Sydney is cheaper? Now that is quite weird, considering how many foreigners settle in Sydney and its population is booming. I am targeting a more laid-back lifestyle, but neither do I want the Johor type of lifestyle, laid-back but lack of proper infrastructure and entertainment. I only know the three main cities of laid-back lifestyle are Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. But for the latter two, seen on forums that they are fond of throwing rotten eggs more often than other Australian cities.
Sydney has more jobs especially in the financial & services industry. There's a handful of people commute to work in Sydney from other states/or regional (mainly Melb & Brisbane) on weekdays and fly back on weekends for the relaxed lifestyle.
It has its fair share of glory and pains. As the biggest city in OZ (and probably the wealthiest) we probably have everything from the 3 storey Apple store to late night entertainment in the city stretch from the Harbour area to Chinatown(well, u get bored after a while); and heaps of international crusines and cafes; nice beaches and water view houses(if u have the money). Even fruits & vegs are mainly supply from Queensland state, Sydney get the goods first before distributing to other cities due its large population size. Melbourne in a way is very similiar but a bit more laidback and infrastructure is so much better.
Infrastructure in Sydney vary suburbs to suburbs. The Northern & Eastern suburbs have better planning in terms of public transport and road. West is the worse, lots of holes on the road and its a disgrace for a 1st world country. having said that, u can drive out and still get food in most suburb at night. Driving can be a nightmare, congested anything within 16km-20km to the city.
I don't know the cost of living in Perth vs Sydney but I suspect they are quite similiar. For a big country(in geographical size) but small population size, OZ will never beat America in terms of living cost and variety of products. Shopping in Oz is definitely backwards and the so-called factory outlets in Oz is dwarf compared to America. However, like all other OZ cities fresh fruits and vegs are easily available, u don't get that in America. There's crime everywhere, just be dilligent choosing where to live.
Personally if you are still young then head to America else OZ is a alternate choice. Canada to me is too cold and far away from home. UK(london) offers good work opportunities and cultural(close to other European cities) but to live permanently there is probably not an option considering how many britons/londoners have migrated.