another province or the US)

[TommyBratton]

I'm currently studying for the Ontario bar and will be articling with the province at a ministry office in the civil law division (not CLOC). I am really excited to begin my job but over the past year or so have become really pessimistic about the cost of living in Toronto. Growing up in the GTA, my parents were pretty well-to-do and they have done an incredible job raising me and supporting my education, but I look at the future and really question the financially feasibility of having kids and raising them in a similar lifestyle that I had. Basically, unless I marry someone in the same financial position as me or better, or receive a lot of family support, purchasing a house in the GTA is going to be really, really hard. And that's before considering all the costs that might come with having kids (daycare, sports leagues, RESPs, maybe private school). 

Because of this, moving to a lower COL city seems enticing. I know compensation there is lower, but if a 30% pay cut comes with housing that's 50-70% cheaper, I come out ahead. Has anyone started their career in Toronto/Ontario and moved elsewhere? It could be a different province or even the US (I have dual citizenship so this could potentially be a lot easier for me than for others). My undergrad degree is in business too so I would consider leaving the law as well.

I'm not deadset on doing this, but I just am curious to hear if anyone has experiences making such a move. 

 

Edited May 7, 2023 by TommyBratton