Are you better off in Australia or back in the UK? The fact is than more than 1.3 million British citizens call Australia home out of a total population of 24.6 million and the annual numbers of Brits migrating to these shores keep rising.
Our love affair with the lucky country looks set to continue. We come here in search of the lifestyle. We come here in search of greater job opportunities and bigger houses. We come here in search of fantastic year-round weather and pristine surf beaches.
We land on these shores looking for an improved quality of life and wellbeing but is it a long-term move for the better or would we actually do well staying back in the UK?
Both countries have much to offer in a range of areas so I’ve handpicked the four key factors that might influence a decision to move to Australia or make you decide to stay at home.
Economy
Australia’s economy fared well in the global financial crisis and recession was a word associated with countries further afield. The UK struggled and recovered then struggled again. When it comes to vital statistics such as GDP growth, house price increases and employment rates, the UK still lags behind Australia.
Standard of Living
The cost of living in Australia is one of the world’s highest and you won’t find many Brits heading here for cheap beer, clothing or groceries alone. Eating out in Australia costs more than the UK – about 15% more. However, when comparing London to Sydney, London is more expensive. A meal for two in the local pub in London would cost over 11% more than it would in Sydney and a ticket to see the latest movie would cost 8.5% more in London.
Weather
The weather is undoubtedly one of the main reasons that Brits flock to Australian shores in large numbers and it’s not hard to see why. Sydney’s average summer temperature reaches 26 degrees while London’s temps stutter at 15 degrees. In terms of sunshine per year, Sydney has almost double the number of sunny days as London but, surprisingly, more rainfall.
Quality of Life
Australians are known for being some of the most relaxed people in the world. People love surfing, skating and walking around without shoes and with a cold drink in hand. This is the overall lifestyle, but it really depends where you live. Although a lot of people think that Aussie’s live the best life, they also work really hard. The good thing is that the lovely weather and having beautiful beaches at your doorstep definitely helps you to have the best time in your free time.
Surveys and indicators are all well and good, but when it comes to making the decision to move internationally, there are certain criteria that go beyond statistics. Gut feeling and a sense of contentment play a crucial role in helping you decide whether a move to Australia is the right choice for you. This decision involves a mix of personal factors, including your own preferences, desires, and the circumstances of your life, encouraging you to consider removals to Australia.
Ask yourself if you like the idea of living here? Do you think you’ll enjoy your free time? Can you see yourself staying longer-term living this kind of life?
Every day, we’re bamboozled with reports telling us which countries are safest, cheapest and happiest to live in when really it comes down to one thing: personal choice.
If you feel connected to a place and at peace with your decision, then you stand a good chance of enjoying your life there.
