I really don't understand how you differentiate between a software developer and an executive this way. Plenty of devs have kids and are older than 25. Not all older people are execs. You also underestimate the current situation of the low Canadian dollar so you can't compare salaries on par. Also there is less income tax burden in the US. Also, as noted why not go work in Seattle, it's ALSO not Silicon Valley which having worked there I can understand why you might not like the living conditions.