Brit’s opinion: Should you live in Australia vs USA vs UK

[@jenniferharrison8915]

I grew up in Tasmania and we moved to Sydney for more opportunities, I moved to New Zealand temporarily for a quieter life, but flying back into Sydney in the sun was incredibly moving! Sydney has everything and the beauty never fades, on any day there is something to do and sonething to see, its history still exists and it's modernity is also exciting! You can be anyone, do anything, in Sydney, its unrestricted and energetic! 💗

[@michaelktori5178]

We moved from Maidenhead to Melbourne fifty years ago. No regrets ever. Four years in Melbourne, thirty nine in Hobart, now retired on Sunshine Coast. Never felt safe in USA when touring.

[@TheHsan22]

From Aus (originally Melb)... Visit US every couple of years. Just finished three months driving thru US/Canada, starting Chicago then mostly US Route 66 cities, before northwest thru Wyoming and ending on Vancouver Island. In past I have wandered NYC, Wash DC and Chicago at night. Never an issue always felt safe, however never sought out seedy areas.

[@michaelktori5178]

@@TheHsan22 I have a particular liking for Victoria. Reminds me of Hobart.

[@HenriHattar]

Sydney is dynamic on an international scale and it is beautiful.

[@virginiakhyriem1000]

Wow! Lots to think about! I moved to Oz 32years ago and I love the people as well as the land and sea. Of course It gets even better when you get to know people and embed in a community, it takes time to leave the familiar behind but for me and my family it’s the best

[@AdamCecot]

That’s good for you! I’ve lived in Australia my entire 24 years and never felt connected to our “culture” and have found it incredibly difficult to make any real friendships as people here are reserved and are happy with the friends they’ve had since they were 10 years old. Australia just isn’t for me but I’m glad you can call it home.

[@FlowzTheRhythm]

@@AdamCecot This is very interesting to read. I also fell in love with AUS and I've been working on getting myself over there from the USA and at the moment I have a choice between Spain or Australia. The biggest reason I've been focusing on AUS is the lack of a langauge barrier. Understanding the language is a huge step with connecting with people and I'm not exactly fluent in spanish. As an english speaker, going to another english country is given. But the other cocnern is what you shared which I've read from other people's experiences as well. I'll be leaving behind friends and family to feel not just isolated from the world but also from building a genuine connection. It has me reconsidering the move and just accepting AUS as agreat vacation spot.

[@AdamCecot]

@@FlowzTheRhythm I recommend you do what’s right for you. No matter how many strangers you ask for an opinion it will still just be their own experience at the end of the day and you might have a completely different experience. I understand you choosing Australia over Spain because the obvious language barrier and not having to invest the time to learn Spanish. I honestly have just never felt that connected to this country Australia. I find people may be polite but that’s about it. It can be very hard to make friends here as most Aussies are likely to be reserved and not strike up conversations with strangers. Whereas Americans will be much more friendly and outgoing towards a person they’ve just met. It’s a completely different culture to the US. We think of ourselves much more as a “Collective” unlike the US which is more “Individualistic”. Me personally, I would prefer to live in the USA. Based on a lot of aspects such as “Cost of living” “Scenic diversity” “Arguably better weather” in the US you have the option of what climate you live in unlike Australia where it’s pretty damn hot almost everywhere. I also enjoy individual freedoms which the US has more of. As well as job opportunities in the US. While you might enjoy Australia. Personally I don’t, but that’s just my experience

[@VKhy-bb9my]

I guess I learnt to focus on my goals, made my own community of friends. You are right, people are busy with their own lives but I focus on building a good life and community and I’m time poor too. If I’m lonely I reach out to someone, sometimes it works and often it doesn’t but I’m picky about friends too!! Somehow it works out! After many trials and errors I’ve learned what suits me and what doesn’t and to say no as well. I’m not sure if I made sense, best wishes to you. I will say a lot of times people are waiting for us to make the first move so I’ve learnt to smile, say good morning and so on. Then again I live in Brisbane which is friendly

[@chukwudichukwuani3466]

Really, am thinking of doing same.

[@georgecurrenti]

Good honest assessment… thank you. I’m born and raised in Melbourne, the first generation of Italian immigrants, I’m now in my 60s. Have travelled lots for work to the US and Europe, and lived in Germany for two years. Loved the experience, history and diverse culture Europe offered, but missed my friends and family. In Australia in my current stage of life, I would probably like to live in Adelaide, or the regions around Brisbane mostly for the weather and lifestyle. Perth would be great, but too far (4hr flight) from my home city. Also need to consider the important aspects of cost of living, housing, healthcare and the political situation.

[@markleon411]

Another 60 year old here (Italian step father) from Sydney. I also feel it's time to step down to a slightly quieter place which is why I've decided to move to Canberra.

[@erictang4798]

@@markleon411 Canberra.. YUK. fabricated oasis in the middle of semi desert....

[@markleon411]

@@erictang4798 not even close. Canberra is situated in the Southern Highlands region. Nowhere near a desert. Hardly fabricated, it just has more planning and forethought than the average Australian city.

[@erictang4798]

@@markleon411 I know as I used to live in Canberra for 1 year and could not wait to get out of it.

[@markleon411]

@@erictang4798 I used to live there too and I can't wait to move back.

[@jaydenedwards1869]

Maybe you should consider travelling to Brisbane in Queensland, this is rhe Sunshine State. The weather is probably more Sunny and has the same kind of transport like Melbourne and Sydney but we have the Cats on the river as a mode of transport but same Restaurants and Coffee and everything in between. Then you only have to trave a little over an hour to the Gold Coast and it's our version of Vegas.

[@AdamCecot]

Gold Coast is a hole and it’s hardly stopped raining in Brisbane since the start of the year in between all the humidity.

[@danielodonoghue3529]

I left the UK for Aus when I was 30 (been here 30 years now). I have lived for several years in Sydney and Brisbane...and for me Melbourne is miles better than both. There is an expression "Sydney is a great place to visit, but Melbourne is a great place to live". The practical reality of Sydney is that it rains more than Melbourne, it is much more expensive and the traffic in Sydney is absolutely terrible. For the majority of people, they are miles and hours away from the CBD and beaches. Lovely CBD but the suburbs in Sydney are soulless - pretty much every suburb in Melbourne has a restaurant/cafe strip and its own character. Your mileage may vary!

[@DeepThought9999]

Sydney gets more rain than Melbourne, yes but on far fewer days. So more sunny days in Sydney. Other points are valid.

[@elizabethmatraszek630]

@@DeepThought9999 Love Sydney suburb. They are beautiful and they have cafe strip and restaurants

[@bingo000]

Had a similar experience with Sydney. People visiting get bamboozled by Sydney not realising the reality of living there.

[@Sub0x-x40]

there are still lovely suburbs in sydney like balmain, manly newtown etcand melbournes weather is more schizophrenic so u never know what to wear but its better in every other way

[@daveamies5031]

The funny thing is having live in all 3 cities (as well as 4 other countries) I prefer Brisbane, I agree, Sydney is a nice place to visit but not to live, the multi-day constant fog I experienced at certain times of the year ruled out Melbourne for me. But I've also had arthritis for ~30 years and the warmth in Brisbane makes life easier for me as arthritis in the cold is not something you wish on your worst enemy.

[@SiblingsAccount-mg3ek]

Thank you for your great videos. They are always so interesting to watch 😊

[@James-xy5jt]

Came to Sydney Australia from UK (Cardiff/London) on working visa 20 years ago and stayed (during this time lived 5 years in NZ which is easy with OZ passport) like working in EU with UK passport before Brexit. With Melbourne/Sydney, I’ve heard that people will prefer whichever one they stay/live in first - maybe because they get to know it and pick up the anti-other city vibe haha. Also Melbourne is closer tUK than Sydney I’ve heard. Coming from UK, the overall vibe down under is friendly, relaxed and the opportunities to have a great life are exceptional. The drawbacks here are the distance to travel somewhere new (e.g.. no flying from UK to Europe for w/e and from L$V$ to 49 other US states) and family support (more important if you have children). Housing affordability is bad here compared to US but work life balance taken seriously here compared to 2weeks vacation in US. Maybe earn the US$ while younger and then when slightly older you move to Australia with a better healthcare system and no guns and if you start a family. With the starting a family situation it will be hard but not impossible to live here. Like your videos btw! I’ve heard US citizens in Oz/NZ complain that as US citizens you still have to pay US tax even when living overseas so worth bearing in mind if moving here after becoming a US citizen.

[@malcolmnicholson5052]

If you like the sunshine, it would be a big mistake if you don't look further north and see northern New South Wales and Queensland. Brisbane is a beautiful green, laid back, capital city in what is known as the Sunshine State. Many southerners from both Sydney and Melbourn move to these areas for the sunshine.

[@badboylimmy]

I respect the honesty, it’s refreshing as many vloggers are so diplomatic so as not to lose the subscribers indigenous to those places that they’ve just been and now that they’re are talking about. And I’m from Sydney, so I can’t fault your logic 💯💪🏽😁

[@ANTSEL]

Appreciate that a lot, thank you :)

[@algauthier]

I’m a Canadian who moved to Melbourne 15 years ago and it’s been the most positive move of my life. Re Weather, I find this conversation interesting. Everyone talks about how poor the weather is in Melbourne, and it’s certainly a lot colder than it is in northern parts of Australia, but it’s also very easy, especially compared to the UK and Canada. I’ve needed an umbrella once is the last year. Not that it hasn’t rained - it rains reasonably often, but it rains for short periods most of the time. The three seasons in one day complaint isn’t something I’ve ever found to be an issue. Weather forecasts tend to be very accurate, so you can easily see what layers you might need in winter. Regarding the quality of life - it’s really a thing. Pay is high, everyone gets 4 weeks paid annual leave plus other sick, and maternity leave benefits. The culture is relaxed so work life is pleasant. Re lifestyle, the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs are alive at night. Food and entertainment is everywhere. If that’s your vibe, stay close to the CBD. The Sydney CBD is comparatively dead. It’s also very trust driven so there are more tourist related businesses. To me, Melbourne feels like a city that welcomes tourists, but otherwise gets on with a fun, vibrant city without specifically targeting tourists. Sydney on the other hand is a tourist city, that works around that. They each have very different atmospheres. The outer suburbs of Sydney are gorgeous but seriously expensive. The outer Suburbs of Melbourne are not as visually stunning but are generally safe and more affordbale.

[@Richo732]

Living in a country is very different to a two week visit though. Maybe after six months most people begin to understand local culture and lifestyles (and experience their first real culture shocks), and how much of an adjustment they have to make to fit into the local job market and social scene. People's expectations of international tourists are very different to what they're looking for in employees/co-workers or long term friends.

[@bingo000]

The got bamboozled by Sydney. Not doubt its a great city but there is a reason why Melbourne will continue to grow as Australia's most populated city in the coming decades.

[@MarkPrince-gc6lg]

I like your videos. You two work off each other very well and are great communicators

[@ANTSEL]

Thank you :)

[@lace15able]

If you spent a month in Sydney and a month in Melbourne, you would choose Melbourne! Weather is all over the shop 9 months a year but is hot 2-3 months over summer and just a lot more to do other than beaches and fitness!

[@Alunticstalkedme4072]

Why are people in Melbourne so defensive when it comes to Sydney. A lot of people still prefer Sydney and I've never met a tourist who liked Melbourne more.

[@zeeyeh5324]

@@Alunticstalkedme4072Agree that tourists more prefer Sydney but to live Melbourne wins. Tourists only see the immediate good parts of Sydney without regards towards living there.

[@Alunticstalkedme4072]

@@zeeyeh5324 I've lived in both cities and prefer Sydney by along way. Melbourne is so overatted and it's an ugly city and beaches are horrible by other cities standards.

[@harveyosullivan]

@@zeeyeh5324 the only reason you'd choose Melbourne over Sydney is cost of living. Sydney is probably the superior city in virtually all other aspects

[@vitruvianman7170]

​@zeeyeh5324 what if you live in the good parts of Sydney? Sitting in Rushcutters having a drink watching the sun set behind the bridge. No place I'd rather live.

[@gloryglory5688]

If you like beaches & fitness Sydney is incredible, every morning of the week where I live there are hundreds & hundreds of people jogging, cycling, swimming, surfing, doing boot camps, walking, all at dawn before work, it’s got much busier recently, it’s a cool vibe, walking at dawn with coffee

[@ANTSEL]

Sounds amazing! Love it.

[@howardsykes2754]

You haven't tried muggy Brisbane, but I used to live 2 hours west on the Great Dividing Range, in Toowoomba, & I spent a week in Hobart (Tasmania) & a week in Launceston. I then chose to move down to the Launceston region for its better & warmer weather & have been living in Tasmania for the past 5.5 years & have little wish to return to Brisbane other than to see my brother. Tasmania was always touted as having a British climate without the weather, but I would probably say more like the southwest of England. I am 12 minutes from a major airport & Melbourne is a one hour flight away, Sydney just short of 2 hours away & Brisbane around 2 & 3/4 hours away.

[@greenonionsalad]

Wow! What a compliment for only being in Sydney for a couple days. Glad you enjoyed your time here

[@markt.4661]

Some of the negative comments I've read in the threads were reminiscent of the comments you received from your British viewers when you posted your previous comparison videos. That being said, I truly value your perspectives. Thanks for posting.

[@ANTSEL]

We really appreciate that Mark. Thank you. It is just that, our perspectives. I guess people are passionate about where they live and as we know, hold strong views on America.

[@LesGray-i9p]

The best answer is to list what’s most important to you. Firstly you need more than 2 days in a city as big as Sydney to work out where to live. Both Sydney and Melbourne have great employment opportunities but what are you qualified in and you need to determine if there are enough vacancies in those cities. Both cities offer much higher salaries but have negatives to each. Living in Las Vegas, it won’t matter how good the coffee is, the climate will drive you bonkers in Melbourne. (The quality of coffee throughout the country is great even at service/gas stations). By Australian standards it’s also quite cold in winter. Minimal sun,freezing mornings and days it hardly gets about 10C. It will remind you of London. Sydney has a warm temperate or cool subtropical climate and one of the main reasons why so many want to live there and why everything is so expensive. You need to be a professional or have a good business(s) to enjoy a quality lifestyle in a quality suburb such as the northern beaches (average house price is $US3M) or eastern suburbs which is higher again. It’s only cool in Sydney for 2 months. That’s June and July. It can rain for days in summer and autumn as it has recently. Solid continual rain with flooding 100’s of mms. Most days are sunny or pleasant though gets humid in summer. Traffic is horrendous. Best thing to do is spend at least 3 weeks in the country and visit other cities. Brisbane is another option. Cheaper real estate and cost of living but you need to deal with hot and humid conditions like Florida for 4 months in summer. The other 8 months are great though can get cold nights in winter. 6 to 8C mins and 20C to 24C maxs. Adelaide and Perth are quieter cities and I suspect aren’t on your priority list. Both warmer than Melbourne with more stable weather. You can visit Cairns in far North Queensland and snorkel on the reef and see the Daintree rainforest in the tropics. It maybe an idea to visit in winter or May or September to see if you like the climate. Las Vegas is a lot warmer than Melbourne. Main thing is spend a week in Sydney. Go plenty of places. Blue mountains inland. 3 days in North Queensland. See Uluṟu in central area of the country. 4 days in Brisbane. Go to the Gold Coast an hour south of Brisbane. Australia zoo north of Brisbane. Other aspects are health care is much cheaper. Private health cover can cost as little as $2000. GP’s maybe free. There are a lot less guns (at least illegal ones). Strictly regulated for farmers mainly or professional shooters to control vermin. Only in a few bad suburbs with gang warfare like in far west of Sydney. Tax is higher for incomes over $180k (47%). The work life balance is much better. 4 weeks annual paid leave with a 17% loading added benefit plus 10 days or so of public holidays. Finally gaining residency is getting more difficult as immigration allowances are being reduced. If your qualifications suit shortages in Australia,you’ll have a much better chance of residency. Main thing though is list your pros and cons then visit to make a decision.

[@paulbrennan3091]

Hi guys ,old Aussie here of Irish ,Scottish, & English decent but born in Australia ! A MEchanical Engineer but was in Transport all my life ,Driving Big Trucks Australia Wide & throughout the World ! Played RL , Cricket in Aus & throughout the World as Country Rep ! SO WEATHER IS Paramount with the best beaches Anywhere in the World ! 14:06 I Live on the North Coast of N.S.W. I agree 💯% with What U have Said Completely ! Another thing is the Heat in Summer in an Extreme Summer any further North is Too much for me Now being older ! 1 of my children live in Sydney,for Some time Now & Still loves Sydney ! Thank U for the Video & yr Comments ,was Great !

[@practicalnottactical]

Anyone from UK basing their decision on immigrating to Australia based upon only Melbourne and Sydney is seriously limiting their options to a wonderful fulfilling lifestyle. I could list a thousand places in Australia I would prefer over living the BIG CITY lifestyle of the two most populated capitals. Living in any one of the other regional cities, or even a rural town will open up far more freedom and access to that outdoor lifestyle that you think you are getting in the capital city.

[@fiveandtwoball]

I am an American who lived in Brisbane for a year. I loved Brisbane!

[@beautifulblackswan01]

I love the analogy of premium, economy and business flights to describe, compare amd contrast Sydney and Melbourne cities of Aussie. I deeply, deeply enjoyed this video, and it has given me a very good food for thought, BECAUSE I LOVE the in-depth discussion in the video. Thank you so, so❤💚💛 much. Student Nurse from UK :)

[@balancedactguy]

Hello! I see you're a Nursing Student. If you're thinking of immigrating outside the UK as this couple has...and living in the US might appeal to you, keep in mind there has been, and continues to be, a Shortage of Nurses in the US. If you are entertaining the idea of moving abroad...and you think you might like practicing nursing in the US, your nursing degree might be your ticket to the necessary VISA to living in the US. You might find that your annual Nursing Pay in the US is Several times that of what you would earn in the UK, depending where you wish to settle......remember..you have 50 States from which to pick! Good Luck in your Nursing Studies!

[@DeepThought9999]

@@balancedactguyNursing shortage in Australia, too. Nursing I believe is on the list of occupations that Australia is encouraging to move here, in the form of easy permanent residency leading to citizenship.

[@ProcyonAlpha]

I'm a nurse from the UK and got my permanent visa for Australia last year, making the full move in 6 months. You'll need AHPRA registration first, then a positive skills assessment from ANMAC then you can put expression of interest for a 189 or 190 visa, wait for an invite to apply then complete your application. Process will take about a year. Good luck. I have worked in NHS for 10 years and don't want to scare you but it's in a bad place right now and can't see it changing much. Please take my advice and do not give the NHS much of your life. They will chew you up and throw you out with back pain and other injuries then just replace you.

[@frankmartin3057]

There is more to Australia than Sydney and Melbourne. In order to fully understand the country and the culture it is necessary to get out of the big cities into areas where the pace of life is a bit slower. People have the time to talk and are not afraid to show their real 'selves.' I am not a city person and I have had the privilege of travelling and seeing much of the world, including amazing places. To me, Melbourne is nice but just another city. Sydney is slightly more interesting but no longer the 'Emerald City' of my younger days. So, my advice; don't form an opinion of Australia until you have seen a bit outside megatropolist.

[@MelodyMan69]

Melbournes weather is caused by the location. Winds (weather) generally comes from the WEST. If the wind moves NORTH WEST than the Hot weather comes because the internal country is hot and dry. If the wind changes to SOUTH WEST then the cooler weather because the southern ocean in cooler and usually wetter. Simple really. 👀

[@Alunticstalkedme4072]

It's climate is also from freezing ocean currents too.

[@squalloogal]

As an Aussie who’s lived in the UK and after listening to you both on what you like and want in your lives, I’d recommend either the central coast (just above Sydney) or the Sunshine Coast (just above the central coast) 😊

[@scanspeak00]

As a Melbournian I would say that Sydney is a prettier place with better beaches, warmer weather and more of an outdoor culture. Melbourne is more about food, culture, art, sports.

[@joandsarah77]

Every city here is different and the county has a whole variety of climates. Melbourne is just that, Melbourne. The country is a whole lot more than Melbourne and Sydney. As someone from Queensland I would pick the Sunshine coast over Melbourne or Sydney any day. Also Adelaide, Perth or Hobart would all rank higher on my list for livability.

[@JesusManera]

I recently went to the Sunshine Coast and there are heaps of reasons I wouldn't pick it. Perhaps years ago it felt more 'village' like, but these days, the Sunshine Coast honestly just feels like car dependent outer-suburbia but without the conveniences of being attached to a city. The weather is terrible too, it's so disgustingly humid and gets over 1500mm per year of rain, albeit concentrated into a few months and winter weather is lovely there. What the big cities like Melbourne & Sydney are so good at offering is such a diverse range of lifestyle choices. You can live 5-6km from the bustling CBD but in a quiet leafy neighbourhood that really does feel like a laid back village, and to me feels even quieter and more relaxed than somewhere like the Sunshine Coast which is full of 70kph roads and most things aren't within walking distance.

[@joandsarah77]

@@JesusManera Well that is true too. As a Gen X I maybe being influenced by old memories. Went to Brissie just last week (Live inland) and the humidity was so much worse than I remember. As kids we didn't even have AC in our homes, schools or cars! I'm soft now. 🫠 How is Hervey Bay these days?

[@gti500]

Sydney is a great place to live if you have money and plenty of it. If not, not so much. If you prefer the aesthetic lifestyle perhaps Goldcoast Queensland your spot.

[@joandsarah77]

The Gold Coast is so expensive now. I would pick the Sunshine Coast over the Goldie.

[@hannelerevell7142]

My parents migrated to Australia in 1959 they were married and 29 years old. They left jobs and their own house for the weather. We've had a good life here, always in work and comfortable. I feel very lucky to live here and I live in Sydney in the Inner City. Where I live is full of restaurants and cafes. Everything is here I dont have to leave my own suburb. If you are prepared to work hard you can still achieve here but it is getting expensive. I just think you need to have the right attitude if you plan to migrate. My parents had friends who kept moving back to the mother country many times and then back to Australia again. Good luck. Check out what type of careers Australia is looking for. Come its great

[@robertthomson1587]

You were in Sydney for only one day and saw all the picturesque, best bits. I think you need to look a little wider and harder before making any decisions.

[@JesusManera]

And experience the weather a bit more too. Sydney averages twice as much rain as London over pretty much the same number of rainy days.

[@jvvoid]

@@JesusManera Sydney has way more sunny days than Melbourne.

[@james.catton]

Great chat guys, very wholesome and authentic :)

[@loisstanford8736]

Hi guys ..I lived in Sydney most of my 77 years .. if you love Bondi you’ll love the rest of the beaches in Sydney ..I live in ear Cronulla beach ..the coffee is better lol 😎🙋🏻‍♀️😊

[@jonv570]

if its beaches he wants WA is where they should go

[@Rhythmattica]

@@jonv570 Where the sharks love a swimmer!

[@unclenick1968]

Whenever your life is interrupted or inconvenienced by the rain, just remind to yourself that the plants, animals and farmers all need the rains. Here in Australia, we grow food to feed the world.

[@zed5129]

Yep, Australia is food bowl of the world.

[@nerome619]

hmmmm ... USA vs Australia: Australia is safer - virtually no gun violence, free high quality healthcare, good education system for the most part, stable government for the most part, better standard of living

[@jaiacosta6025]

Healthcare in Australia is not free. Out of pocket costs can be outrageous. I wouldn't say it is high quality either.

[@geoffk8996]

@@jaiacosta6025And the waiting lists can be long if you’re not privately insured.

[@noway5347]

Well, as the narrative here is about comparisons. Las Vegas rates 9th for crime in US, per capita of cities. Population around 700,000..with 230 homicides per year. Spain has population 47 million with 245 homicides per year. Vegas has more homicides than Sydney & Melbourne combined, 10 million people. Anyway, its whatever ticks your box, where ever it may be on the planet. If you lucky enough to have the freedom to choose.😅

[@ANTSEL]

@noway5347 Genuinely curious as to where that statistic for Las Vegas is coming from? If it is true, I really did not know but every search I have done it does not come up in the top 10. The places that come up are typically Maryland, Atlanta, Detroit, Memphis, Cleveland, Anchorage, Stockton... No city in Nevada seems to feature in any list.

[@ANTSEL]

Thanks for sharing your views. The point of this video was not to go in to all the various aspects of Australia but more to answer to whether we would move, based on this short trip. As for the healthcare, I am sure it is not "free". You probably mean free at point of care as you pay for your healthcare in taxes.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

I think it would be very helpful to you to compare apples to apples instead of apples to bananas. Sydney is a beautiful coastal city whereas Las Vegas is a kitchy desert. Try coastal areas of the US, I think you will love them as well.

[@peterbreis5407]

As Australians, we could not believe how rubbish the beaches were in America, especially the ones you keep raving about. Then there's the food and coffee to contend with on top of that.

[@colleenmonfross4283]

@@peterbreis5407 Wow! Such hostility. And I thought Aussies are supposed to be so nice. Don't know what beaches you are referencing or what the issue was with the food and coffee but it sounds like you can save some money and stay where you are. Don't come crying to us AGAIN to save you when China comes calling! 🤣

[@peterbreis5407]

@@colleenmonfross4283 No hostility. Just stating the obvious. What's with the saving us AGAIN (ALL Caps so must be true!).

[@colleenmonfross4283]

@@peterbreis5407 Obvious to only you, apparently. You're special! If you need me to answer the question you asked, I would advise you to learn world history and brush up on current events, as well as take a look into what your country is spending so much money on right now. But I would hate for you to have to learn anything from me, I'm just a dumb American with a country the rest of the world flocks to even with our bad beaches, food, and coffee! 😁 Have a lovely day.

[@peterbreis5407]

@@colleenmonfross4283 If we are going to start on history and current events, how much are we going to have to coach you to get you up to the basics? As an American we usually have to start with just exactly how little you really know as to opposed to what you think you know.

[@beautifulblackswan01]

The similarity and feel of the European/UK vibe (in terms of order, structrure, cuisine, etc) in AU, is what draws me to the place. I like the UK, but as you guys said, if there is a feeling of ''not being settled'' you gotta listen to it and be real with yourself. This is EXACLTY how I feel in the UK. I love the ''modern-UK vibe'' apparently present in the AU, but I also like the individualistic/free way of ''living life on your terms'' in USA as well. So.... when the time comes for me to move out... it will deffo be difficult to decide which country to choose!!! haha!!

[@kayelle8005]

I’m biased but Australia is much, much safer re violence, healthcare, worker’s entitlements than the USA so your stress level will likely be lower. And stress really impacts your health and quality of life.

[@ANTSEL]

Agreed the cultural similarities definitely make Australia more appealing. Either way I am sure you will find the place that suits you best. We see the positives of both countries and will do more follow up videos speaking to benefits of both. As the other commenter states, Australia is safer and has a better safety net. On the other hand, with the USA, you can find somewhere safe, and the quality of life is yours for the making. As you know, we are happy here. My work life balance is better, healthcare is cheaper here (than UK) so it really depends on your individual circumstance.

[@AdamCecot]

@@kayelle8005Fair point, I’m an Australian but value freedom over safety so I’ll be moving to the US 🇺🇸 it’s all personal preference at the end of the day. Oh and the taxes in Australia are astronomical. That’s why our healthcare is “free”

[@kayelle8005]

@@AdamCecot America has some amazing places and it’s very individualistic. Freedom is my number one value and reliance on self is integral to that and yet I also see a link to community strength and a sense of safety as important because the less stressed you are the easier it is to access creativity and higher order thinking. Best of wishes for your adventures in the USA, may you create the life you want.

[@lilth501]

I think we can summarise this as being only a first impression of Australia, the day-to-day reality of living in city like Sydney or Melbourne or even a Brisbane may have a totally different effect after a longer term experience.

[@HenriHattar]

Thats called "life" applies not matter where you live, but some places are better than others.

[@iandunn9497]

Brisbane is too humid.

[@HairByJamesAnnabel]

I have lived in both Sydney and Melbourne. Sydney is great for a long weekend and Melbourne is better to live. Melbourne has more substance and layers. Where is Sydney is very pretty with less substance and culture. More people in Melbourne have disposable incomes as the cost of living is less, hence more established arts, fashion, sporting events and food scene. The incomes in both trump the UK

[@glenemma1]

The idea that Melbourne has more substance is, in my opinion, a bit of a myth perpetrated by Melbournians. If you ask someone from Melbourne which is the better city, they invariably say Melbourne. If you ask someone from Sydney the same question, they will usually say, ''Well, they are both good....actually Melbourne is a pretty good place''. Think of the psychology between the two attitudes.

[@HairByJamesAnnabel]

@@glenemma1 It's not a myth that Melbourne is the Arts, Fashion, Food and sports capital in Australia. There is a reason for this. The culture supports this. There is a reason why Melbourne has far more small boutique establishments and also nightlife options, because the culture and people support this. Sydney is a huge empty city. Without her weather and beaches she isn't much more attractive than Brisbane in my opinion. As a high end hairstylist that has worked in both, i find wealthy white woman in Sydney to be far more conservative and backwards in there views towards minority groups and culture in general. New money and being the corporate hub (gentrification) doesn't bring culture it does the opposite

[@Soundmaster91]

We all have disposable income in Sydney if we didn't the economy would be in the bin. Sydney is made up villages throughout the suburbs, less shopping malls and more street shops and cafes outside the main centres that give a real community vibe and then mix in the cultural diversity in these villages, you get a really rich experience that is affordable.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

Sydney irritates people because it seemingly doesn't have to do anything to look good. The harbour is so naturally beautiful that it's hard to make the city look bad (although they have succeeded in places). It's not the only city like that; San Francisco, Edinburgh, Queenstown, Vancouver and New York are other examples. However, most cities have to create their own ambience. Melbourne is not in an ugly landscape, but it's not a place of stunning natural beauty. It had to create what it is for itself, (albeit helped by discovering a bit of gold, way back). As a (largely) Sydneysider the admiration I have for Melbourne is that it has been very successful in creating what it is. Sydney and Melbourne are like two sisters, one of whom is very good looking and attracts attention without effort, while the other is plain but has been at pains to become accomplished and valued. I've often thought of Sydney as like an influencer, who knows she good looking and exploits it. In contrast, Melbourne is a classy lady, and is loved for being that. Which you prefer depends on what sort of person attracts you. The bigger challenge is actually for Western Sydney. It's nothing like harbour Sydney. For all intentional purposes it is a different city. No 'old money' here, its wealth is in its pragmatic work ethic. It has pretty places, but they're not spectacular. It is populated by mostly ordinary people living in modest dwellings. Most of them are not presented with many other choices. But it's the practical girl, without much make-up or designer clothes, that always helps out, and quietly gets things done against the odds. And will be loved and admired for it long after her glitzy sister's attractions have worn thin.

[@Joel-g3i3d]

@@HairByJamesAnnabel yes Sydney is more conservative politics, which is good in my opinion

[@lukeaus]

You need to try Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast if you want better, warmer weather with a great beach life style.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

Yeah, I'd agree with that. I grew up in Brisbane and it is still probably the preferred east coast city for bringing up a family.

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

Too full of bogans and Queenslanders!

[@zwieseler]

Perth much better….

[@iandunn9497]

Brisbane too humid in summer I reckon.

[@FionaEm]

The thing about the whole Melbourne vs Sydney saga is that living in a city may (or may not) be very different from visiting it. Unless you're in the outer suburbs, away from good infrastructure, living in Melbourne is a lot like visiting it. Cafes, shopping, pubs, comedy, theatre, sporting events etc. Melbourne also gets less rain annually than Sydney does. Yes, really! In Sydney, on the other hand, there's so much emphasis on the gorgeous harbourside areas, that visitors often think the whole metro area is like that - and it's just not. Unless you have a spectacularly high income or are prepared to live in a rundown shoebox, you probably won't be living near the harbour, and Sydney may start to seem less attractive.

[@DeepThought9999]

Rain? Melbourne doesn’t get rain. Check out Sydney’s weather of the last few days. We had two days of really, really heavy rain and then the rain cleared to beautiful sunny days like today. And that’s the thing, when it rains in Sydney it REALLY rains but the duration is short, with lots of sunny days (far more than Melbourne) in between.

[@daveg2104]

Sydney suburbs are very diverse. You can't generalise like that - it's the CBD or nothing. Many Sydney suburbs are really nice with beautiful nature, good shopping and restaurants/cafes. Most people in Sydney live their life in the suburbs, visiting the City occasionally for a day out or special event. Some suburbs are a bit meh, but I'm sure the same goes for Melbourne.

[@absinthedream9668]

You'll have to try Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth next time you visit I think you'll dig the weather in those cities.

[@chukwudichukwuani3466]

As a family of two or three living in the Uk, which do you advise?

[@simonelauren6604]

If you could go back in time, do you guys wish that you’d pursued Sydney first over Vegas? Also, I’d imagine the process of gaining citizenship in Sydney would have been easier than America so would that have also played a role you guys? Loved this video!

[@HenriHattar]

Actually it is HARDER to get Australian citizenship, or even to get into Australia than the USA.

[@Nate.Knitig]

Watching this as a U.S. citizen living in Sydney for close to 5 years now, I can say that I was struck with that same mesmerizing experience early on. Even after my first few months. However as you stated in the video. When you learn more about the politics, taxes, cost of living, ect. Things change. Combined with the cultural micro differences I’ve lost my sense of belonging here.

[@ANTSEL]

Thank you for sharing your experience. We do wonder how Australia would feel long term.

[@Nate.Knitig]

@@ANTSEL you would do great I’m sure! It would come down to what is important to you and your experience as well. I’ve met a few U.S. people that moved here 40 years ago and never look back. Some like the systems here. I’ve just found it particularly hard to be accepted as easily as my partner was accepted by society in the U.S. Americans are more, “you’re from Australia!? That’s awesome.” Where my experience here has been “you’re a yank? how nice is our healthcare and no guns?”

[@kerrydoutch5104]

From an Aussie and echoing others judging where you'd live based on 2 days or 2 weeks is impossuble. Of course you know your prferences. Sydney is a bright sparkly jewel and beautiful if you have the money to live on the coastal areas where everyone else wants to be. Different thing the further west you get into the suburbs. Its a highly expensve place to live if you want to be around the beaches and inner city. If its the buzz you want and you have the jobs and the money do that. Otherwise theres some equally beautiful places on the coast out of Sydney that are cheaper and quieter and the weathers still great. Even up into Queensland. When people emigrate Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane are the go to shiny places but theres more to Australia than just those places which are also worth looking at.

[@willrobinson4976]

Well said my friends but we love you here, please don't leave anytime soon.

[@ANTSEL]

Thanks Will :) Definitely not planning to move any time soon, we are very happy with what we have here.

[@EvelynJowett]

Yes, Sydney is a beautiful place, especially if you like the outdoors lifestyle. It's so beautiful, it's like being on a film set. Home & Away is filmed at Palm Beach, Sydney. :)

[@patrikfagard6525]

Your assessments sounds about right for anyone who has visited both cities. Sydney is incredibly beautiful and no need to explain why anyone would want to live there. What you see is what you get. The scenery is incredible, it is very easy to get around with public transportation and it's not hard to imagine the kind of lifestyle you can have there. So why do people still chose Melbourne with it's crazy weather over picture perfect Sydney? Most will tell you it's a place to live as Melbourne is kind of the opposite and doesn't offer you that same type of instant gratification that Sydney does. It personally took me about a year before I truly started to appreciate that Melbourne is more of an experience rather than just a place. You're only scratching the surface when you're visiting because a lot of it is hidden or is part of the natural ebb and flow of the city. Some of the dynamic is seasonal. Melbs appears more active in summer, and quiets down in winter when things get colder. The type of activities also change with the seasons which means that not everyday feels the same. Some of the dynamic is due to trends. Certain areas will become very active happening places, but then die down as the people in those scenes move into different stages of their lives, and then a new area will pop up with the next generation/group of new immigrants doing their thing. In my day, it was Brunswick and Fitzroi, but nowadays, it appears Northcote is the place to be. It's not uncommon to hear people who have returned to Melbourne after being away for a while proclaiming it's dead and lost its soul. They are going back to the areas where they used to party, not realising the party has moved on during their absents. The many neighbourhoods also have very distinctive characters, architecture and feels to them. The Port Melbourne/Albert Park beaches for example are relatively quiet despite being so close to the CBD, because almost all the trams head towards St Kilda instead. The St Kilda beach as a result tends to be very busy as a result. Also, because there is so much happening in the city, people don't automatically go the beach at the first ray of sunshine. It's usually something we only do on mass on 35+ days. I can't state enough how different the city can feel depending on where you are. Some places feel like a busy Asian city, others like you're in the middle of a rain forrest, or the rolling hills of a Southern European country side. And then there is also the fact that a lot of it is literarily hidden. There are areas in the CBD for example that appear quiet, but once you go through the right door, an entire new world opens up in front of you that's busy and bustling. So even after a decade of living here, the city continues to surprise me in a good way and always look forward to exploring new parts of it. And that's just Melbourne. Once you leave the city and into the country side, there is plenty to discover there as well which, being so isolated from the rest of the world, is a good thing. The only downside of Melbourne is if you want to experience it at it's fullest, you're kind of forced to own a car. Especially once you start venturing away from the inner suburbs.

[@stevenhowlett6711]

I get the feeling you stayed in the docklands, took a trip to port Melbourne and compared it to Bondi and watsons bay lol

[@lorenzlorenzo1975]

Why even consider giving up your career and friends over a city you've only been to for a few days? It would be fairer to spend some time in Sydney before you even consider moving.

[@irenamagdalena6807]

Im not sure how you can form an opinion on Melbourne’s weather based on 9 days visit?

[@mcshmurty8255]

Exactly. It's certainly far warmer and significantly more sunny than the UK.

[@ronluthe1552]

Why only experience the two biggest, most expensive cities in Australia, you need to experience the more rural areas and if you are after better weather try Queensland. Check out some of the Brits KZbin channels that have moved to the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane. Australia has an amazing variety of environments - you need to experience it all.

[@bluepeter128]

If you guys had got to see more of Sydney, everywhere you go streets are named after UK, streets Oxford st, etc and the train stations are also named after UK, train station King cross etc. Its like home from home, with better weather and homes

[@aussiemoolay8589]

If you want good beaches and very cruisy lifestyle. Perth is the spot. Come and have a looksy and see what you reckon. Also the best sunsets too.

[@truetoskyblue6952]

I'm a born and bred Sydneysider. Love it. Slight take on this story, I had two English friends and their family pack up and go back to England after immigrating here. I think they may have thought Australia was a fun, sunny version of England. The longer they stayed the more they realised it definitely isn't. As decades go by, the divergence between the two nations increases. Therefore your cautiousness is wise.

[@stevespacek8893]

Am originally from south east London, of west Indian parents. Have ended up in Australia- here for almost 20yrs. My wife is Aussie and my kids are all born here. Like every and anywhere, there are pluses n minuses. For me the minuses is the culture. I do find it very basic here in that most are only interested in sport. Not as much emphasis on creatives. Tons of talented souls here in Aus with not much in the way of outlet. Many leave for the US or the UK, especially with regards to music. Oh but the lifestyle. Different level to both UK and the US, as far as I’m concerned. I spent most of my time growing my kids up by the beach in Bondi. I am so grateful for this. There have been times when I have been in the ocean, body surfing with my children. I’ve had to stop and look around before pinching myself. Am there in the surf thinking this has to be pinnacle. As in, there is absolutely no where I would rather be at that time. Literally in heaven:)) Australia is a stunning place. I’ve been to many places on this earth and I must say, the only place that compares in terms of beaches is the Caribbean. The deserts are endless and like being on another planet. The jungles are epic. Mountains etc. have had great times in the US but as soon as yu leave LA, NY or any of the major players, yu may as well be in a third world country! Never seen so many homeless peeps. So much deprivation and squalor on the streets of some cities there. To end. Was in the US for a short stint when my wife n me was having our first child, we thought about having him in there. After a few $250 prenatal checkups, talk of labour costing ten grand before all the other associated costs, we bailed and had our all our babies for free in Australia, in lovely private birthing rooms with an on suit jacuzzi. It’s like living in a relatively new frontier, on an ancient land that is paradise 🙏🏾☀️☀️☀️

[@kupewataaka6917]

Hey thank you for this.

[@Keyrose-my3xr]

Everything you said is true❤ and is exactly the reason we must stop mass immigration. What was beautiful about Australia is very quickly becoming only a place we once remembered.

[@michaellivesey4354]

So glad my parents made the move 60 years ago from Lancashire...I'm one of 5 boys mum made...we so grateful, having gone back over to see relatives , this is way better.

[@RD-xv5fn]

Melbourne weather varies greatly and depending upon when you visit you get your opinion of the city . But as local it has 4 seasons whereas other cities don’t. I like having a distinct summer autumn winter and spring. Other people don’t.

[@rodpope7838]

Appreciate your honesty in your review and discussions. I am from Brisbane Queensland and have lived in most other States so I would suggest that you check out the rest of the major Cities before making a decision. You would probably love Brisbane or Perth - also Adelaide as far as the larger cities go. So many great places and to be honest I would not live in either Sydney or Melbourne by choice - the other cities are more relaxed and weather is much better.

[@EmptyCages1964]

60 years born & raised Sydney. My home. My heart.

[@FlamencoOz]

I’m born in Sydney, moved overseas and came back with a new appreciation of my home city. We who come from Sydney whinge about it alot but Sydney is pretty amazing when you have experienced overseas. I like Melbourne too because it’s more chill, but Sydney is something else but not for people who don’t like hustle and bustle.

[@Nanakwame381]

I just love watching you guys. Im in the process of relocating from the UK to North Carolina, USA. Keep it up

[@ANTSEL]

Thank you :) We hope your move goes well. We have never been to NC but hear it is very scenic there.

[@Nanakwame381]

@@ANTSEL Thank you 🙏

[@naturalexplorer]

Sydney is very expensive to buy a home and it is very busy. There is a good laid back lifestyle on offer but you need lots of dollars to live well in Sydney. You have provided some good external insights into the age old rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne.

[@biggiedii4889]

I'm Aussie and lived in the UK and prefer Australia. It's the little things like the sky, space and the fact that it's home. The UK is great to base yourself for work and travel Europe but settling there isnt for me.

[@tanyabrown9839]

If you come back to Australia you need to also check out Queensland too next time (the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane etc), it's quite different to the other Aussie states. Queensland though I do not live there is my favorite Aussie state and I think it's cheaper than Sydney, Queenslanders are very laid back and of cause you have the tropical weather there. I agree with your other video eg I don't like Melbourne due to it's weather (it' always rains and is grey when I go there).

[@Jeni10]

You would both be welcome to live in Sydney! The coldest winter temps vary between 10C (early morning) to 21C especially during June and July. Springtime temps 19C to 23C, Summer temps 21C to 36C with 36C being a heatwave which lasts from one to three days. The further you live from the coast, the hotter and colder it will get. Better health care in Australia too, 😊especially regarding costs.

[@ANTSEL]

Thank you :)

[@peterschmidt1453]

All Aussie cities have suffered through C19, and Melbourne had 2 years of draconian lock downs. I'm in Perth, the city has doubled in population since my clubbing days 30 years ago and the night spots have less people milling about than 30 years ago. This is in spite of thousands of apartment dwellers now living in the CBD. The lockdowns stopped several years of school leavers choosing city clubbing for entertainment, no free parking in the city anywhere during the day also encourages people to leave, especially on weekends.

[@michaelgrantham125]

I live in Adelaide South Australia. We here are very very aware of the issues with Melbournes weather. Due to the fact our climate must be the best of anywhere. I'm certain of that. Maybe a few 45celcius days in summer. But oh those summer nights. Winter is 5-15celcius for about a month maybe two. Adelaide is one big long perfect beach. Zero surf but theres plenty down the road.

[@jonathangroenewald3906]

With the greatest respect. I don’t think you can drawn any meaningful conclusions or comparisons about lifestyles in Australia from your two week stay. First impressions Yes, I could accept. Australia is a big diverse country, but two weeks covering three states and only two days in Sydney? You’ve only just scratch the pimple off your backside.

[@Richo732]

I think that's pretty much spot on. Also, as a tourist there is no expectation that you have to fit into or show you're even aware of and in tune with the local culture and ways of of doing things. If you are looking for a long term job, or seeking to build long term social connections, there would definitely be a lot more of an adjustment period you'd need to go through. You'd also begin to understand what the local culture and lifestyle really is; insights you don't get from two weeks checking out tourist hotspots.

[@zed5129]

Yeah more time in Sydney would have them feeling quite different, most likely.

[@moonmc1047]

I live in Australia for 25 years and totally agree with everything they said there. Do you think I live long enough ? They were right with everything they said.

[@johnmorrison6947]

I am from the uk and personally I love Northern NSW, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast 👌

[@zed5129]

Was it the total inability to afford a house ever that was particularly attractive about this country? :) I'm in Brisbane, have lived here since family migrated in '88, and I'm considering retiring back in the UK, because I can't afford to retire here and live well.

[@ronaldchristie8206]

Newcastle 170klm north of Sydney

[@josephj6521]

As an Aussie, I’ve been to Las Vegas a few times. Summers are too hot but the beauty of LV are the wonderful national parks nearby: Zion NP (my favourite), Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon. Diverse and beautiful. You’re also only 6 hour drive to Los Angeles beaches although not as nice as the Sydney ones. The climate of SW of USA beats Sydney and in particular Melbourne any day. It rains in Sydney more often in summer rather than winter. I prefer the fun and excitement of Las Vegas over Melbourne for sure. You’re also a close enough drive to Phoenix, San Francisco for a longer drive, Monument Valley (beautiful!) and the ski fields of Colorado isn’t impossible. Probably Utah is closer for skiing? Enjoy the USA and glad you enjoyed Sydney although you were there for a short visit. It does have a wonderful coastline as Melbourne is quick and forgettable. OTOH, if you stayed in the UK, you’re missing out on some of the most beautiful beaches, cuisines and summers on the planet…… the Mediterranean. UK is only a short flight there unlike USA and Australia it takes a very long time.

[@ToddyHasAwoken333]

You should have spent more time in Sydney, it’s so amazing here, the beaches just get better and better. Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast would have been a better stay than Melbourne. Melbourne people love Melbourne but they hate Sydney with a passion. Next trip do that southern part of Queensland, as you will feel right at home there, and its close to drive down to Byron Bay, another amazing place to be. Australia gets better and better and we are more like the Brit’s with humour and personality.

[@ANTSEL]

Looking forward to going back. Hopefully next year 😊

[@Leo-hv9mm]

Not many visitors to syd/mel realise that there aren't many people who can afford to live in the inner city or even near suburbs .. let alone that most immigrants and regular inhabitants all live in the far flung suburbs. When I got married and had kids, we couldn't afford to buy in those beautiful citiscapes everyone raves over, but had to buy 90km west and then commute to the city to work. Remember, not many can afford to live in Chelsea or South Kensington in the London area, likewise, who can afford to live in the wealthy, leafy suburbs of LA or NYC? All that is worth bearing on mind before considering a move to Australia. Also, bear in mind the outrageous hikes in rentals at this time .. and that's not going to slow down. As of mid 2024, vacancy rates across all of our major cities is around or less than 1% .. arriving here without a place to live due to our idiotic current government policies of allowing unprecedented numbers of immigrants in from India has zapped up rentals impossibly. Think before taking the flight to Australia or NZ.

[@gavinp6609]

Nice... good to hear different point of view... well sounds like you haven't tried Brisbane or the Gold Coast yet.. that could change things for u.. great video none the less..

[@mikewatkinson6056]

You should take a look at the house prices in Australia…£600,000 for a two bed flat in some beach areas of Sydney.

[@samtannouri3665]

Hahah try 1.3-2 million in Bondi thats not even close to the water

[@mikewatkinson6056]

@ yeah £600,000 gbp is $1.3m Aud

[@ioannaanagnostopoulou1515]

Sydney all the way ❤

[@joec0914]

If you want greenery, it's only a 3 1/2 hour to Flagstaff, AZ and 40 minutes more to Sedona, The Sculpture Garden of the Gods.

[@Oak333-s6q]

I have lived in Australia for 8years and I am here in US for more then a year now but I think quality of life, people and culture in Australia is far better then here in states.the safety net in aus is better then US.i am planning to go back to aus soon as possible.

[@belyndazolotto]

INHO Sydney is way better than Melbourne. Definitely business class lol Melbourne weather is the pits. Four seasons in a single day and grey.

[@sandramarc4858]

It's interesting where one feels comfortable living..I have lived in a few countries..my pick is SE Asia or Australia. I have lived in the UK and the US..Vegas was fun to visit but I did not get the vibe to live there. It is so individual and as long as one feels happy and content nothing else matters

[@ANTSEL]

100% agree. Where people like to live is very individual. We have realised we like lots of places for different reasons. We never expected to like Vegas. We did not know the areas away from the Strip like Henderson and Summerlin which are very different.

[@AndyGraceMedia]

As someone who has lived in both Sydney and Melbourne for well over 20 years and has a (small) place in both - AND who has lived in the UK and US I feel like I am qualified to comment here. :) Forget the rivalry between SYD and MEL - both are brilliant in their own way. If you have plenty of money and can afford the very best close to the harbour on the Lower North Shore or Eastern suburbs in places like Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, Manly, Coogee, Rose Bay, Point Piper, Vaucluse and the city fringe - Sydney wins. It's fantastic! Best place in the world for lifestyle. Cronulla and Sutherland Shire are also relaxing. If you have to live west of Parramatta it becomes very difficult and expensive commute and it's a massive area out there to Penrith, Camden, the Hills district or north to the Central Coast. You need to commute for hours to get into the CBD and tolls are very expensive. Melbourne has a much bigger variety of cultural and sporting experiences which Sydneysiders all fly down to visit multiple times per year. It has a far better arts and food scene, a massively better freeway and public transport system, a cheaper tollway system, the inner suburbs are nicer with more space and suburbs like St Kilda, Fitzroy, Collingwood have a "Soho" type funky vibe. Docklands where you seemed to stay is developing but it's not yet busy because many of the apartments are on AirBnB type rentals- a bit like Docklands was in London at the beginning. Sydney's beaches are mostly surf and magnificent although some like Balmoral are family friendly. Melbourne has bay beaches and are better suited for families with children. Drive for an hour and you get extremely serious surf beaches like Torquay and Gunnamatta. If you like boating - Sydney hands down. It's a dream and even if you can;t afford your own boat, the ferries and river cats are brilliant. Sydney's significantly more humid and extremely hot in summer more than 10km from the harbour and beachside suburbs. The difference between city and the outer suburbs can be up to 15 degrees! Melbourne gets scorching hot in summer, at an almost unbearable 45 degrees which you might have seen during the Australian Open where play has to stop because it's too dangerous to continue. For those few weeks a year it feels like Dubai and when a change finally hits the temps drop by 25 degrees in an hour to almost cold (!) A sea breeze cools things down a bit in the beachside suburbs like St Kilda, Brighton, Elwood, Sandringham. Of course there are tons of other places to live such as Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts (more tropical and lay-back), Perth (beautiful and almost like another country within a country) and the regional areas but just Sydney and Melbourne make up 45% of the entire population of Australia - Melbourne just overtook Sydney as the biggest city of 5.2 million with Sydney just behind at 5.1 million. Both are struggling to keep up with infrastructure as 150,000+ people migrate to each per year.

[@benficaM8888]

one note. i think most australian natives have an outdated view of Sydney. Melbourne used to the clear cut winner. But in the past 5 years, Sydney has grown immensely in terms of infrastructure and culture compared to melbourne.

[@zwieseler]

Why would you move to the most expensive city in Australia?

[@bingo000]

They think expensive = business class 🤣

[@Rhythmattica]

Because you can afford it?

[@Caladonia]

Impossible to by a home in Australia. I’m late 50’s and moving back to UK after 25 years so I can buy .

[@mcshmurty8255]

Very interesting that you have made a decision based on the weather after such a short time. You don't like rain, when in actual fact Sydney statistically receives double the amount of rainfall per year than Melbourne on almost the same number of rainy days (Syd = 1,044mm over 143 days vs Melb = 518mm over 151 days). Sounds like you just landed on a bad week in Melbourne, but Melbourne statistically receives, on average, 6 hours of sun per day, and Sydney, 6.8 hours, so it's not too dissimilar.

[@jessewilliams875]

What’s the tax situation in Australia? Closer to the US than the UK? Sydney sounds great.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

That's a complex question and you would be better doing a search to see how it applies to you individually. In general though, it probably falls about half way between the USA and the UK. Theres's no income tax at all on income for the first A$18,200 (about 12K in USD). Income tax is collected at federal level, with redistribution to states. There are some state taxes and duties for things like buying property, car registration and the like. There is a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) of 10% on most goods (except basic foodstuffs and a few other things) which is mostly distributed back to states.. Overall a person on a median income would be in a similar tax position as someone in the USA, better if they were poorer, worse if they were richer. I have some American and British friends who work here. The things they noticed were: - No added costs from tipping (only rarely done, and usually only for exceptional service) in Australia. When I was a kid it was even considered a 'condescending' gesture.. - While tipping is not expected by people, courtesy and treating, and speaking to, a service provider (no matter how lowly) as an equal is very much expected (for example, they all commented on how everyone says 'thank you' to bus drivers when they get off a bus). - There are fewer 'hidden costs' - the price on the tag is the full price you pay (GST must already be included). - Government services are apparently much better provided (to our shock, horror!) - Australia Post, Services Australia, Services NSW (and other state equivalents) all got very positive comments (most everything can be done online, and personal visits to a centre for some things had only 10 minutes wait everything all done quick and easily. - You will notice Australian jobs being advertised with a salary (how much you get before tax) and 'total package' (salary plus additional benefits, notably compulsory employer paid superannuation payments that are invested and which you can access around retirement (or if incapacitated) - a bit like US 401Ks but far more universal, flexible and portable. You can make extra contributions to it if desired (commonly done as 'empty nesters' near retirement) - It's an imperfect but excellent system (with lots of tax advantages and plenty of flexibility) that has also provided vast investment funds back into Australian industry, and prevents younger generations having to pay for the bulk of welfare for increasing numbers of retired folk. Older 'defined benefit retirement schemes' are now becoming rare, having been replaced by 'investment performance' based superannuation. - There is a Medicare Levy that covers universal health care for essentials. About 1.5% of after tax income is a typical payment. You can also pay for supplementary private health insurance to cover most extras. On a population basis, the health system has about half the equivalent total cost of that in the USA (but with better outcomes, notably longer life expectancy), mainly through bulk purchase of medications and preventing health providers from gouging people. However, it doesn't feel like a 'socialised medicine' system though, it's easy to get doctor's appointments etc. Will be some waiting times for things like elective surgery for people without private insurance. - The Australian old age pension makes very similar payments as the American 'Social Security' system, except that it is 'means tested'. So a retiree like myself who was on a (slightly) higher than median income would already have adequate self-funding for retirement through superannuation. If I get to be old enough, my invested Superannuation assets (providing my regular stream of income) may drop to a level where a part pension begins to cut in to supplement it, gradually becoming a full pension once my assets get down a certain level. Lots of people never draw a pension, and will still have Superannuation assets left over when they die.

[@kayelle8005]

Only the federal government can tax your income in Australia. There are different tax brackets for different income levels and you get a lot more for your taxes than you do in the USA, healthcare and medications for example. There is also a federal Goods and Services tax which is a flat 10% and it is applied to most goods and services. Some things like fresh food are exempt. If GST is applicable then it must be included in the price, so the price you see on a ticket will be the price you pay.

[@kayelle8005]

@@tacitdionysus3220your much more comprehensive response came in while I was typing mine. Lots of good points for the OP

[@Chippster]

A major factor is where you live in the USA + territories

[@unclenick1968]

You should consult a local financial advisor. In general, everyone pays tax (GST). Companies pay company tax and payroll tax. Individuals pay income tax, but there are various legal methods to minimize tax thru negative gearing, superannuation contributions, capital gains tax discount, home PPOR asset test exemption, tax free pension from super funds, etc.

[@ib8401]

Melbourne weather is no where near as bad as UK. Having lived in both I was completely miserable in the UK weather, but I love Melbourne weather. It’s not permanently grey like the UK.

[@astra2007]

There is so much more to Australia than Sydney and Melbourne. There are some other beautiful, family friendly cities, there are also some fabulous regional areas in all the states. We made a conscious decision to live in Australia (my husband is American), and I have never regretted it. It's one of the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate, and one of the highest standards of living. Better wages, better health care system, fairer education system, better work/life balance.

[@TheBoyStory_0]

Which area do you live in?

[@astra2007]

@@TheBoyStory_0 regional Victoria. The alternative was California.

[@Jacob-tp3sw]

Moved from SD to LV! In the US, Europe-like places are overpriced, and there are so many problems that make those places extremely overpriced :-)

[@Chippster]

Great vid guys. Sydney is a world class city for sure. On my list of next places to visit

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

Sydney is shit

[@andyalways8081]

Sys & Melb,,,,naaa lived in both,,,few hrs north of Brisbane, it's tropical, so so beautiful, relaxed, peaceful cost effective, best beaches ever, full nature, far away from Rap city living,,why live in a shoe box when you got so much more outside

[@ANTSEL]

Sounds great!

[@twoflyinghats]

Sydney is lovely but hell to drive in, even far out in its suburbs. Melbourne now has a slightly larger population but it was settled later and better planned and has trams as well as trains and buses so is easier to travel around or commute. Both can have extremes of all kinds of weather. Melbourne gets really hot in summer too, but Victoria doesn't have Sydney's humidity at all so it's much easier to manage hot and dry than hot and humid. I grew up not far from Sydney and have lived in both cities and near them in country towns and cities as well as Brisbane (way too humid!). I chose central Victoria for its drier climate, lack of humidity and more warmth over the Great Dividing Range in winter than Melbourne. Now if you two lived in Australia especially, and also probably in the US, you'd need to learn how to pronounce ALL your consonants correctly (even in the horrific LA with its extremes of wealth, poverty and homelessness). You'd need to get rid of your bizarre British 'f' sounds and pronounce all the 'th' words, to say the 'g' at the end of all 'ing' words and to pronounce any 't's and not as glottal stops, such as "bu'a" for butter, which eliminates them altogether. To most middle class normally to well-educated Aussies, not pronouncing consonants sounds so poorly raised or inadequately educated, as though the speaker isn't at all bright. It comes across as a lazy way of speaking and can be irritating in those who do it a lot, and I'm no linguist. That's so odd, when you were both born learning to speak English in the land of its birth. We know that Britain has so many accents, dialects and differences in vocabulary and sentence structure, but pronouncing it correctly makes a better impression in Australia.

[@kingsimba9513]

You literally don't need a car in Sydney, it's one of the city's main strong points. 9/10 shopping centers have dedicated train stations and there are seldom any attractions unreachable by the combined rail, bus, ferry network. Not to mention there's the ongoing Sydney Metro project where phase 2 will be finished in a couple of months.

[@unclenick1968]

Another popular analogy: Syd is like the front living room with your fancy looking art and furniture, the room that people see whenever they come visit you at home. Melbn is the family room in the back next to the kitchen, where you hang out most of the time when at home, where you play with the kids and the dog, eat meals, watch the footy on the big screen telly, where the wife can scream out loud at you freely without disturbing the neighbors. If career is important to you, won the green card lottery, stay in LAS, bigger population in USA, maybe more career opportunities for you. If you want to start a family, ask yourself is it safer for your kids to be in LAS, UK, SYD, or MEL? The answer will be more obvious.

[@Soundmaster91]

Nah

[@colincheng3000]

I lived in london and Melbourne now in Queensland Hervey Bay.

[@bingo000]

Melbourne doesn't have an extra week of summer over the UK 🤣. I'd also say, Sydney is a better city for tourists to visit than Melbourne, but Melbourne is a better city to live than Sydney.

[@ProcyonAlpha]

I'm a Community Nurse in the UK and about to make the permanent move to rural QLD in 5 months. I see many many elderly patients here in the UK, many of which spent time in or even lived for a long time in Australia but came back to the UK for different reasons. Nearly all of them are depressed and wish they never left Australia, don't be like them and in your 60s, 70,s or 80,s wishing you made the move to a warmer sunnier climate.

[@cottawalla]

As they say, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If you're happy, stay put. But it sounds like Brisbane or Perth would suit you more than Sydney or Melbourne. I've learned to not base these decisions on leaving friends or not. Friends move away. Friends remain friends. Friends appreciate having their horizons broadened too. Australia is only a days ride away.