The Canadian dollar ,in Canada, is worth 100 cents, the same as the US dollar in the US is worth 100 cents. The original post #66 comparing incomes in Calgary and Chicago is in local currency. Doesn't change the picture .
The mortgage interest on the American's home is fully tax deductible. No such deduction exists in Canada.
Come to think of it, the only thing I can think of that we don't get taxed on is lottery and casino winnings. (Of course they don't tell you that something like 30% of the lottery ticket's price is tax. Most of the casinos are government owned, so the government rakes in 100% of those profits.)