As eager travelers, Australians naturally make up a large portion of the international expat community.

According to the ABS, an Australian resident moves overseas every minute and 51 seconds.

The international money transfer business recently analysed seven countries to see how they compare with Australia against the jobs in demand, accessibility of visas, the cost of living, and working conditions.

“Australia’s generous paid annual leave and superannuation makes our working conditions some of the best in the world,” says Patrick Liddy, Head of Foreign Exchange at WorldFirst.

“Workers from a range of industries, including IT, education, health, engineering, building and construction, may find a job easier here, but they’ll need to demonstrate a proficient level of English for some working visas.

“At $1,661 a month, rent for a one-bedroom city apartment doesn’t come cheap [and] Australia’s public transport costs at $141 a monthare also the highest of all countries analysed.

“However, expats can enjoy our pristine beaches, laidback lifestyle and a stable economy.”

Here’s a look at the comparisons:

1. Germany: Cheap rent and generous sick leave entitlements

“Not only does it have one of the strongest economies in Europe but rent for a one-bedroom city apartment is the lowest of any country analysed,” says WorldFirst.

“However, transport costs are the second highest, just behind Australia’s monthly transport cost of $141.

“Health specialists and engineers may secure a visa more easily, as these jobs are in demand, but other workers will have to prove their job could not be filled by an EU worker.

“If Australians do get the opportunity to work in Germany, they enjoy generous maternity and sick leave benefits.”

Common monthly expenses: $1,077 (rent), $111 (transport)

Cup of coffee: $4.20

Jobs in demand: Technology specialists, health professionals, and engineers.

Visa requirements: Working Holiday visas are available for 18-30s for up to 12 months. Australians with a firm job offer and a vocational qualification can apply for a residence permit for general employment.

Working conditions: Employees are entitled to 14 weeks maternity leave on full pay, and full salary for up to six weeks in case of illness.

2. Singapore: tax haven, but expensive rent

“Singapore is popular with finance industry professionals, and its low income tax rates – up to 22% for high earners – make it attractive for businesses and executives,” says WorldFirst.

“Even better, expats are subject to just a 15 per cent income tax in their first 183 days of employment in Singapore.

“Visa are easy to acquire and are valid for up to two years, but Singapore’s popularity among professionals also makes it one of the most expensive countries for rent.”

 

Common monthly expenses: $2,673 (rent), $99 (transport)

Cup of coffee: $5

Jobs in demand: Business and financial professionals, infrastructure constructionists and marketing consultants.

Visa requirements: Employment Pass or S Card are valid for up to three years.

Working conditions: Employees on visas or work permits are not entitled to superannuation in Singapore.

3. Hong Kong: less favourable annual leave entitlements and high rental fees

“Hong Kong has less favourable working conditions than Australia’s, with limited annual, maternity and paternity leave,” says WorldFirst.

“Sales, information technology, marketing and finance roles are sought after in Hong Kong, but Working Holiday visas are limited.”

 

 

Common monthly expenses: $3,210 (rent), $81 (transport)

Cup of coffee: $6

Jobs in demand: Finance and accounting, engineering and marketing and sales.

Visa requirements: General Employment Policy visas are available for Australians with a job offer, a good academic and professional background, and where the job cannot be filled locally. Working Holiday visas are available for 5000 Australians between 18 and 30 years.

Working conditions: Employees are only entitled to seven-to-14 days’ annual leave, 10 weeks’ paid maternity leave if they have been with their employer for at least 40 weeks, and just three days’ paternity leave.

4. USA: unique visa for Australians, but low comparable health and social benefit

“Aussies with scientific and mathematical skills are in luck if they are looking to move to the US, as mathematics, engineers and information technology jobs are in high demand,” says WorldFirst.

“Workers are also eligible to apply for a unique visa available to Australians, which can be extended to a spouse. As Australians will not get the same health and social benefits in the US, a private health plan can be a perk to seek out from a US employer.

 

 

Common monthly expenses: $1,671 (rent), $94 (transport)

Cup of coffee: $5.40

Jobs in demand: Mathematics, information technology, health professionals, teachers and writers.

Visa requirements: The E-3 visa is available exclusively for Australians with a job offer and at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). It can be renewed indefinitely and also allows the applicant’s spouse to live and work in the USA.

Working conditions: Many private employers in the USA offer a 401(k) plan, through which employees can make tax-free savings towards their retirement.

Click to read more https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/personalfinance/heres-how-australias-cost-of-living-compares-to-other-countries-around-the-world/ar-BBNgaSX