[taxman22]

Any improvements increase the cost basis in the US and reduces the capital gain as well.

I think the 2 bigger taxes difference are: 1. Property tax in Canada is often 80% less than much of the US. (0.28% in Vancouver vs 1.3% in Bay Area, CA vs 2.2% in Austin, TX) 2. Interest on $750k is tax deducible in the US, however with low interest rates, many people just take the standard deduction anyway.

[ttul]

Property tax as a share of property value is lower, but property tax revenue as a share of total taxation is similar.