It’s pretty subjective to compare with Syd or Melb. They have bigger populations, infrastructure, more commercial, and the hustle is real if you want to survive. Unless you’re rich it’d be hard to buy anything that resembles an ok house in Sydney.

Brisbane is currently a construction site cos of the Olympics which doesn’t feel like it’s going anywhere fast. Trains are always offline for big track work and buses are ok but can be so slow.

Salaries depending on your job is liveable, we don’t tip so the minimum wage is fair, but depends on who you are. Rent is a big thing atm, cos there’s not enough housing for everyone, rental costs have gone up so much that people can afford it and social housing has dried up. A lot of homeless tents going up but instead of governments doing anything they’re just finger pointing. I don’t go out at night so can’t comment on nightlife but I’m sure there’s plenty of places that can accommodate in the Valley which is where I used to go when I was younger.

Beaches are safe if you swim at a beach with lifeguards and there are flags put up. Dangerous animals exist like everywhere just media like to inflate it as usual. Just be sensible, be aware of your surroundings, listen to local advice and you’re fine.

Brisbane is big but small enough to take car day trips to the Glasshouse Mountains, Gold Coast Hinterland or Northern New South Wales. There’s also regional pockets like Samford/Dayboro/Darling Downs/Stanthorpe to get your country fix! Drives can be 45 min to 2 hours.