Brisbane vs Perth? Opinions wanted!

Hi we are planning to move to either Brisbane or Perth and I would like to hear what everyone else's preferences are! I've been to Brisbane and loved it. Many parks, not too big and not too long of a trip to many other destinations. (My hubby is a scuba diver.) However, I have heard great things about the west coast and I like the fact that it's not a huge city either. Can you offer comparisons on: cost of living/housing, weather, people (friendliness)? If you have any personal experiences that could help I would love to hear them. Thanks, J

Well if given the option I would say move to Melbourne. Best city in Australia hands down. But that isn't one of your options.

But given your situation I wouldn't bother with Perth as it is so isolated. Very expensive out there also. If water sports is your thing than Brisbane is the clear choice. Heck, you are about a 2 hr drive from Fraser Island. Google it. fantastic place. QLD is a great place to be and I would head that way if the city itself wasn't so uhm. . well anyone who has been there knows. Perth is small though. VERY small. almost yokel. But not in a bad way. People are great on either end of the country.

Well to cut it short, this Canuck thinks you'd be best off in Brisbane.

Brisbane is sooo? what? I don't think I spent enough time there to figure it out. Plus, I come from Edmonton and so anything is nice by comparison.
Why is Melbourne so great, better weather? J

I can't really explain it, was more like a vibe I got while there. I don't know. a bit odd really. The public transport was really bad though.

Melbourne is just great. Everything is central and the public trans is pretty good. Trams. WOO! Second to Vancouver for #1 place to live in the world if I remember correctly.

If you are into biking/walking there are heaps of treks. Very biker friendly. unlike Brisbane.

I've traveled most of AU now and Melbourne is my fave place. I could go on and on really. oh the weather is great because we have seasons unlike Perth/Brisbane where it is always really warm by Canadian standards.

Like you said, at the end of the day, anywhere in AU is better than Edmonton though!