Is Canada Cheaper Than USA? - Cost Comparison of Medicines

is canada cheaper than usa

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Canada’s overall cost of living is quite high, so Canada is not cheaper than the USA and particularly when you realize that earning capacities are typically lower in Canada. But when it comes to the average prices for prescription medication in the USA, Canada is definitely cheaper and that makes Canadian online pharmacies a real budget saver for Americans who need to fill expensive prescriptions regularly. This is very true for chronic health conditions, and it’s good that people have the option to order medication from Canada online. So, is Canada cheaper than USA? When it comes to Rx drugs it is.

The greater strength of the US dollar factors in too. Although most Canadian online pharmacies like ours here at Canadian pharmacy will have their medications online priced in US dollars the ability to offer the drugs at such low cost makes it so that the savings are still extensive. That leads to why is medicine in Canada is cheaper, and we start with the fact that putting price controls on prescription drugs in place is standard in Canada but not in the US. Pharma manufacturers and wholesalers are able to price drugs as high as they like in the USA but working to regulate prescription drug prices is a part of what the federal government does in Canada.

So, asking is Canada cheaper than USA when it comes to drug prices will be a big yes, but that doesn’t mean life in Canada is any less expensive overall. In fact, if you’re living in Vancouver or Toronto the exact opposite is going to be your reality. What we will say is that living anywhere in North America is expensive and no matter whether you’re in Canada or the United States.

Along the Pharmacy Chain

Every time a pharmacist at a storefront pharmacy fills your prescription there’s quite a chain of events that has gone on since the big pharma company’s facilities made that medication. Both the USA and Canada do an admirable job with medication safety standards, but another consideration for is Canada cheaper than USA for medications is that in the USA there are many more middlemen in the drug procurement process in the USA. This longer ‘chain’ also contributes to higher drug prices in the USA. 

Lastly, price discrimination also plays a significant role in pharma pricing and means you may pay more for Rx drugs based on where you live and your local pharmacy’s sourcing agreement based on the area of the country. Ordering Rx drugs online gets you around price discrimination and you’ll always be getting the lower price for prescription meds. Is Canada cheaper than USA? It’s not less expensive overall, but when it comes to drugs you will almost always be able to get them for less when you have a prescription filled online in Canada.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.


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