I know several people with GX470s and all of them are very happy with them.
The 3 series BMW has never done anything for me though. I have a friend that loves them and has had 3 or 4, all converibles and the convertible is sharp, but the sedan has always looked dumpy to me. No way I'd trade a GS for one, JMHO.
In terms of reliability, the 3 series seems very reliable. Its the 5 that has a lot more issues, I have a buddy with an 03 530i that he put $10,000 into last year in repairs...
I can't imagine the cost of living here would be that much worse than in Chicago...