I'm from BC, so it was actually a decrease in the cost of living. Seattle had cheaper consumer goods, cheaper gas, less taxes and cheaper housing. SF is a bit more expensive, but houses cost about the same as Vancouver while rent is higher.
Vancouver is a bit of an anomaly with its low salaries and astronomical housing costs.
Thank you for sharing, Mahyarm!
Unless Silicon Valley or NYC it is going to be cheaper to live. More take home pay after all expenses (including medical, mortgage).