Generally, Australia is often rated higher for quality of life due to its universal healthcare, lower crime, stronger social cohesion, and better work-life balance, while the US offers higher potential salaries and greater career opportunities, but with significant concerns about healthcare costs and violence. Australia excels in areas like public health and safety, leading to higher life expectancy, whereas the US has higher per capita healthcare spending but worse outcomes, according to sources from CNBC, Penn State University, The Migration and Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker,.
Almost certainly it is. According to the Human Development Index, Australia and NZ rank higher than the USA. Life expectancy is longer while, infant mortality, road trauma and murder rates are lower. There is less 'wealth gap' in AU and NZ than the USA and services such as health care are cheaper and better on average.
Life in Australia is generally considered very good, with high rankings for quality of life, happiness, healthcare, and education, offering a strong economy, multicultural environment, and outdoor lifestyle, though high costs (especially housing), taxes, and potential remoteness can be challenges.
The United Nations process the annual World Happiness Report to understand what happiness is and how it affects our lives, cultures and economy. Australia is ranked under 12, Canada 15 and the United States is 16th and a popular destination for most South Africans, the United Kingdom is 17th.
💰 Lower Cost of Education and Living
Tuition fees are generally 20–30% lower in Australia than in the USA. Public healthcare is partially available to international students through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane offer lower living costs than US metro areas.
Our round-up of the best countries to live in the world
The middle class continues to shrink and standard of living continues to decrease. In 2020 Falcettoni and Nygaard wrote a paper and released a policy brief and a FEDS Note on the standard of living across the United States of America.
Cons:
Yes, $100k is generally considered a strong salary in Australia, placing you above the average (which hovers around $90k-$108k for full-time, but median is lower) and allowing for a comfortable life, though its impact depends heavily on location (major city vs. regional) and personal expenses like housing and dependents, as high living costs in cities like Sydney can stretch this income further than in regional areas.
Living comfortably in Australia varies greatly depending on factors such as location, lifestyle and personal preferences. As a general guide, a single person living outside of a major city would need an annual income of $70 - $80k per annum or $5,800+ per month. Of course this total increases for couples and families.
Moving to the US from Australia can mean new career opportunities, the chance to study at a world-class college or finding the ideal place for a well-earned retirement. Americans are known for their friendly and hard-working attitude, making it a dynamic place to relocate.
Is moving to Australia really worth it in 2026? For many Brits — yes. If you have transferable skills, a sense of adventure, and a realistic budget, the rewards are huge: higher pay, better weather, a strong healthcare system, and space to breathe. The key is preparation — both practical and emotional.
Yes, $70k is a fair salary in Australia, often near the median income, making it a decent living for a single person, especially outside major cities, but it can be tight in expensive areas or for those with high living costs like mortgages, with full-time averages now closer to $90k-$100k.
The top 10 issues Australians say are the most concerning
South Sudan is widely considered the poorest country in the world in 2025-2026, consistently ranking first due to extremely low GDP per capita and a high percentage (over 80%) of its population living in extreme poverty, driven by prolonged civil conflict, displacement, and disruption of its agricultural economy. Other nations frequently cited as among the poorest include Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Yemen, also suffering from conflict and instability.
Shrinking military advantages, deficit spending, geopolitical overreach, and a shift in moral, social, and behavioral conditions have been associated with American decline.
Top 10 Best Countries to Live in 2025
Australia has a high standard of living supported by an educated workforce and a high level of innovation. The quality of education, healthcare, transport, infrastructure and government services in Australia are all above international averages.
Switzerland tops the list of countries with the highest monthly salaries in 2025, offering an impressive average of USD 8,247. Luxembourg follows in second place with USD 6,764, driven by its strong financial sector and high standard of living.
The World Happiness Report ranked Australia 11th and New Zealand 12th in the world, lagging behind Israel, Mexico and Nordic countries. Believing in the kindness of others is more closely tied to happiness than previously thought, according to the latest findings.
🇨🇦 Canada ranked #1 most loved country in the world 🌍✨ Out of 48,000+ global respondents, Canada topped the international reputation list with a score of 78.1.
In a region fraught with conflict, Israel consistently ranks as one of the happiest nations on Earth. Bound by family, united through community, and strengthened by a shared resilience, Israelis embrace life amid adversity.