Curious what brought the idea about? Having only lived in the United States I can't comment much on this, but what about Canada? I mean I know its the generic answer, but it seems like a possible middle ground: foreign (but not too foreign), safe, stable, and they've got that healthcare thing going for them. I'm not sure if you had plans to remain so close to the U.S., but it's a possibility right?
The idea? Pure musing. The desire for adventure. The longing to be a part of the bigger world and making a contribution to it. The chancenter to learn more about myself and my wife as individuals and ourselves as a couple. The lure and romanticism of the exotic. All of those things and more. Canada, while a safe bet and a cool idea, doesn't really offer a lot of that. It's like America version 2.1. So, it kind of doesn't count. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not like I hate living in America and want to bail out. I absolutely love this country with all of my heart. It is so rich and diverse, culturally and geographically and it has so much to offer. The idea though, of moving to another country, is like an adventure and a half.
Next weekend, put a full tank of gas in the car, drive in a random direction until the tank is at 3/4 empty, get a hotel room with the wife, find something lame and touristy to do and chuckle at, spend the night, have a nice brunch at a local-yokel eatery with the Sunday church people, and drive back. Whole "vacation" will cost you $200-$250.