Yes they are similar to you because you make and exchange US $'s and get more in Canadian dollars.
#1 Canadian average salaries approx. the same as Americans but in Canadian dollars:
"According to the website
numbeo.com, the average income of an American and a Canadian are approximately the same amount. Canada's after-tax monthly income is about $3,000 which totals around $36,000 per year. The U.S. sits just below Canada at approximately $2,942 per month, or roughly $35,300 per year.
Food is
much more costly in Canada. One kilogram of chicken breasts costs around $6.50 in the United States, while it averages almost $11 in Canada. A mid-range, three-course meal for two in Canada ends up costing $60. In the U.S. you are only paying about $44. Finally, clothing is more expensive in Canada than in the United States. A $40 pair of Levi's jeans in the States will run you about $55 in Canada."
Canadians pay more income tax than most American's. Pay more sales tax then every american I believe, lowest provincial sales tax is 12%. Exchange rate like +30% right now. So the purchasing power isn't similar.
There are also plenty of medical bills we have to pay for as well the only thing that is paid for is doctor visits and operations. Dental, physio, chiro, therapy etc you have to pay for or have benefits that pay for a portion of it through work. I'm not going to family doctor or getting an operation on the daily so it's not exactly a costs savings.
I'm not going to comment on Australia and other countries because I have no idea.