Personally I think Canada rules
I'm in Ontario, but I'm in more rural Ontario. We pay $600 for a 3 bedroom house on 3/4 of an acre, two blocks from all amenities. It's quiet, it's safe for the kids, I dunno, I like it. Relatively cheap. We have oil heat and that can get pricey, but electric is even worse.. I guess it all depends on your perspective.. If you're in Canada and make US money, you have a distinct advantage.