Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from British Columbia to Ontario
British Columbia is cheaper than Ontario for income tax at mid-range incomes — but the tables turn decisively above $150,000. At $100,000, BC residents pay $492 less in provincial income tax than Ontarians. However, BC's top rate reaches 20.5%, while Ontario caps at 13.16%, meaning high earners save significantly more in Ontario. For tech workers comparing Vancouver to Toronto, the income tax crossover happens around $140,000–$150,000. Both provinces charge similar sales tax: BC at 12% (5% GST + 7% PST) versus Ontario's 13% HST.
Lower Tax at Mid-Range Incomes
7 progressive brackets from 5.06% to 20.5%
Lower Tax Above $150K
5 progressive brackets from 5.05% to 13.16%
At $100,000 income:
BC residents pay $492 less income tax than Ontario at $100,000. Above $150,000, Ontario becomes significantly cheaper as BC's rates climb to 20.5%.
| Income | BC Tax | ON Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,584 | $2,525 | $59 | $590 |
| $75,000 | $4,509 | $4,753 | -$244 | -$2,440 |
| $100,000 | $6,549 | $7,041 | -$492 | -$4,920 |
| $150,000 | $12,907 | $12,563 | $344 | $3,440 |
| $250,000 | $29,051 | $25,023 | $4,028 | $40,280 |
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Send Money To/From Canada →It depends on your income level. BC is cheaper below roughly $140,000 — at $100,000, BC saves $492/year. Above $150,000, Ontario becomes significantly cheaper because Ontario's top rate is 13.16% versus BC's 20.5%. At $250,000 income, Ontario saves $4,028/year over BC.
The crossover point is approximately $140,000–$150,000. Below this threshold BC has lower provincial income tax. Above it, Ontario's flatter rate structure means high earners pay significantly less. At $150,000, BC ($12,907) just edges ahead of Ontario ($12,563) — at $250,000 the Ontario advantage grows to $4,028/year.
BC charges 12% combined sales tax (5% federal GST + 7% provincial PST). Ontario charges 13% HST (5% federal + 8% provincial). Ontario is 1 percentage point higher on most consumer purchases. On $40,000 of annual spending this costs Ontario residents roughly $400 more per year.
At typical software engineer salaries of $100,000–$130,000, BC offers a slight income tax advantage. Above $140,000 — common for senior engineers at FAANG-adjacent companies — Ontario becomes cheaper on income tax. Both cities have booming tech scenes; the decision usually comes down to housing costs (comparable), climate preference (Vancouver wins), and company-specific opportunities.
BC 2026 provincial brackets: 5.06% to $47,937; 7.7% to $95,875; 10.5% to $110,076; 12.29% to $133,664; 14.7% to $181,232; 16.8% to $252,752; 20.5% above $252,752. Source: BC Ministry of Finance.
Ontario 2026 provincial brackets: 5.05% to $51,446; 9.15% to $102,894; 11.16% to $150,000; 12.16% to $220,000; 13.16% above $220,000. Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance.
For most retirees on income below $100,000, BC offers slightly lower provincial income tax. BC also has a milder climate, which many retirees prefer. However, Ontario has lower income tax above $100,000 and is closer to family for those with roots in central or eastern Canada. See our dedicated Ontario vs BC Retirement comparison for detailed retirement income tables.