Canadian consumers feel "ripped off" by prices that are higher here than in the U.S., says a new report from a Senate committee studying the price gaps. Here are some products that Globe and Mail readers flagged as being cheaper in the U.S., along with their thoughts on the price discrepancies
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Automobiles
Acura ZDX 2013
American price: $50,920
Canadian price: $56,690
*From Acura's U.S. and Canadian websites
Reader comment: "[Cars] cost up to thousands of dollars more in Canada than in the U.S. I will seriously consider purchasing from the U.S. next time, unless the situation changes." -Frank Ing in Toronto -
Electronics
Panasonic Viera 55" 1080p 600Hz 3D Plasma Smart TV
American price: $990.00 (from Amazon)
Canadian price: $1,099.95 (from Best Buy)
Reader comment: "Whenever possible, I order online from the U.S. Even when adding shipping and handling + customs fees to an order, it is still cheaper to order online. The only time I make a purchase in a local retail store is when I need an item immediately and can't afford to wait for the shipping delay. But that is rarely the case..." -Alex Dumitru in Brossard, Que. -
Books
Hardcover edition of The Signal and The Noise
American price: $16.34
Canadian price: $18.50
*Both prices come from Amazon
Reader comment: "Books are probably the first on my list. Every time you purchase a book, there is a constant reminder right on the back (printed out clear as day) to make sure you're aware that the U.S. citizens are special and paying much less than you for the exact same book." -Dayna in Toronto -
Cookware
Williams-Sonoma Thermo-Clad™ Stainless Steel Fry Pan
American price: $125
Canadian price: $184.42
*Price disparity seen when you switch between shipping to U.S. or Canada on Williams-Sonoma's website
Reader comment: "I moved to the U.S. (New Jersey) for 2.5 yrs, and completely bought into the American consumerism state of mind; it was easy with the likes of Target, Costco and Walgreens. Upon returning to Canada it took my wife and I a full year to get over the fact that EVERYTHING was more expensive; it was only a matter of how much more expensive things were." -T. Harling in Toronto -
Beauty Products
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
American price: $10.79 (from Target)
Canadian price: $24.99 (from London Drugs)
Reader comment: "Vitamins are half-price, cosmetics are half-price [in the U.S.]. I drop about $1,000 a month at Wal-Mart and I take home twice the amount than buying it at Canadian stores. Not to mention my half-price tank of gas before I come back." -David in Brampton, Ont. -
Clothing
J.Crew Secret Wash Garment-Dyed Shirt
American price: $64.50
Canadian price: $74.50
*Price disparity seen when you switch between shipping to U.S. or Canada on J.Crew's website
Reader comment: "I travel a couple of times a year to visit family in the U.S. I have found from my own experience that such things as clothing and toys are an average of one-third more expensive in Canada." -Marie Aucoin in Cheticamp, NS
