Australia is undoubtedly one of the most livable places in the world.
Australia is a dream place to live, from its growing economy that offers many opportunities, to its beauty & aesthetics.
Most people in Australia will agree that the pros of living there outweigh the cons. But either way, you have to make a wise individual decision.
Benefits of living in Australia
Australia is considered by many to be one of the best places in the world to live. It was ranked the 8th best country in the world for quality of life according to World Population Review 2022.
Let’s examine in more detail what will draw you to this country.
1. Outstanding Healthcare System
Australia is home to one of the best healthcare systems in the world, offering universal coverage for all citizens and permanent residents through its widely-utilised Medicare program.
With highly trained and certified practitioners, Australians can rest assured knowing that they are receiving quality care from professionals who have met strict qualifications. The program includes public funded health services such as bulk billing for medical appointments, as well as additional support for veterans and other special groups.
As a result of our top-tier healthcare system, Australia is an excellent country of residence to ensure you receive high quality medical assistance whenever you need it most.
2. High Living Standards
Australians enjoy a high-quality of life and living standards, largely owing to the advanced economy of the country. There are excellent job prospects and wages are paid competitively.
The government systems also provide great support, while crime rates remain relatively low. All these factors provide citizens with comfortable lifestyles, making it an attractive place to live and work.
3. Climate and Nature
Australia has a varied climate, with rainforests, deserts, mountains, and beaches all within its borders. There are over 3000 hours of sunshine every year in most regions, meaning you’re sure to never be short of pleasant weather.
In terms of natural resources, Australia is home to gold, coal, and iron deposits as well as other valuable materials. The extensive landmass of 7.692 million square kilometres creates a space for various wildlife species to live, including kangaroos, dingos and the quirky platypus.
Interestingly enough, more than 80% of mammal, reptile and frog species can only be found here!
4. Education System
Australia is widely known for having an excellent education system, making it a desirable destination for both domestic and international students. With its experienced educators, comprehensive curricula, and quality delivery of subjects, students are sure to receive high-quality instruction.
Moreover, citizens and permanent residents have the privilege of accessing free education from government schools. Australia also has seven universities listed in the world’s top 100; combined with the ample scholarships local and foreign students can avail, this truly makes it an ideal place to receive an education. In addition, the government allocates $200 million of its budget every year specifically for these scholarships.
5. A Low Crime Rate
Australia has long been renowned for its low crime rate, making it an attractive destination to live or visit. This is supported by the findings of both the 2020 Global Peace Index and 2021 Safe Cities Index by the Economic Intelligence Unit.
The former ranked Australia 13th out of 163 countries, while the latter declared Sydney and Melbourne 4th and 8th safest cities globally.
Disadvantages of living in Australia
1. High Cost of Living
Living in Australia is known for being great, but it comes at a high price. For an average income earner, the cost of living can be as high as 800-1000 AUD not including rent expenses. Australians have recently seen food and transportation costs increase drastically, shocking many visitors. Vehicles are exceedingly expensive because imports make up most of the market due to the very costly local production.
2. A sense of Isolation
Australia occupies a large landmass of 7,693 square kilometres making it very independent. The big cities are far from each other and you have to drive hours to cross them. Some cities are so spread out that you can drive more than half a day just to reach another city. Also, the Australian continent is far from other continents, resulting in time differences.
3. Expensive Healthcare Insurance
Healthcare insurance in Australia is expensive, regardless of the type of policy purchased. Every year, customers find themselves paying thousands of dollars in premiums in order to receive coverage. Unfortunately, government subsidies are not sufficient to completely offset the high costs associated with medical bills. For example, Medicare does not even cover ambulance services for citizens across Australia.
4. Extreme Weather Conditions and Natural Disasters
Australia is known for its extreme weather conditions and exposure to natural disasters. Regions of Australia are renowned for intense heat, with some areas experiencing high humidity and temperatures rising over forty degrees Celsius. During winter, parts of the country get so cold that living in those locations becomes unbearable for many people. Unfortunately, Australia also experiences floods, cyclones, drought, and bushfires which can be catastrophic for hundreds of properties and countless lives when devastating events occur.
5. Racism
Racism is a deep-rooted issue that has been pervasive in Australia for many years. A recent survey found that an alarming 76% of Australians from non-European backgrounds experienced some form of racial discrimination in their lifetime due to their ethnicity. This shows that racism is still very much present in our society and something we must work to address.
