Cross-Border Shopping — 5 Things That Are Cheaper On Each Side Of The Canada-US Border (2024)

FAQs

What is cheaper to buy in the USA vs Canada? ›

Beddings and Towels – In terms of luxury brands, it's much cheaper to buy a fresh new set of beddings or towels in the US than in Canada. Indeed, it often pays to look for end-of-season sales at Kate Spade or even at Ralph Lauren Home.

Many Canadians cross the border to shop at places like Trader Joe's and Target, stores that Canada doesn't have. But there are also discounts to be found on some items despite the exchange rate, said Gray, and some of them are unexpected -- winter tires and even veterinary care can be cheaper in the U.S., she said.

Some big brands are available in Canada but they're much cheaper to buy in the U.S. Footwear: If you've ever ordered shoes from an international website, you may have been surprised by unexpectedly high duties, this could sometimes result in double the price of the shoes altogether.

Clothes. As in the United States, in Canada, it is possible to update your wardrobe with clothing brands with prices much cheaper than in Europe. Some of the favourite brands are Levi's, Gap, Converse and Abercrombie, of which you can find a great variety for men, women or children.

You can claim goods up to CAN$200 without paying any duty and taxes. You must have the goods with you when you enter Canada, and tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are not included in this amount. If you bring in goods worth more than CAN$200, you have to pay full duty and taxes on the total amount.

You can bring back up to 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages or up to 8.5 litres of beer. You can bring back 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. Some tobacco products* and alcoholic beverages may be included in your personal exemption.

Goods must be in your possession and reported at time of entry to Canada. If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$800, duties and taxes are applicable only on amount of the imported goods that exceeds CAN$800. A minimum absence of 48 hours from Canada is required.

TD Bank Group (TD) is the most valuable brand in Canada for the second consecutive year, according to the latest Canada 100 report by Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy.

Which products are expensive in Canada? ›

Taxes on alcohol and cigarettes are high, so both are expensive. For instance, in Toronto, a pack of cigarettes is $15 and a bottle of wine is $19.

A recent study revealed also that Louis Vuitton products are priced higher than Gucci's because the French brand uses even higher-level and more expensive materials.

President Biden issued a proclamation under Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(f) and 215(a) suspending entry of noncitizens who cross the Southern border into the United States unlawfully.

Travellers coming into Canada can carry food with them for their own personal use, provided the food is imported within the specified personal exemption limits of the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations and there are no restrictions in place under other federal legislation, such as the Health of Animals Act or the Plant ...

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of Canada, nor is it illegal to do so. However, any time you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have in your possession that are valued at CAN$10,000 or more.

When considering the cost of food in Canada, some grocery prices can be slightly higher than in the US for staples like meat and vegetables. However, for most people, the difference might be negligible.

In 15 years, the median price of an iPhone has become 3 times more expensive in Canada, from $589.62 in 2007 to $1,669 in 2022. Globally, Canada is in 3rd position in the countries where the iPhone 15 is the cheapest ($1,279). As of September 2023, the United States has the lowest iPhone 14 price in the world ($1,210).

Summary. Canada is cheaper than the US in some aspects, but not others. You'll be paying less for health insurance and rent, but what you'll pay in utilities, gas, and consumer goods will increase. You'll have to decide what you're willing to pay more for and what you aren't.