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Australia

8/ 10 average score
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About Australia

Australia offers a fantastic lifestyle with beautiful beaches, great weather, and a relaxed culture. The country is known for its outdoor lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and strong economy.

Quality of Life Ratings (Hover to see details)

EconomyEconomy 8.2
HealthHealth 8.8
SafetySafety 8.6
EntertainmentEntertainment 8.5
Cost of LivingCost of Living 6.0
FreedomFreedom 8.9
InfrastructureInfrastructure 8.3
ClimateClimate 8.8
Internet SpeedInternet Speed 7.5
English SpeakingEnglish Speaking 9.9
Housing AffordabilityHousing Affordability 6.0
Job MarketJob Market 9.0
Residency PathwayResidency Pathway 6.5
Tax FriendlinessTax Friendliness 5.0
Expat CommunityExpat Community 9.1
Public TransportPublic Transport 8.2

Sources: Numbeo, World Bank, OECD, Country To Live editors

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Is Australia Right for You?

A good fit if you...

  • Already speak English and want zero language barrier in daily life
  • Work in tech, healthcare, or mining where the job market scores 9.5/10
  • Value outdoor lifestyle, beaches, and warm weather over European density
  • Want a large, established expat community (9.1/10 in our model)
  • Can handle higher Sydney or Melbourne rent in exchange for safety and services

Think twice if you...

  • Are on a tight budget outside regional towns
  • Need a straightforward visa route without employer sponsorship (residency pathways 6.5/10)
  • Want low taxes (tax friendliness 5/10)
  • Plan to live rurally without a car (transport and services thin out fast)
  • Expect quick citizenship without years of points-tested residence

Use our Cost of Living Calculator and compare Australia with New Zealand before you commit.

Quick answers

  • Is Australia expensive to live in?

    Australia is moderate on cost. Eat local, use public transport, live one stop outside the center, and it usually stays manageable. Imports, cars, and international schools raise the bill fast. Sydney and Melbourne rent highest; smaller capitals buy more space per dollar.

  • Can you live in Australia with only English?

    English works widely in Australia. Some landlords and letters go smoother if someone can read the local language. English-only life is normal for most newcomers.

  • Is Australia good for expats?

    You will not start from zero in Australia. Forums, clubs, and recruiters help you meet people who understand visas and housing. Beach cities and mining towns feel like different countries on cost and pace.

  • What income do you need to live well in Australia?

    Same city, two metro stops can feel like two budgets. Use our Cost of Living Calculator with the rent you actually want. Mining and FIFO roles can pay very well; Sydney desk jobs need tight rent math.

  • Is housing difficult in Australia?

    Treat flat hunting like a part-time job the first month. Good listings still move fast. Bring references and deposit; viewings are competitive.

  • Is Australia safe to live in?

    Australia usually feels calm on safety. Petty theft can happen where tourists gather. Use normal city habits at night. Safety is generally high; sun exposure and distance-based emergency access matter in rural areas.

Local signals for planning a move

Built for Australia using our country score model and route coverage. Use this as a planning brief before checking neighborhoods, visas, and monthly budget details.

Budget reality

Mid-range costs with strong city-to-city variation. Australia scores 6/10 on cost; model Sydney rent first.

Climate profile

Mostly warm conditions with heat management in peak months. Climate rating: 8.8/10.

Language fit

English access is high (9.9/10). Local language still helps with contracts and admin.

Safety baseline

High safety baseline in most daily routines. Safety score: 8.6/10.

Tax pressure

Net income can compress under local tax and social charges. Tax friendliness: 5/10.

Visa and residency

Public pathway entries are limited; verify official portals directly.

Focus cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane. Local reality: In Sydney, public transport is practical, while housing can become the main pressure point in major cities.

Quick Stats

Economy8.2
Health8.8
Safety8.6
Cost of Living6
Climate8.8

Should You Move Here?

Step 1 of 713%
Australia preview

Top 5 Cities

1

Sydney

5.3M

Iconic harbor city with Opera House and Bondi Beach

2

Melbourne

5.1M

Cultural capital with coffee culture and sports

3

Brisbane

2.5M

Queensland's sunny capital with outdoor lifestyle

4

Perth

2.1M

Western Australia's isolated but prosperous capital

5

Adelaide

1.4M

South Australia's wine region capital

Highlights

Strong Economy
Excellent Healthcare
Very Safe
Great Climate

What people say about Australia

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