As a registered nurse (RN) from Western Canada, you may be wondering if the grass is greener just south of the border. Spoiler alert—it might just be! Idaho and Oregon offer fantastic opportunities for nurses, especially when it comes to pay, cost of living, and even the ability to zip home for a quick visit with family. Let’s dive into why Idaho and Oregon might be your next best career move.
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Scenic Drives Back Home
Northbound Idaho Route 75 makes its way through the Sawtooth National Forest. One of the most appealing aspects of working in Idaho or Oregon is how close you’ll still be to home. For nurses hailing from British Columbia or Alberta, it’s a short and stunning drive back across the border. Whether you want to head home during your long weekend work break or catch up with friends and family, these states make it easy. The rugged mountain views, sprawling forests, and crystal-clear lakes you’ll pass on your way are a bonus!
If you’re based in Vancouver or Calgary, you could reach Idaho in about 7-8 hours by car, while Oregon offers an equally scenic route if you’re from B.C.’s Lower Mainland. Who needs to fly when you have some of the best road trip routes at your doorstep?
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Affordable Housing (Yes, Really!)
Ah, housing costs—the bane of every Canadian living near Vancouver! We all know Vancouver’s housing market can feel like trying to catch a cloud with a fishing net—impossible, and outrageously expensive. But here’s where Idaho and Oregon step in like heroes (without the capes).
The average home price in Vancouver hovers around CAD $1.2 million, whereas homes in cities like Boise, Idaho, or Portland, Oregon, are significantly more affordable. In Boise, the average home costs around USD $450,000 (about CAD $610,000), while Portland’s prices sit at about USD $550,000 (CAD $740,000). That’s nearly half the cost, folks! And if you choose to rent, you’ll save big time too. This means more room in your budget for that cross-border weekend getaway or, you know, just living your best life.
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Higher Pay for RNs – Plus Sign-On Bonuses!
Western Canadian nurses may find that the salary offers for many RN jobs in Idaho and Oregon are worth packing their bags for. Compared to B.C. or Alberta, where the average RN makes around CAD $80,000 annually, RNs in Oregon can earn upwards of USD $96,000 (CAD $130,000). In Idaho, salaries are slightly lower but still highly competitive, sitting around USD $75,000 (CAD $101,000).
But wait—there’s more! Many U.S. hospitals offer sign-on bonuses that can range anywhere from USD $5,000 to USD $20,000, depending on the facility and specialty. These hefty bonuses are often rare in Canadian healthcare, making the move south even more appealing. That’s basically a new car or a chunk off your mortgage paid for by simply starting your new job.
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Cost of Living – More Bang for Your Buck
Not only is housing more affordable, but the overall cost of living in Idaho and Oregon is also much lower than in major Canadian cities like Vancouver and Calgary. From groceries to gas to utilities, your paycheck will stretch a lot further in these U.S. states. Idaho in particular boasts some of the lowest tax rates in the country, which means more take-home pay for you.While Oregon has no state sales tax (a win!), it’s worth noting that income taxes are slightly higher compared to Idaho. But even with that, many nurses find the financial trade-off still puts them in a better position than in expensive Canadian cities. Lower living expenses + higher pay = a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking to boost their financial future.
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Beautiful Outdoor Adventures Await
Sunset at the lake with a view of MT. Hood If you’re someone who loves to get outside and explore, Idaho and Oregon offer outdoor opportunities that rival B.C. and Alberta. In Idaho, you’ve got access to incredible hiking, skiing, and hot springs. Oregon’s coastlines, lush forests, and iconic Mount Hood make it a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Living and working in these states means you can take full advantage of the natural beauty while still being close enough to enjoy family time back in Canada. The work-life balance opportunities here are genuinely top-notch, letting you enjoy both career growth and personal adventures.
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Professional Growth Opportunities
U.S. hospitals, especially in states like Oregon and Idaho, often provide more specialized job opportunities for registered nurses than Canadian facilities. Whether you’re looking to advance into a specialized field or simply want access to cutting-edge medical technology, working in the States can open doors to training and career development that might not be as readily available at home.
Ready for a Change?
The decision to move for work is never easy, but Idaho and Oregon offer enticing benefits that make it worth considering. With higher pay, affordable living, and the ability to still feel connected to your home in Western Canada, these states could provide the work-life balance you’re craving.
So, why not explore what’s possible? You might find that your next nursing adventure is waiting for you just a short drive away.
If you’re ready to learn more or take the plunge, IntelliStaff Medical is here to help you every step of the way, from finding the perfect position to guiding you through the process of working in the USA.
