Lab Technician in research currently working in a grad school. I am learning web development in my spare time as well.
1) Budget-wise, I'm currently spending sub-$800 on my apartment here in TX and can stand to do the same in Canada. If I land the exact same job it means ~$2200 a month. Don't use cable but internet is sub-$100 and I spend $100-300 a month for groceries.
Honestly, every major "big 3" city suffers a bit of what Zekes mentioned in terms of cost. Toronto and Montreal are suffering from increased renting costs. I think we're up to nearly $2000/mo on average here, maybe a couple hundred less for a 1-bedroom condo. Be sure to take into account the fact that we pay a significant amount more for Internet/phone and such than y'all do.
2) Haven't really thought about being close to the border or not. Any particular benefits to living close or far? I don't mind either way at the moment.
Nah, but I figured maybe if you live in a more northern state it'd make life easy. I guess flights are a little cheaper, and you can more easily capitalize on deals only available on the US. I'll drive into Buffalo to pick something up on the cheap for instance.
3) I like the cold better than the heat. The only thing that usually pisses me off is slipping on ice.
I regret to inform you the only place you won't really suffer from this is BC.
-snip
7) Amenities: Internet and watching movies. That's honestly pretty much it. Only time I'm ever into sports is during the Olympics. Don't watch live music. Not a big drinker or partyer so no need for a place with a busy nightlife.I do enjoy the fine arts so a museum and a playhouse would be nice to have nearby but not a necessity. All I really need is a nearby bookstore, theater & a mall.
Weird suggestion, but have you looked to Moncton/Fredericton?
8) At this point in my life, I'm 100% good with renting for the rest of my life.
If you're good with that, you can live on the outside of the GTA and stay within your budget.
E: You can find something here on the east or west end (Scarborough or Etobicoke), that's city housing, and the max you'll pay is like $1100. They get bad reps, but it's better than shelling out for private owned options and co-op, so.
---
bagged milk in 2017 brehs
Y'all got bagged milk in the US.
Evening, boss.