I can help you a bit if you like.

Generally, I think you've been well advised. Oz is a tough nut to crack. I'm originally from the US and have been here quite a while. I'm lucky enough to work for THE major airline here :D and I can tell you it's a very good gig. Pay, work rules, etc, all are similar to what I think you'd get at the US majors. The catch is that it's hard to get on and there are loads of overqualified applicants. However, the good news is that, after a very long drought, Q is hiring in fairly big numbers. I think it's something like 20 a month for the last year or so and forecast to continue like that for the foreseeable future. Total number of pilots is just over 2,000.
Cost of living you seem to have a handle on. To reiterate, Sydney is insane. But, so is Manhattan, or London, or Paris... Like most countries, if you want a reasonable lifestyle, you'll need to get out of downtown. If you're prepared to drive, you can do well in any of the cities. I'm obviously biased, but where I think we're miles ahead is in quality of life. It really is a great place to live- and bring up kids if that's on the cards.
Feel free to send a PM if you want, or reply here for the masses to chime in on!! ;)
Cheers, TDK

Im from oz now living in the USA. Flown for major airlines in both countries.

I work fewer days than my mates in jetstar/virgin do but i get paid less. Oz is like the US, some cities are expensive, some are not so.

Most australians think oz is super expensive to live but I dont think they understand that the US can be very expensive too.

Oz is an easier place to live on a lower salary in my opinion.

Weather is not as extreme, no cold cities like chicago.

If you crack a job with an airline there you will find it very anal and uptight and not as chilled as a US carrier. Be prepared to call the captain sir if you get into QF!

Maaaaaaaaate. P*ss take? :D

Been in Q over 15 years. Never called anyone sir. Never even heard of it. There were a couple of guys who wanted to be called 'Captain' in front of the crew or pax. They're long gone as far as I know. Certainly no one's going to be calling me or any of my mates sir:D:D

I will say that after several years in the military, I don't have too much issue calling anyone in a position above me Sir. In fact I do so until told otherwise. There is a lot of great information in this post, and I thank everyone for their contribution.

I guess times are a changin. My mates joined the rat back 25 years ago and certainly sir was common back then. You are correct, apparently now its skipper or captain for some. The classic and 744 guys apparently were really into it. Probably the same guys that lobbied the union to allow them to wear their RAAF medals to work.

This discussion just makes me realize how old I am getting!

25 years ago!!!!!

Kenny, would you say that it's fair to say that flying for a quality foreign carrier is more desirable than flying for a legacy in the U.S? I dunno why but flying overseas felt like I was eating filet mignon while working for a U.S legacy feels like I'm eating a peanut butter sandwich. Both tasty at times but I gave you the analogy to see if you know what I mean since we have done both.

I’ll dig up some pics of the crew food down under. :eek:

As an expat, with the exception of Ryanair, flying for foreign carriers was like eating filet mignonette versus PP&Js... ranging from QOL, crew meals, company transport from home to work, pay, benefits, confirmed business class or better for block off... and the list goes on.

Yes captjns, this is how I feel. Overseas felt like a dream job and exotic, now I go to work for a paycheck. Funny thing is, I was making a lot more overseas as well. The only plus now is that I get to drive to work from my house. The whole scene is different, whatever that is worth.

What I will say is this, we are unionized in the USA so there is limited job protection verses an expat gig being at the mercy of the employer and can be let go on a whim.