In the BC vs Ontario comparison, British Columbia leaves more take-home pay at most salaries in 2026. On $80,000, a single employee keeps $61,332 in BC and $60,303 in Ontario, a difference of $1,030 a year. Federal tax, CPP and EI are identical, so the gap comes entirely from provincial tax and the Ontario Health Premium.
BC vs Ontario take-home pay by salary
| Salary | British Columbia | Ontario | Difference (BC − Ontario) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,347 | $32,814 | +$533 |
| $60,000 | $47,935 | $47,340 | +$595 |
| $80,000 | $61,332 | $60,303 | +$1,030 |
| $100,000 | $75,549 | $74,206 | +$1,343 |
| $150,000 | $107,552 | $104,320 | +$3,232 |
| $200,000 | $136,450 | $131,278 | +$5,172 |
Assumptions: single employee, 2026 tax year, no RRSP contributions or taxable benefits. Figures are annual take-home pay after federal and provincial income tax, CPP and EI.
BC stays ahead across the whole range from $30,000 to $400,000, although the gap changes with each bracket.
A side-by-side breakdown at $80,000
| Deduction | British Columbia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $9,243 | $9,243 |
| Provincial income tax | $3,855 | $4,885 (incl. Health Premium) |
| CPP | $4,446 | $4,446 |
| EI | $1,123 | $1,123 |
| Take-home pay | $61,332 | $60,303 |
| Per month | $5,111 | $5,025 |
| Bi-weekly | $2,359 | $2,319 |
Why BC vs Ontario tax differs
- First bracket: almost the same rate, 5.06% in BC up to $50,363 versus 5.05% in Ontario up to $53,891.
- Middle brackets: BC’s second rate is 7.7% against 9.15% in Ontario, which explains most of the gap for middle incomes.
- Top rates: BC reaches 20.5%, while Ontario tops out at 13.16% plus a surtax on high provincial tax.
- Ontario Health Premium: an extra charge of up to $900 a year once taxable income passes $20,000.
- BC tax reduction: lower earners in BC get a credit of up to $575, which phases out above $25,570.
Beyond income tax
- Sales tax: BC charges 5% GST plus 7% PST; Ontario charges 13% HST on most purchases.
- Housing: Vancouver and Toronto are both among the most expensive markets in Canada, so the city often matters more than the province.
- Wages: the same job may pay a different salary in each province. Compare offers by take-home pay, not gross.
Example: the same $70,000 job in Vancouver and Toronto
Imagine two offers for the same role at $70,000, one in each city. In BC you take home $54,525 a year, or $4,544 a month. In Ontario you take home $53,786, or $4,482 a month. The BC offer leaves about $62 more each month, so a rent difference of that size would cancel it out completely.
BC vs Ontario for different situations
- Lower incomes: the BC tax reduction removes most provincial tax for low earners, and Ontario has its own low-income reduction, so the gap is small.
- Middle incomes ($50k to $120k): BC’s lower second-bracket rate and the absence of a health premium give it a steady lead.
- High incomes: both provinces have top combined rates above 50%, so tax planning (RRSP, pension, incorporation for business owners) matters more than the province.
- Families: child benefits, childcare costs and school options differ, so compare the full household budget, not only tax.
How to run your own BC vs Ontario comparison
- Start from the gross salary offered in each city, including any guaranteed bonus.
- Run both through a calculator for the right province and note the monthly take-home pay.
- Subtract realistic rent, transit and childcare costs for each city.
- Compare what is left, then add non-cash factors such as pension matching and benefits.
The province with lower tax is not always the one that leaves you with more money at the end of the month.
Moving between the two provinces
Provincial tax is based on where you live on December 31. If you move from Toronto to Vancouver in October, you file as a BC resident for the whole year, and the BC vs Ontario difference applies to your full annual income. Your employer may keep withholding at the old rate until you update your forms, so expect a refund or a balance when you file.
The takeaway
For most salaries, BC wins on income tax by a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a year. Check your exact figures with the BC income tax calculator or the Ontario income tax calculator, and see how Ontario stacks up against Alberta in our Ontario vs Alberta comparison. Official provincial rates are published on canada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Is take-home pay higher in BC or Ontario?
At most salaries BC leaves more. On $80,000, a single employee keeps $61,332 in BC versus $60,303 in Ontario.
Does BC have a health premium like Ontario?
No. BC eliminated its MSP premiums, while Ontario still collects the Ontario Health Premium, up to $900 a year, through payroll.
Which has higher sales tax, BC vs Ontario?
BC charges 5% GST plus 7% PST, a combined 12%. Ontario charges 13% HST.
Do CPP and EI differ between BC and Ontario?
No. Federal tax, CPP and EI are calculated the same way in both provinces.
Which basic personal amount is higher, BC vs Ontario?
In 2026 the BC basic personal amount is $13,216 and the Ontario amount is $12,989. Both are converted into a credit at the lowest provincial rate.
BC vs Ontario on $100k: how big is the gap?
On $100,000, BC leaves $75,549 and Ontario $74,206, a difference of $1,343 a year.
Estimates for information only, not tax advice.
