Question: Cost aside, is a smaller reef tank easier to care for than a larger tank?

[magikof7]

You are going to get about an equal amount of for and against bigger vs smaller tanks.
It also depends on what you want a reef or a Fish only.

After a year with my 29 biocube (reef) I can tell yo, it was perfect for learning the ropes with. I was even able to add a gravity return Refugium when many said it wouldn't work.

Now after about a year I am starting to see the big problems with Nutrients, Algea and water chemistry. My Pumps are failing because I can not put a bigger one that will fit in the back chamber. I have gone through a few now. The debris and stuff I blow off my rocks is considerable so I know there is a problem with the water circulation ( I can't run big enough pumps). I can't get enough poweheads in there without blasting corals.

I can't keep a lot of my favorite corals because there is just not enough space. I can add a reactor with GFO and drill the tank to add a sump and a better skimmer but Why? when I can spend a little more and do an upgrade so I can keep the fish and corals I want.

If you are looking for a challenge or something to learn with then a smaller tank is the perfect thing for you. It gave me about a year to learn and discover if I wanted to continue with the Hobby before spending a large amount of money on a larger tank.
There is something rather satisfying in being able to do what some say can't be done and watching it all grow.

Honestly I think, it all comes down to research on what you like and don't like and knowing yourself enough to be able to be honest with yourself on weather or not you are able or willing to put in the time and effort and come through the crashes ("heaven" forbid) and dealing with the frustration of running any size tank.

I am now Upgrading to a 60 gal. (Most likely in a year it will be even Bigger lol it's the way of the Hobby I am afraid)