I have lived in Sydney for ten years. Sydney is such a big city, so let me share a different perspective:
People — Friendly. Can be a bit stand-offish if you don’t know them well, but there is an amazing generosity and warmth once you get to know them. The diversity here is far more varied – my neighbours come from New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Portugal and Hong Kong. My children’s godparents are from France – our families are very close.
Work — I have worked in a number of local banks and telcos, and it comes down to the people in your team. Generally, there is a great sense of work-life balance: people tend to work 9-to-5 but are VERY productive and get a lot of work done, including short lunches or eating at their desks. This is *precisely* so that they can go home on time.
If you need personal time, e.g. waiting for plumber or prize-giving in your son’s school, it’s not a problem (esp if you make up the “lost hours”). Working long hours is not regarded as “heroic” – in fact, it is seen as poor productivity, because the smart workers have finished their work and are home enjoying dinner with family or out with friends.
Salary – I’m in IT and making four times what I last earned in Spore. Even if in Spore groceries and food is marginally cheaper, my higher income more than covers the difference.
Customer service — Generally speaking, far superior than anything you’ll find in Spore these days. Occasionally you might run into a surly person, but this happens anywhere.
Medical — GP consults are free, medicines about the same or cheaper than Spore. Public hospital costs are low, esp if you have insurance. On top of that, if you have childcare costs, you get a 50% govt rebate.
Environment — Most households don’t generate enough rubbish to require daily collection. You sometimes get roadside dumping, but that happens in Spore, too.
Location – Within two hours’ drive, I can get to Hunter Valley to the north, Blue Mountains to the west and Southern Highlands to the south. And the weather (except winter) is great.
Safety — Depends on where you are. Crime is very rare in my neighbourhood, but some suburbs are worse than others. About petty crimes remaining unsolved: well, isn’t that true in Spore as well?
Housing — Sydney is the most expensive city for housing in Aus due to the population growth, but in terms of price-per-sqm Spore is much more expensive. My utility bills are about $100-150 a month, for a family of four, which is still less than the cost of utilities in Spore.
School — The quality of teaching at my local school is pretty good, but considerably less stressful. My kids can at least enjoy their childhood.
Cars — The cost of my car in Spore is about seven times the price I paid for it here, brand-new. It pays to ask for various quotes: $500 to fix a scratch is high – looks like a rip-off.
I reflect constantly about living here or moving back to Spore, esp with kids, and invariably Sydney is still a better place.
Sydneysider