Stay home or move to the US?
My partner and I are long distance. I live in Canada (HCOL city) and he lives in the US (Texas, major city).
We’re getting married and are trying to decide where to settle down. Our life goals include a house, a kid, eventually starting a business, and living comfortably.
Pros of staying in Canada - I have a good, secure government job (~90k salary, full benefits and pension) - family & friends - Healthcare (also long maternity leave) - I won’t have to pack up my entire life and leave :(
Cons of staying in Canada - extremely high cost of living, can’t afford a house now or maybe ever - limited earning potential (in 20 years I’ll make at most 10-20k more per year) - cold weather
Pros of moving to Texas - Potential for higher salary (for me) - affordable housing - better climate to start a business (due to lower taxes/lower costs); niche specific to Texas - family support on his end
Cons of moving to Texas - partner does not have a stable job or earning potential (EDIT: I didn’t frame this correctly. He does not have a traditional job and is not currently earning money BUT he is able to provide the support needed for this business by way of knowledge and financial support) - I have to leave my friends, family, job that I worked for years to get - my government position is non existent in the US - will have to work a less desirable job - I prefer my city for the food, people, culture, public transit - no healthcare (edit: also reproductive rights as I’m female) - political climate
I’m stuck. Any experiences and thought processes are welcome. Thank you
EDIT: thank you for all your input. I made this post before the holidays and honestly forgot about it, so slowly getting through all the comments now.
I admit I didn’t include as many Texas considerations as I initially wanted to (eg political climate, actual climate, reproductive rights, pro gun laws etc) - but definitely all important as many of you pointed out. Not that it really matters but I’d be moving to a major city that trends blue.