While Germany generally has a larger overall economy (GDP) and higher GDP per capita in some measures, Australia often shows higher individual wealth, with a very high median wealth per adult, placing it second globally only to Luxembourg in some reports, significantly richer per person than Germany on average.
After adjusting for purchasing power the United States GDP per inhabitant totaled 63,400 international US dollar (int. US$) in 2020. According to IMF estimates, Germany was the second highest ranked G20 country (54,100 int. US$) followed by Australia (51,700 int.
With a GDP per capita of about $54,000 in 2023, Germany ranks among the world's wealthiest nations in terms of average income. Plus, it offers high-quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The richest country by GDP (PPP) per capita is often cited as Singapore, followed closely by Luxembourg, depending on the specific report and year, with Singapore leading in 2025 estimates with around $156,000-$157,000 per person, while Luxembourg is a strong contender just below that, highlighting small, finance-heavy economies as wealthiest per person.
Australia is known for its diverse culture, warm climate, and robust economy while Germany offers you a strong economy, high quality education, and a central location in Europe. Consider your priorities and research each country's immigration policies to make an informed decision based on your individual needs.
Australia has a higher median wealth than nearly every nation on Earth, second only to Luxembourg. Wealth means different things to different people – while most measure it in dollars, many would argue that true wealth is also about living a long and fulfilling life.
Long-Term Prospects
Each country shines in different areas. If you value a strong research culture and minimal tuition, Germany might be your top pick. If you prefer a fully English-speaking environment with high earning potential during and after studies, Australia could be your dream destination.
Which are the Poorest Countries in the World?
By 2050, China is projected to be the world's richest country by total GDP, leading a significant shift where emerging economies like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia rise to challenge traditional giants, with the U.S. potentially falling to third, while Singapore might become the richest per capita (PPP), though these predictions depend heavily on technological progress, political stability, and growth rates.
The United States is richer than China when comparing total economic output (nominal GDP) and individual wealth (GDP per capita), but China leads in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) GDP, reflecting its massive domestic market's buying power, and has a larger overall economy by some measures, though the US remains ahead. The US has significantly more millionaires and billionaires, showing greater wealth concentration.
According to GDP per capita, the US looks ~55% richer ($81k vs $52k) than Germany.
Australia has plentiful supplies of natural resources, including the second largest accessible reserves of iron ore in the world, the fifth largest reserves of coal and significant gas resources. For a long time, commodities have made up a sizeable share of our exports.
A salary between 64.000 and 70.000 euros gross a year is considered a good salary in Germany. For a single person, this means roughly 40.000 to 43.000 euros net a year or between 3.300 and 3.600 euros net a month.
Australia is MUCH bigger than Germany
Australia stretches across nearly 7.7 million square kilometres, making it the sixth biggest country in the world. Germany, in comparison, takes up only 350,000 square kilometres – and can thus fit into Australia 22 times.
The People's Republic of China has received the most consistent coverage in the popular press of its potential superpower status, and has been identified as a rising or emerging economic and military superpower by academics and other experts.
But despite the economic uptick of recent years, Tasmania is still the poorest Australian state.
Germany is considered a safe country to live in for international students. The police are highly efficient and reliable. While Australia's general level of safety is high, there are a few natural threats to watch out for, such as jellyfishes, spiders, snakes, and crocodiles.
A $75k salary in Australia is decent, above the median income for many age groups and allowing for comfortable living in regional areas, but it can be tight in expensive cities like Sydney or Melbourne, especially for families, with many feeling $100k is needed for stability, though it's a strong starting point for younger professionals. After tax, $75k becomes roughly $58.6k ($4,888/month), meaning lifestyle, location, and financial goals (like saving for a house) heavily influence whether it's considered "good".
France is Germany's closest and most important partner in Europe. There is no other country with which we coordinate so regularly and intensively at all political levels and in all areas.