To be honest housing prices have always been pretty crazy, especially in Sydney. Public transport is pretty bad, but only because of the prices. I will give credit where its due and admit that it has been MUCH better for the last year or so. Imported items are only expensive if you buy them from local retailers. Digital content is more expensive, but then again most isn't here anyway, so hello bittorrent. The wine taxes are indeed crazy but with the current AUD prices and the glut of Aussie wine you can get highly drinkable wines for $2-4 a bottle, as the producers are hurting.

I live in Sydney, have a reasonable, but not high salary and live a pretty comfortable life. I don't own my home, but will do in 7 years or so. I drink reasonable wines and have whatever toys (phones etc...) I want. I have a dependent partner but no children as yet.

When all you have to complain about is that the houses and wine are expensive, you cant get a seat on the train/bus, imported goods cost more then local and digital content isn't as cheap as other markets your life really isn't that bad.