There is a myriad of reasons why people choose to move to Australia. Many have fallen in love with the outdoors lifestyle after holidaying down under, while others look to offer their young family better opportunities in life.
Despite this, the population is still relatively small, numbering just 26 million people in comparison to the UK's 67 million. Moving to Australia from the UK is popular, with Brits making up the largest proportion of foreign-born Australians.
People of ethnic English origin have been the largest group to migrate to Australia since the establishment of the Colony of New South Wales in 1788.
Sydney – New South Wales
Sydney is known for its outdoor lifestyle, with great beaches and a clean environment. Being a popular area for immigration it is very cosmopolitan with a diverse culture, but laid back atmosphere.
Australia has a much more laid-back culture than England. Australians are known for their mate ship and easy-going attitudes. There is a strong focus on enjoying life and having a good time. This doesn't mean that Australians don't work hard, but they definitely know how to enjoy their leisure time.
The greater the difference, the more wealth is in the hands of the richest. Australia's average wealth is just 1.8 times our median wealth; by contrast the UK's is 2.2 times greater, while the US is second worst out of the top 50, at 6.7 times.
Melbourne has a lively British expat community. Migrants born in the UK make up the largest overseas-born population group in Melbourne, accounting for 4.3 per cent of Melbourne's total population.
Australia's most liveable city is now also the friendliest in the world, according to a new report. Melbourne has been hailed for its kind inhabitants and inclusive culture, with the city taking top spot against its global peers, according to the Benchmarking Melbourne 2023 report released on Thursday.
Pommy or pom
The terms pommy, pommie, and pom used in Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand usually denote a British person.
Housing in Australia is much more expensive than the UK.
Income taxes are lower in the UK due to the progressive rates of tax applying at higher levels of taxable income, but as the UK also has much higher medical contribution taxes than Australia, the UK taxpayer may end up with a higher overall tax burden.
Australia's GDP, which is roughly $1 trillion, is smaller than that of the United Kingdom. On the contrary, the UK's GDP is $2.4 trillion, yet Australia's low GDP fits well with its 24 million people, whereas the UK's 65 million people are spread thin.
The UK is not in the top 10 of the happiest countries in the world. It does, however, appear in the top 20 – this year, it is the 19th happiest country in the world, following behind Australia (12th), Canada (13th), Ireland (14th), and the United States (15th).
In 2020 there were 1,093 road deaths in Australia (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 4.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2020.
Groceries In Australia
Supermarkets are renowned for being expensive in Australia. When compared with London, grocery prices are 21.39% more expensive in Melbourne, 23.46% higher in Sydney and 17.25% more costly in Perth.
Living in Australia is much more affordable than in the UK. Moreover, Australia has a better economy, and the unemployment rate is also low, ensuring international students a job with almost no difficulties, making their transition and living in a new country easier.
The main reason Australia ranks so highly on individual income tax levels is because Australians don't pay separate social security taxes. These account for an average 25.9% of total tax revenue, or close to 9% of GDP, across the OECD.
Again, Denmark has the highest personal income tax rate, at 56%, compared to 45% in the UK.
But instead of just going home on time, more than 7,000 British people a year are going back to the UK for good, and nearly half on permanent migration visas return home within five years.
Major differences in the migration systems
Generally, Australia has more types of skilled visas to suit different types of workers around the world. Almost all of the skilled migration program is designed for those who have job offers and sponsorship in the UK, except for Global Talent Visa.
Cost of living in London (United Kingdom) is 22% more expensive than in Sydney (Australia) How much money will you need in London? Find out with your own Salary Calculation.
“Queensland's known as the Sunshine State. All those rays and the laid-back lifestyle might be among the reasons why it's Australia's happiest state,” Bayliss said.
South Australia has been crowned Australia's most considerate state! South Australians have been found to be the most likely to consider other people's needs, according to the Helga's Kindness Index, a first-of-its-kind report examining the state of kindness in the country.