The prices for ICs and labour are much higher here in Canada:

16F1946 TQFP-64 in CAD funds

JLCPCB $2.90
Digikey $4.85-5.31
Mouser $4.45-4.68
Newark $4.54


If I have the PCBs fabricated in China, shipped to a local place for assembly, I'd pay shipping twice, and run the possibility of one supplier blaming the other for screw-ups.


I'm using:

- 0603 SMDs,
- TSSOP 74HC14,
- TQFP-64 PICs,
- 0.2mm traces,
- 0.2mm clearance,
- 0.5mm x 0.3mm VIAs.

I doubt I can expect small shop to compete with China.