Australia vs USA: Which one is Better Living Place in 2024?

Living in a developed country like Australia can give you many amazing facilities. Australia is the 6th biggest country in the world, where 7.6 million migrants are currently residing. Choosing a developed country to live in is more beneficial than living in an underdeveloped country. Developed countries focus on providing the best living facilities, healthcare, a high education system, and work opportunities. Today’s discussion is on the benefits of living in Australia vs USA.

Living in Australia vs USA is a great comparison. Both are on the top of the best and most developed countries in the world. We have to know what are the huge number of people choose Australia and the United States of America for migration. The highly advanced and growing economy of Australia and USA attracts people towards moving and settled there permanently.

Australia and America both provide a great standard of living. Many people choose these countries as they offer a high standard of living, studying and opportunities to build a career. So, keep reading to know about the benefits of living in Australia vs USA.

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Living in Australia vs USA: A Comparative Insight

While considering a country to migrate to, live, and stay permanently, Australia and the USA are often at the top of the list of desirable destinations. Both countries offer unique lifestyles, diverse cultures, and abundant employment opportunities, but they also have distinct differences that can significantly impact your living experience.

1. Cost of Living in Australia vs USA

When examining the cost of living, both countries have unique expenses that impact an individual’s budget and lifestyle. Let’s have a closer look at the average monthly costs:

Category	Australia	United States
Average Monthly Cost of Living	AUD5,853.2	USD 3,833.8
Accommodation Costs	AUD 2,800 (city centre), AUD 2,100 (outside city)	USD2,827 (city centre), USD2,155 (outside city)
Transportation Costs	AUD 30 to AUD120 (public transport)	USD 77 (public transport
Food Costs	AUD 200 to AUD 400	USD 200 to USD 400
Utility Costs	AUD 200 to AUD 400	USD 222

The cost of living in Australia vs the USA may be notably different in many expenses, including groceries, transportation, and entertainment. However, an average weekly, monthly, or annual cost of living in both countries might be as follows:

Category	Australia	USA
Per Week	AUD 1,055 (family of four) AUD 271 (single person)	USD 1,345 (family of four) USD 847 (single person)
Per Month	AUD 4,545 (family of four) AUD 1,084 (single person)	USD 5,819 (family of four) USD 3,387 (single person)
Per Year	AUD 54,540 (family of four) AUD 13,008 (single person)	USD 69,828 (family of four) USD 40,644 (single person)

2. Healthcare System of Australia Vs. USA

Australia has a universal healthcare system referred to as Medicare, which is funded by taxpayers. This healthcare system covers most medical services and hospital care for Australians. For example, the Australian average cost spent on healthcare was about USD 9,365 per person in 2023. Medicare also covers private health insurance as an additional service. Based on the Australian healthcare system, there is a higher life expectancy and a lower rate of chronic disease than in the USA.

3. Education System of Australia Vs. USA

Apart from high-quality life and healthcare, Australia is familiar with its education system, which strongly emphasizes research and practical skills for overseas students. The cost of education in Australia is lower than in the USA, and the education system is flexible in selecting courses and educational institutes. Australian universities offer international students multiple intakes throughout the year, such as primarily in February and July, with some institutions offering additional intakes in September or November.

On the other hand, the USA is home to the world’s top universities, which offer a wide range of programs of study to students worldwide. However, the cost of education is higher, with the average annual cost for undergraduate programs in the USA around 33,215.

Program	Australia (Annual Admissions)	USA (Annual Admissions
Undergraduate Programs	300,000	1,000,000
Postgraduate Programs	150,000	800,000
Vocational Education	200,000	500,000
International Students	400,000	1,100,000

4. Work-Life Balance Of Australia vs. USA

Australia is known for its diverse and relaxed work culture, with strong legal protections for employers regarding work-life balance. Employees can enjoy their entitled holidays ( four weeks of paid annual leave). New laws were introduced in 2023 that offer employees the right to disconnect from work-related communication outside regular working hours. The Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 provides greater flexibility for employees to balance their family life, work life, and caring responsibilities in Australia.

In the USA, there is often a culture of long working hours with less emphasis on work-life balance. In America, employees can take two weeks of paid annual leave each year. However, states and localities have also proposed laws supporting work-life balance, like paid family leave and flexible employee working arrangements. For instance, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the baseline for working hours and overtime pay for workers in the USA.

Benefits of Living in Australia

Here’re some of the most significant benefits of living in Australia for international students and migrants.

No Language or Communication Barrier

The national language of Australia is English which makes communication easy for people from other countries. International students, skilled workers and other immigrants who want to live in Australia can easily communicate in Australia. Moreover, many institutes in Australia offer English language courses and programs for international students. They can improve and enhance their abilities to speak English fluently.

High Standard of Living

Australia is one of the best countries with high standards of living in the world. It has a strong economy with the best financial services. Moreover, it provides a combination of various facilities which makes one’s life perfect in Australia. Such as it has excellent weather, flexible working hours, public holidays, higher incomes and best-quality food.

Career Opportunities

Many international students choose Australia for higher studies and career building. The Government of Australia provides many career opportunities to students from all around the world. The skilled workers with years of experience earn a handsome amount of money in Australia. As the current minimum wage in Australia is $20.33 per hour. However, it’s expected to rise in the coming years. If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List so, you’re definitely going to earn great in Australia.

The wonderful climate and tourist spots

Australia enjoys golden-sunny weather most of the year. Winter can be cold in the south (May-June), but summer-like weather is always present in the north. Tourists and locals migrate north during this time of year. Any time of year, you can go camping, surfing, hiking, or sitting on the beach and sunbathing.

Australia has rainforests, mountains, beaches, deserts, and much more. People like going outside more in this area to see nature because it has beautiful views and weather.

Benefits of Living in USA

USA is one of the most popular states for living and studying. It’s a great destination to spend your holidays with your loved ones. Here’re one of the most prominent factors that attract people towards USA.

Health Facilities

USA has the best healthcare and medical facilities for its residents. If you’re planning to move to USA for treatment so, you’re surely going to get the best medical services there. As USA hospitals have the most professional staff, well-trained nurses and experienced doctors. Furthermore, USA provides the best dental care facilities in the world.

Education

If you’re planning to move to the USA with your children, your top priority should be their education. USA has a high-quality education system which persuades people to move there. Many international students from China, Canada, Japan and Nepal come to the United States of America. As its excellent education system and study programs are recognized all around the world.

Moreover, your children can study in the public/state schools of USA. They can also take admission in USA colleges for further studies. According to the QS World University Rankings, there’re top 20 colleges in America that rank highest in the world.

Career Building

USA is not only a dream destination to live and study but also a great place to work. International students can start their career in the USA after completing their studies. If you’ve graduated from an American institute so, there’ll be more chances for you to get a job opportunity. International students with specific skills and potential may get an opportunity to work in the well-known firms of the USA.

America has a strong economy with a tremendous economic structure. It provides career opportunities in computers, healthcare, real estate, agriculture, film production, business industries. Students can also work part-time while continuing their studies in the USA.

Travel opportunities

You can go to a lot of different kinds of places without leaving the USA. If you want to spend some time exploring snowy mountains in the winter or swimming with tropical fish in the summer, you can do both in America. From sightseeing tours in New York or Seattle to relaxing on the coasts of Florida or California, you’ll find a lot to do with your precious vacation time.

Visa Options for International Individuals: Australia vs. USA

Visa Options for International Individuals in Australia

The Australian government offers a wide range of visas to international individuals that allow them to stay, study, work, and even live permanently in Australia. Such as:

Student Visa Options in Australia

Study Visa Subclass 500: For international students to full-time study at an Australian educational institution for up to 5 years based on the course duration.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): This visa allows overseas recent graduates to live, study, and work temporarily.

- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: Up to 18 months.
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: 2 to 4 years, depending on the qualification.

General Skilled Migration Visas in Australia:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): This visa allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member to live permanently in Australia.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): For skilled workers an Australian state or territory government nominates.
Skilled regional (provisional visa 491): This visa is for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years and then apply for permanent residency.
Employer Sponsor (Subclass 186): This class applies to skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for permanent roles in Australian workplaces.

Family Visas in Australia

Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 801): For partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents to stay with their partners temporarily or permanently.
Parent Visa (Subclass 103): This visa allows parents who are Australian citizens or permanent residents to live with their child partners temporarily or permanently.
Visitor Visa Subclass 600: This visa is for tourists, business visitors, or those visiting family in Australia for up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and unique needs.

Visa Options for International Individuals in the USA

1. Employment-Based Visas

H-1B Visa: This visa is for skilled workers in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher who want to stay in the USA for up to 6 years (initial 3 years, extendable by 3 years).

L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees in managerial or executive positions, they can stay up to 7 years for managers or executives and 5 years for specialised knowledge workers.

EB-2 Visa: This visa is for individuals withholding advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. It also provides a pathway to permanent residency in prior regions of the United States.

EB-3 Visa: This visa allows skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers to live in the USA as permanent residents.

2. Family-Based Visas

Family Preference Visas: For family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

F1 (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens),
F2 (spouses and children of lawful permanent residents), and others.

Immediate Relative Visas: For immediate family members of U.S. citizens.

IR1/CR1 (spouses of U.S. citizens),
IR2 (unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens)
IR5 (parents of U.S. citizens aged 21 and older)

3. Student Visa Options in USA

F-1 Visa: This visa is for full-time study at an accredited U.S. institution and allows for optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.

M-1 Visa: For vocational or non-academic studies but limited to practical training related to the field of study.

Living in Australia vs USA

Determining benefits of living in Australia vs USA, as these are one of the top countries with the best living facilities, study programs and work opportunities, is hard to settle. Both are developed countries with the strongest economy. International students and skilled employees can get different options to start a career in Australia and USA. However, choosing between the USA vs Australia is all up to you. You can make your decision by thoroughly understanding the culture and comparison of living in Australia vs USA.

To find out if you are eligible to study or work in Australia or the USA, book an appointment with our registered consultancy firm!

Moving To Australia | TOP Reasons Why You Should Move To Australia.

FAQ’s about living in Australia vs USA:

USA vs. Australia which is better to live?

While the USA also offers healthcare services but at high costs. Choosing one of these two countries is quite hard. You can decide by overviewing the benefits and facilities of the USA and Australia.

How big is Australia Vs. USA?

Australia isn’t bigger than the USA. It’s approximately 1.3 times smaller than the United States. USA is approximately 9,833,517 sq km while Australia is around 7,741,220 sq km. It makes the USA 27% larger than Australia. In the meantime, Australia has a population of 25.5 million people (307.2 million more people live in the US).

How to become a dual citizen of Australia and USA?

Being a US citizen, you can enjoy dual citizenship in different countries. USA citizens can have citizenship in Australia, the United Kingdom, Dominica, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Denmark.

Australia and the USA are both developed countries with great living standards. Both have a high-quality education system and career opportunities. Australia provides the facility of Medicare for medical services. While the USA also offers healthcare services but at high costs. Choosing one of these two countries is quite hard. You can decide by overviewing the benefits and facilities of the USA and Australia.

Conclusion

While choosing between living in Australia vs Australia, it is essential to consider various factors such as quality of life, cost of living, healthcare system, education, work-life balance, and more. These outcome-driven factors will help you make an informed decision about living in Australia or the United States.

After a comparative analysis, it is concluded that Australia is a far better place to live in 2024 than the USA. As Australia excels in the cost of living, healthcare system, and visa options offered by the government, making it a desired destination for overseas individuals and families.

Muhammad Azeem

I, Muhammad Azeem, am a seasoned content writer specializing in visa and immigration services. Passionate about making the immigration process smoother and more accessible, I combine thorough research with clear and engaging writing.

When not writing, I enjoy exploring new cultures and staying updated on the latest trends in immigration policy.

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