Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (2024)

Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Seemy Disclosure Policyfor more information.

Table of Contents

When it comes to deciding where to live as an expat, there are a lot of factors to consider.

Two of the most popular choices from Americans are England and Australia.

Both countries have a lot to offer expats, but they also have their own unique pros and cons.

While Australia is home to ever-warm weather and a variety of unique landscapes, it’s also got a million animals trying to kill you.

England, on the other hand, is more centrally connected to Europe and North America, but it suffers from cooler weather and regular rainfall.

As a Canadian expat, I’ve lived in both and have lots of opinions to help you decide which is right for you!

Let’s dive in so you can see the comparisons of living in England vs. Australia.

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

Pros and Cons of Living in Australia vs. UK

Living in England: Pros and Cons

PROS

  • More centrally located, making travel back to North America or Europe easier
  • Cooler weather means you can actually enjoy spending time outdoors!
  • Plenty of cultural attractions and things to do

CONS

  • Weather can be unpredictable and dreary
  • Can be expensive, especially in larger cities like London
  • Not as many job opportunities as Australia

Read more pros and cons of living in England here.

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (1)

Living in Australia: Pros and Cons

PROS

  • Amazing weather means you can spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine!
  • Plenty of unique landscapes to explore, from rainforests to beaches to deserts.
  • A laid-back lifestyle that is perfect for relaxing and enjoying life.

CONS

  • So many deadly animals that it’s impossible to feel safe anywhere.
  • Isolation from the rest of the world can make travel difficult and expensive.
  • Not as many job opportunities as in England.

Read more pros and cons of living in Australia here.

Before we can decide which is better, let me take you through my experience in both countries.

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (2)

My Experience Living in the UK

I’ve always wanted to live in the UK ever since the first time I heard Jane’s accent on Tarzan.

I used to visit a lot. And it’s actually the reason I moved away from New Zealand: to live as an expat in Oxford.

I absolutely loved it there. The city is so picturesque and there’s always something going on.

I never got bored, and I really enjoyed the weather.

Yes, it rains a lot, but I actually don’t mind that. Especially since it’s more of a mist.

The British school system is eons ahead of North America, with a focus on discussion and engagement rather than rote testing. There’s more of a work-life balance too.

Unfortunately after Brexit, a UK passport no longer means free mobility throughout Europe.

That was the start of the end for me.

The lack of mobility, rampant racism, and xenophobia when I applied for jobs (I’m a white Canadian woman who studied in their country, but still no success!) really put me off.

In the end, when I had to leave in 2020 to quarantine in Canada, I realized I’d been viewing the country with rose-coloured glasses and assuming all life would be a comedy panel TV show.

That’s not the case.

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (3)

My Experience Living in Australia

I lived in New Zealand for a long time, which is very similar to Australia. I only spent a month in Oz when I was 16, but my step-sister lived down under for much longer.

Between our combined experiences, we both have glowing reviews of Australian people and work-life balance.

While she didn’t mind the giant palm-sized spider in her shower for months, I ran in the other direction.

The thing I really loved about Australia is the landscape.

From rainforests, to beaches, to eerie deserts, there’s always something new to explore.

I also found the food scene in Australia to be much better than England. There’s such a focus on fresh, local ingredients and unique fusion cuisine.

In terms of work, there are more opportunities in Australia. But the pay isn’t as good as in the UK.

However, since you can get hired easier, you’re likely to actually make money unlike in the UK.

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

Living in England vs. Australia Compared

Quality of Life

England

Quality of life is notoriously high in England.

British people enjoy free healthcare, a high standard of education, and generally safe and stable society. They have good social security that allows for many weeks of vacation, annual leave for illness, and maternity leave.

The cost of living is also relatively affordable (depending on where you live), especially in comparison to other developed countries.

Plus with their insistence on a proper cuppa throughout the day and a “tea” snack in the afternoon, you can be sure they don’t take work too seriously and care about a break.

Australia

Like England, Australia boasts a high quality of life.

Aussies also enjoy free healthcare and education, as well as a stable society. They too have good social security, with around 6 weeks of vacation, annual leave for illness, and maternity leave.

The cost of living is a bit higher than England’s, but still affordable (again, depending on where you live).

And while they may not be as tea-obsessed as the British, Australians definitely know how to relax with a “barbie” (barbecue) and a cold beer.

I witnessed people run from work the moment it hit 5pm to take to the water for surfing, relaxing, or playing with their kids.

I much prefer that to the work-life balance of living in the US or Canada.

Work-Life Balance

England

In England, the work-life balance is pretty good.

While people do tend to work long hours, they also get a lot of vacation time and holidays. Plus, most companies offer flexible working arrangements, so you can often take time off when you need it.

This obviously depends on the field you work in. Banks in London or ad agencies in Brighton tend to work crazy hours, just like the rest of the world. But they do still get additional holidays and typically have more relaxed policies about getting a bevvie at lunch.

They have a slightly more European approach to working, which means they aren’t as obsessed with face-time and are more likely to trust you to get your work done without monitoring your every move.

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (4)

Australia

The work-life balance in Australia is excellent.

Australians typically work fewer hours than people in other developed countries and have more vacation time. They also have more public holidays.

And like England, most companies offer flexible working arrangements. So if you need to take a day off, it’s usually not a problem.

Of course, this varies depending on the industry. But overall, people in Australia seem to have a better work-life balance than in other developed countries.

They are also, much like New Zealand, very open to long sabbaticals or time off earned so you can do gap years abroad without having to pay for price-y tickets home in between.

Almost all the ski hills in Canada during winter and even Muskoka in the summer are full of Aussies on a gap year or working holiday.

Education

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (5)

England

The education system in England is excellent.

There are many world-renowned universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, that attract students from all over the globe. And while tuition can be expensive, there are a number of scholarships and financial aid options available.

To be honest, tuition – even with international fees – was still cheaper than a year of undergrad in Canada (which is about 1/3 or 1/4 of that in the US).

In addition, the English education system provides good quality primary and secondary schools.

I love their teaching style, which focuses more on engaging in a discussion to ensure you understand the material instead of constant tests that never give you enough time to even read the books for class.

Australia

The education system in Australia is also excellent.

There are many world-renowned universities, such as the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney, that attract students from all over the globe. And while tuition can be expensive, there are a number of scholarships and financial aid options available.

Australian universities also typically have smaller class sizes, which means you get more individual attention from professors.

And like England, the Australian education system provides good quality primary and secondary schools.

One of the things I love about Australia is that they have a very hands-on approach to education.

So instead of sitting in a classroom all day, you’ll often find yourself outside and having time to actually engage with the material in hands-on ways.

Housing

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (6)

England

The housing market in England is expensive.

While you can find cheaper areas to live, such as Manchester or Liverpool, the prices in London are outrageous. A one-bedroom flat in London can easily cost you £2,000 (about $2,900) per month. (And that’s not even right downtown!)

And a three-bedroom flat can cost upwards of £4,500 (about $5,700) per month.

Of course, there are ways to save money on housing, such as living in a house share or finding a room in a shared flat. But even then, you’ll be paying more than you would in other countries.

It’s very common to not live in large city centres in the UK, and then you take the train to work every day.

My friend and I were planning to live in Oxford or a commuter city and to work in London – this was pre-2020 and my visa not getting renewed due to Covid-19. It would have saved us some money, but the bus passes were equally expensive and it would have taken an hour to get to work each way.

It’s hard to find a house that’s not ridiculously expensive anywhere in the south of England in a major city. Most people end up in flats to save money.

Get a homestay with Vrbo!

Australia

The housing market in Australia is also expensive.

While you can find cheaper areas to live, such as Melbourne or Sydney, the prices in Brisbane and Perth are outrageous. A one-bedroom flat in Brisbane or Perth can easily cost you AUD$2,000 (about $1,425) per month.

And a three-bedroom flat can cost upwards of AUD$4,500 (about $3,200) per month.

My sister had a flat share in Sydney with 6 people, one bathroom, and it still cost about the same as my one-bedroom flat in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Houses are more common in Australia than in England. It’s not as common to live in a house share or find a room in a shared flat in smaller towns.

But even then, you’ll be paying more than you would in other countries.

The average price for a house in Australia is about AUD$1,100,000 (about $790,000). This varies massively depending on where you live, though.

Get a homestay with Vrbo!

Healthcare

England

The National Health Service (NHS) is the public healthcare system in England. It’s free at the point of use and covers a wide range of treatments and services.

However, there have been some issues with the NHS in recent years. There have been reports of long waiting times for appointments and surgery, as well as a shortage of doctors and nurses.

You can speed up these times by paying for private treatment.

There is also a growing problem with mental health in the UK. According to a recent report, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.

Much like Canada, emergency services are free. The UK is actually better with some prescriptions being covered as well.

However, dental, vision, and a lot of other things are not covered. Workplaces have benefits programs to help you cover these expenses.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Australia

Australia also has a public healthcare system, called Medicare. It’s free at the point of use and covers a wide range of treatments and services.

However, there have been some issues with Medicare in recent years. There have been reports of long waiting times for appointments and surgery, as well as a shortage of doctors and nurses.

Much like New Zealand, you also have to opt-in to a specific family doctor. So, if you move to a new area, you have to find a new doctor and start the process all over again.

There is also a growing problem with mental health in Australia. According to a recent report, one in five people in Australia will experience a mental health problem each year.

The pharmaceuticals benefit scheme helps keep costs of medicines down, but not all medicines are included in this program.

You can get private health insurance or government services via Medicare – which includes physio and dental.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Social Security

England

England has some social security systems in place, such as state retirement and dependent supplements. This is via the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The country also offers widows’, disability, and unemployment benefits. You may be eligible for free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) if you’re a resident of England.

Non-residents living in England on a visa have to pay a fee to opt into the NHS (this is not optional and is the most expensive part of the visa process).

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (7)

Australia

Australia also has various social security programs, such as the age pension, disability support pension, and carer payment.

Carer allowance and family tax benefits are also available for those with children. Australians can also opt into free healthcare through Medicare.

Unlike England, visa applicants don’t have to pay a fee to opt into the free healthcare system. However, they will need private insurance to cover the costs of supplemental health care.

Salaries

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (8)

England

The average salary in England is about GBP 30,000 (about $41,000 USD). This varies depending on your occupation and location.

For example, the average salary in London is about GBP 34,000 (about $46,000), while the average salary in Manchester is about GBP 28,000 (about $38,000).

The problem is that many salaries don’t cover cost of living in the major cities they’re in.

Many people have office jobs that pay on average 30-50k GBP, yet their cost of living can easily exceed that in London.

My entry level salary for a publishing degree was GBP 24,000. However, there weren’t many opportunities to grow beyond GBP 50,000 in the next 15 years with promotions.

This was for a job in downtown London.

I recommend this platform to find jobs as a foreigner.

Australia

The average salary in Australia is about AUD 60,000 (about $41,000 USD). This varies depending on your occupation and location.

For example, the average salary in Sydney is about AUD 72,000 (about $48,000), while the average salary in Melbourne is about AUD 64,000 (about $42,000).

The cost of living is also high in Australia, particularly in the major cities.

However, salaries tend to be higher than in England, so there is more room for growth.

There are fewer variations of jobs in the country, with limited industries.

This can make it difficult to move up the career ladder.

Although, if you’re in a high-paying job, the cost of living won’t be as much of an issue.

I recommend this platform to find jobs as a foreigner.

Taxes

England

Income tax is reasonably high in the UK.

This is the income tax rate in England in 2022:

Taxable IncomeTax Rate
Up to £12,5700%
£12,571 to £50,27020%
£50,271 to £150,00040%
over £150,00045%

Australia

Australia’s income tax rates are similar to the UK’s, but as their income is about $0.50 to 1 GBP, they are lower overall.

Taxable IncomeTax Rate
0 – $18,2000%
$18,201 – $45,00019cents for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $120,000$5,092 plus 32.5cents for each $1 over $45,000
$120,001 – $180,000$29,467 plus 37cents for each $1 over $120,000
$180,001 and over$51,667 plus 45cents for each $1 over $180,000

A 2% Medicare levy is added on top of this amount.

Foreign residents have a higher tax rate than locals. Even Working Holiday Visa holders must pay a minimum 15% tax on their income.

Cost of Living

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (9)

England

The cost of living in England is high, especially in the major cities.

Rent and utility bills can easily exceed GBP 2,000 (about $2,900 USD) per month.

Food and transportation costs are also high.

A meal for two at a restaurant can cost about GBP 40 (about $54 USD), while a bottle of wine can cost about GBP 10 (about $13 USD). Most people eat out in the UK, or purchase “meal deals” at Tescos and Marks and Spencer’s.

Public transportation is also expensive, with a one-way ticket on the London Underground costing about GBP 4.50 (about $6 USD).

Living outside of London will lower your cost of living, but it will also lower your salary expectations.

Australia

The cost of living in Australia is also high, especially in the major cities.

Rent and utility bills can easily exceed AUD 3,000 (about $2,300 USD) per month.

Food and transportation costs are also high. A meal for two at a restaurant can cost about AUD 60 (about $39 USD), while a bottle of wine can cost about AUD 20 (about $13 USD).

Public transportation is also expensive, with a one-way ticket on the Sydney Trains costing about AUD 4.50 (about $3 USD).

Living outside of the major cities will lower your cost of living, but it will also lower your salary expectations. Especially if you live in the outback, where cost of housing is very low but all other costs are very high.

Since the items in Australia have to be imported, there’s a high import cost that inflates all costs in the country.

Public Transportation

England

Public transportation in England is good, but it can be expensive.

The main mode of public transportation is the train. Tickets can cost about GBP 4.50 (about $6 USD) for a one-way trip on the London Underground.

There are also buses and taxis, but they are not as popular as the train.

Buses and the national rail service run between cities across the country, making it very easy to travel around.

I went from Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon on a half-day trip with the national rail service. And I’d regularly take the bus to London for shows at night.

Buying passes and bulk tickets help lower these costs.

Australia

Australia has public transportation within the major cities. These are often used by locals to get around, but most tourists stick to cabs.

On average, a one-way ticket costs $4.50 AUD. A monthly pass is the same cost as 34 rides on the train. Most people who commute get these passes.

Taxis cost about $2.15 per km.

Driving

England

It is not common for residents to drive in the UK.

Most of the roads are very old, so they’re extremely narrow. This means that rush hour causes horrible traffic jams.

If you live outside of the south of England, people own cars but forgo them for train trips to the larger cities.

Petrol prices are also high, making driving even more expensive.

Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (10)

Australia

It is very common for residents to drive in Australia.

The roads are newer and wider, so there is less traffic.

Petrol prices are cheaper than in the UK, making driving more affordable.

Since most buses and trains run on awkward schedules between cities, people get around by their own cars more often. They also use them for hiking and surfing.

Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Weather

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (11)

England

The weather in England is notoriously bad.

It rains a lot and it’s often cold, dreary, and gray.

The summers are the best time of year, with temperatures reaching about 26 degrees Celsius (about 79 degrees Fahrenheit).

I actually loved winters in Oxford, England. We had two days of snow that were a light dusting – much better than living in Canada.

You could wear a light jacket in the winter and not need heavy duty winter boots.

Summer typically still requires a light jacket at night, but most people travel to Spain to take advantage of the warmer weather there.

Australia

The weather in Australia is notoriously good.

It’s sunny almost all year round, with temperatures reaching about 32 degrees Celsius (about 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

I actually found the heat to be a bit much at times. I’m used to Canadian winters, so the heat was a bit of a shock to my system.

The best time to visit Australia is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. The weather is still warm but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists. It’s also not the rainy season of winter.

Culture

England

England has a long and rich culture that includes everything from literature and art to music and food. There is a strong tradition of theatre in England, with some of the most famous playwrights in the world coming from England, such as William Shakespeare.

England is also home to many famous museums, such as the British Museum and the Tate Modern.

Many people think Brits are stuck up, but I actually found them really down to earth and charming.

They have a deep love of pub life, and “rounds” culture that I kept messing up (when you buy a round for the table rather than just your own drink).

It’s a very dry sense of humor that I love, especially on quiz shows (which is basically the entire reason I have a VPN still).

Brits do have a sense of manners that many Americans struggle with. They queue on an honour system, never jump the line, and are always polite (even if it’s masking disdain).

There is a class disparity in the UK. Racism seems to play a secondary role to classism, which I found much more shocking. People would regularly get put down for their regional accents.

Australia

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.

There are many beautiful beaches in Australia, and the weather is usually pretty good, so Australians often spend their weekends outdoors.

One of the things I love about Australia is that it’s such a melting pot of cultures. You can find people from all over the world living in Australia, and this makes for a really interesting and diverse culture.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of racism in Australia (England, too) directed towards Indigenous peoples. It seems like they’ve been taking more strides recently to improve this.

People

England

The people of England are a mix of many cultures and backgrounds. The largest group is of English descent, followed by Scots, Irish, Welsh, and then other groups from all over the world.

What I love about the British people is their sense of humour. It’s often very dry and sarcastic, and I find it hilarious. Brits also have a great sense of irony.

Something that took some getting used to was the British accent. It can be very difficult to understand, especially when people are speaking quickly.

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (12)

Australia

Ozzies are much friendlier than Brits to non-residents. I found it really easy to make friends and have had some great experiences with locals.

It’s easier to make friends at work. It’s more challenging for students in dorms, as they tend to group international students together.

Australian accents can be difficult to understand as well, but not nearly as bad as the British accent.

One of the things I love about Australians is their informality. People are very relaxed and casual, which I really enjoy.

Diversity

England

England is a very diverse country, with people from all over the world living there. This makes for a really interesting and enriching culture.

However, I did find that there was a lot of racism directed towards certain groups, such as Muslims. There is also a lot of classism, with people being judged based on their accents and where they come from.

They also tend to put down Americans a lot in general, but are nice to individuals.

Australia

Australia was founded as a penal colony, but that doesn’t mean it’s still a country of criminals.

In fact, Australia is one of the most diverse countries in the world. You can find people from all over living there, which makes for a really enriching culture.

However, there is still a lot of racism directed towards certain groups, such as Indigenous Australians.

Classism is less apparent though.

Slang

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (13)

England

The British have a lot of slang words and phrases that can be confusing for Americans. Here are some examples:

  • “I’m knackered”: I’m tired
  • “Cheers”: thank you
  • “Ta”: thank you
  • “Bog”: toilet
  • “Have a bash”: give it a try

I love British slang though, and regularly use it even though I have an aggressively Canadian accent.

People are often surprised that British slang is very different than Canadian slang.

Australia

Australian slang is different than British slang. In fact, much of the stereotypical slang of “shrimp on the barbie” isn’t really their slang.

Here are some examples of Australian slang:

  • “G’day”: hello
  • “Sheila”: woman
  • “Crikey”: wow
  • “Dunny”: toilet

I really enjoy Australian slang and find it to be very fun and colorful.

It’s different than New Zealand slang.

Food

England

The food in England is really good. There are a lot of traditional dishes, like fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, etc. that are absolutely delicious.

I also love English breakfasts. They usually consist of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and beans. It’s a really hearty meal that’s perfect for starting the day.

There are also a lot of great Indian restaurants in England, as well as other cuisines from all over the world.

Australia

Traditional Australian food is not as good as traditional English food. The most popular dish is probably Vegemite on toast, which is an acquired taste.

I do love Australian pies though! Their meat pies, much like in New Zealand, are a staple “snack” to grab on the go.

I never got a taste for snake or kangaroo, but they also seem to have those on the menu everywhere – even though it’s more of tourist attraction.

Alcohol/Drinking Culture

England

Both England and Australia have big drinking cultures. In England, the pub atmosphere is intrinsic to daily life.

People even go for a beer at lunch when they’re working!

Australia

Drinking culture is also big in Australia, but it’s a bit different. In Australia, people usually drink at home before going out to the pub.

This means that people are usually drunker when they go out, and the nightlife is a bit more rowdy as a result.

Job Opportunities

England

There are a lot of job opportunities in England, especially in London.

However, the cost of living is also very high, so you need to be making a good salary to live comfortably.

The most popular professions are in finance, business, and law.

I recommend this platform to find jobs as a foreigner.

Australia

There are also a lot of job opportunities in Australia, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

The cost of living is high as well, but not as high as in England.

The most popular professions are in finance, business, and law.

I recommend this platform to find jobs as a foreigner.

Safety

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (14)

England

England is a very safe country. I never felt unsafe when I lived there, even when walking around alone at night.

The crime rate is low, and the British police are very effective.

There are certain areas of cities that can be more dangerous, such as South London.

But to be honest, I took buses home from comedy shows at 2 am across London and never had a problem.

I felt a little more uncomfortable on the underground in London at night, but that’s mostly due to movies dramatizing it.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Australia

I never questioned my safety in Australia from people. However, the plethora of animals were another thing entirely.

I got used to the spiders and snakes, but I was always on high alert for sharks when swimming in the ocean.

There are also a lot of bushfires in Australia, so that’s something to be aware of as well.

In general, though, I felt just as safe in Australia as I did in England.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Travel

England

One of the main reasons I wanted to live in England was because it’s so easy to travel around Europe from there.

You can take a short flight or even just hop on a train and be in Paris, Amsterdam, or Berlin in no time.

And since the UK was part of the European Union, you don’t need a visa to travel anywhere within the EU. Since Brexit, that’s no longer the case for ongoing work.

Since the currency is valued above the Euro and USD, it’s easy to travel and not feel like you’re spending a ton.

Plus with 6+ weeks vacation, there’s tons of time to go on adventures!

Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!

Australia

Australia is a bit more difficult to travel from since it’s so far away from everything.

It can take around 16 hours just to get to Southeast Asia!

But Australia does have a lot of domestic travel opportunities. You can fly or drive to different parts of the country and explore all it has to offer.

And New Zealand and the Cook Islands are about 3-6 hours away (and as y’all know, New Zealand is my favourite place on the planet!).

The currency is also valued below the USD and Euro (usually on par with the Canadian Dollar), so travel can be a bit more expensive.

However, with 6+ weeks vacation, you still have plenty of time to explore.

Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!

Study Abroad

England

I studied abroad in Oxford and in Glasgow throughout my uni career (the former as an international student and the latter as an exchange student).

I absolutely adored the school system. It’s more about opening dialogues and you have so much more time to live your life. In both cases, I never had more than 10 hours of classes a week, even during exams only about 10-12 hours of work to do at home per week.

In Canada and the US, I’d have had a minimum of 15 hours of classes and 5 hours of homework per class (usually about 25 hours) per week MINIMUM.

I never got to read every book for my classes at uni in North America because of all the assignments and weekly quizzes.

The UK school system is far superior and I felt like I actually learned, and got to enjoy exploring, while I studied there.

If you’re from a British colony, you can study for 6 months without a visa. Anything more and you’ll need a Tier 4 Student Visa – which entitles you to an extra year of work in the country after your degree.

Australia

As a North American, my sister had to get a Student Visa in order to study in Australia.

The process was very smooth and she had no problems getting her visa approved, but there are now more backlogs so you have to apply about 3 months ahead of time to ensure it’s processed.

You will need to note that the Australian and New Zealand school system runs on the opposite schedules as Northern schools due to the different seasons.

So their first semester starts in February rather than September.

The school system is more similar to the UK and allows for more of a work-life balance.

However, travel to get to Australia is more complicated. I do recommend it as a place to study abroad – and it’s incredibly popular for it – since you can spend an extended period of time down under exploring.

Wildlife

England

There are some cool animals in England like badgers, otters, and red squirrels.

You can also find deer, foxes, and hedgehogs in more rural areas. In fact, even in towns that are populous like Oxford, I’d often hear the foxes screaming at night outside my dorms.

In the seas around the UK, you can find dolphins, seals, and whales.

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (15)

Australia

There are some dangerous animals in Australia like snakes, spiders, and sharks.

But there are also a lot of cool animals too! You can find koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies on land.

And in the water, you can find sea turtles, dugongs, and manta rays.

So, if you’re looking to see some unique wildlife, Australia is the place for you!

Country Size

England

England isn’t a massive country. England is 243,610km².

It has about 68.6 million people as of 2022.

Australia

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. 7.688millionkm².

In 2021, Australia had about 25.4 million people.

TV and Entertainment

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (16)

England

British TV is my favourite thing in the world.

British comedy panel shows are epic. And shows like Taskmaster are the reason I have a VPN to stream on Dave.

If you want to watch some good British TV, I recommend:

  • Mock the Week
  • Have I Got News for You
  • Would I Lie to You?
  • QI
  • 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
  • Taskmaster

The UK also has a great dry sense of humour and their own pop music. Festivals like Glastonbury and Fringe in Edinburgh are great places to get a sense of the vibe.

Australia

Australia has some great TV shows too! I recommend:

  • Kath & Kim
  • Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
  • The Secret Life of Us
  • Offspring
  • Please Like Me

I find the production quality a bit lower, but the content is very similar to British TV in terms of humour.

FAQs:

Is living in the UK better than Australia?

There are pros and cons to living in both the UK and Australia. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a country. If you want to see unique wildlife, then Australia is the place for you. But if you’re looking for a more traditional school system and cheap international travel, then the UK might be a better option.

Is it cheaper to live in UK or Australia?

It is cheaper to live in Australia if you don’t plan to travel internationally often. Local costs are lower in many cases.

Cost of living is higher in the UK, but there are also more job opportunities and cheap international travel that can make it overall cheaper to live in the UK instead of Australia.

Is it worth moving to Australia from UK?

Yes, it is worth moving to Australia from the UK if you are looking for a change of pace. The weather is better, the food is great, and there are plenty of things to do. Just be prepared for the high cost of living and the long flight!

Is Australia safer than UK?

There is a lot of violent crime in Australia in smaller towns, but it is still considered a safe country. The UK also has a lot of violent crime, but it is not as prevalent as in Australia. However, petty crime is more common in the UK with thefts of bikes and local vandalism. So, overall, I would say that Australia is safer than the UK.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Wrap Up: UK vs. Australia Which is Better?

Living in England vs. Australia is a big difference.

There are some things that are better in Australia like the weather and the food. But there are also some things that are better in England like the public transportation and the job opportunities.

So, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a country.

Personally, I love both countries and had great experiences in both. However, neither had exactly what I was looking for after I graduated university and I’ve continued to move abroad to other countries in Europe and Canada since.

Looking for some tips on how to move abroad from an expert expat? Check out these guides:

Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when you’re moving abroad!

Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide

🚑Should I buy expat travel insurance?

100%YES!— With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!

🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?

It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!

📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?

It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.

Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!

💼 How do I get a job as an expat?

You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!

💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?

Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.

I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)

👯‍♀️ How do you make friends abroad?

Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.

🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?

Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.

💻 Do I need a VPN?

Yes!VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.

🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?

This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.

🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?

Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.

✈️What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. (Read more)

🏨What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommendBooking.com. (Read more)

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars.

🚗What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommendViator.

Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better (2024) (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 5967

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.