The 10 Best Countries To Live In And Work Abroad In 2025

Where are the best countries to live in the world? Whether you’re thinking of moving to another country, or looking to see if your current home ranks in the list of living destinations, we’ve gone around the world to find the best countries for expats to move to.

Could this be the perfect year for you and your family to up sticks and pursue a whole new life? With more companies switching to remote and flexible working, the allure of living abroad – whether as a long-term expat, or a short-term digital nomad – has never been bigger. And, as many countries experience a cost of living crisis, you may even find a less expensive lifestyle overseas, while also opening the door to a higher quality of life, better education and great healthcare.

So where exactly are the best places to live in the world right now? Here are our pick of the 10 best countries in the world to live and work abroad. As with all things, make sure you do your research before agreeing to relocate, and read as much as you can about your intended destination.

What makes these the best countries to live in the world?

As experts in international health insurance with over 30 years’ experience helping expats settle into their new lives overseas, we’ve kept a close eye on the countries our expat community tends to settle down. Our list of the top ten countries to move to is based on findings from our expat and digital nomad members, drawn from the areas they tend to report the best quality of life, income to spending ratio, education, and quality of healthcare.

That’s not to say these are the only good countries to move to. When it comes to choosing the best country to live in, it will depend on who you ask, and every person has their own definition of what will be the best country to move to.

With that said, here’s our list of what we think are the best countries to move to – let us know what you think!

The best countries to live in the world

1/ Australia

Average expat salary: US$60,185

Topping the list for 2025, Australia is winning tourists from around the globe with its promise of long summers, competitive job opportunities and renowned universal healthcare. From the bright lights of Sydney to the historic Fremantle Harbour, here’s what you can expect from a life down under.

Quality of life in Australia

With its beautiful beaches, verdant landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, Australia makes a fantastic home for foreign workers and their families. Well known for its work-life balance, Australia consistently ranks high in quality of life indices, with high marks in almost every metric.

When it comes to employment, it’s good news across the board. With a strong economy, competitive salaries and low unemployment rate, expats will have access to a diverse range of career opportunities.

Some of the key industries in Australia include finance, investment, banking and technology, and there is also an enormous natural resources sector that focuses on mining and gas. There are plenty of jobs for young people too, with a rapidly emerging digital services industry. And of course, tourism is a top industry in Australia too. Check out our guide on how to find an international job and build a career abroad.

Expats in Australia tend to report reasonable working hours, generous vacation time and inclusive workplace environments. That said, Australia has not escaped the rising cost of living, with Sydney and Melbourne often appearing in lists of the world’s most expensive cities to live.

Healthcare in Australia

Australia ranks 6th in the world for life expectancy, thanks to a world-leading universal healthcare system that covers everything including medical clinic visits and dentistry.

Education in Australia

In terms of education, Australia holds its own with six universities making it into the Times Higher Education rankings for 2024, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and University of Sydney.

Overall, Australia is a global powerhouse for trade and commerce, a modern country with a strong and ambitious economy and – best of all – home to some of the world’s best food and wine. An ideal destination for any expat looking to start a new life abroad.

2/ Finland

Average expat salary: US$51,304

If happiness is what you’ve been searching for, look no further. For seven years running, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world according to the World Happiness Report, which ranks countries based on gross domestic product (GDP), social support, healthcare and freedom among other factors. So grab your Finnish phrase book – here’s what makes Finland the place to be.

Quality of life in Finland

Finland might not be the first place you think to relocate, considering its famous cold winters and limited hours of daylight. However the Finns are some of the happiest folk in the world for more reasons than sunshine. Finns love to spend time together, whether outside in nature, or indoors taking a sauna.

Finland is a bilingual country, with both Finnish and Swedish as national languages. Many Finns also speak English as a third language. This has made the Finns huge literature fans with a thriving public library system – Finland has previously been named the world’s most literate nation.

Other Finnish pastimes include fishing, snowboarding and ice hockey, while the stunning natural landscapes also make hiking a popular weekend activity.

The cost of living in Finland averages around 1.2% lower than the UK, with the cost of rent coming in 11.4 % lower. Food however, is where you can expect to spend a much higher portion of your income, with grocery prices averaging 8.3% higher than in the UK.

Healthcare in Finland

Finland has a great universal healthcare system, which is available to all permanent residents. Most hospitals are equipped for common accidents and illnesses, however the treatment of some rarer or specialist treatments are centralised to one hospital or healthcare unit, such as organ transplants and severe burns, which are both treated at Helsinki University Central Hospital.

Education in Finland

Finland prides itself on having a world-class higher education system with more than 500 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees across a wide variety of subjects.

Finnish universities welcome over 20,000 international students every year, so expats looking to study for a Nordic degree will be in good company. If you’re moving from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the good news is you won’t need to pay tuition fees to study in Finland. For anyone else, fees are still relatively low, with annual tuition starting as low as US$4,129 per year depending on the degree.

3/ Switzerland

Average expat salary: US$89,607

Last year’s number one, Switzerland retains a high position in our list of the best countries to move to for 2025. Despite its diminutive size, Switzerland is globally renowned as a business, finance and commerce powerhouse. Expats moving to Switzerland regularly report a huge jump up in their yearly earnings compared to their salaries in other European countries.

Quality of life in Switzerland

While many expatriates come to Switzerland for the high wages, those who end up staying do so for other reasons. Namely the fresh alpine air, high-end luxuries, the abundance of winter activities, first-class transport connections and much, much more.

What makes Switzerland a particularly great place for expats to settle is its unusually relaxed political climate. Famously neutral in global affairs, Switzerland benefits from a high degree of political and social stability. It also has a Gini coefficient (used to measure income inequality) of 31.4, which is much lower than many other European countries.

The main language of Switzerland is Swiss German (spoked by 62% of the country), but the Swiss people are also fluent in English (45%) French (22%) and Italian (8%). No matter what language you speak, you’re sure to settle in quickly.

The only downside to living in Switzerland is that the cost of living is very high. Switzerland has three of the four most expensive cities in Europe, in Geneva, Zurich and Bern. However, you can expect to be well-paid as an expat in Switzerland, which makes the cost of living more manageable.

Healthcare in Switzerland

Switzerland’s healthcare system is well-established as one of the best in the world (although all healthcare in Switzerland must be paid for through private health insurance, making international health insurance an absolute must for expats). And its prowess is proven by Switzerland’s position as 5th in the world for average life expectancy, at an average 84.09 years.

Education in Switzerland

Admittedly, Switzerland is not highly ranked for state education, faring well for mathematics but languishing in mid-table for science and reading. For this reason, you may want to consider one of the 44 schools which are part of the Swiss Group of International Schools.

Expatriates may also want to weigh up the hefty cost of living against their new salaries – Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern have been ranked the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th most expensive cities in the world in 2025, which can make life difficult for those who aren’t earning big bucks.

But if you fancy a long, healthy life with good employment – plus an abundance of cheese and chocolate – Switzerland could be perfect for you.

4/ New Zealand

Average expat salary: US$36,953

If it’s the great outdoors you’re after, New Zealand might be the destination for you. Known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, New Zealand offers a unique experience for adventurous expats.

Quality of life in New Zealand

New Zealand consistently ranks high in global quality of life and happiness indexes. According to the OECD Better Life Index, New Zealand outperforms the average across income, jobs, education, health, environmental quality, social connections, civic engagement, and life satisfaction. It’s easy to see why the Kiwis have a life satisfaction score of 7.3 out of 10, higher than the OECD average of 6.7.

It’s good news on the employment front too. New Zealand has a stable economy and an exceptional employment rate of 77% among working aged citizens, surpassing the OECD average of 66%.

New Zealand’s diverse environment, from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports. Meanwhile the country’s cities, including Auckland and Wellington, are known for their vibrant cultural scenes and friendly atmospheres. The cost of living varies by region, with Auckland and Wellington tending to have higher living costs compared to other areas. However, the average cost of living is still 5.7% lower than in the UK.

Healthcare in New Zealand

New Zealand provides a stable public healthcare system that offers free or heavily subsidised medical care to residents (however non-residents, including expats, are advised to get international health insurance).

Education in New Zealand

New Zealand comes out mid-table when it comes to education. Currently ranked 27th in the world by World Population Review, the country is currently focused on decreasing its number of 25–34 year olds without a secondary education – at 12%, they’re currently 2% below the OECD average. That said, its universities remain popular with foreign students, welcoming 69,000 international students annually.

5/ Austria

Average expat salary: US$37,278

From the historic streets of Vienna to the alpine beauty of Salzburg, Austria has everything an expat could hope for. With the promise of a rich cultural heritage and high standard of living, expats around the world have named Austria as a favourite destination for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Here’s what awaits those considering a move to this Central European gem.

Quality of life in Austria

One of the greatest perks of moving to Austria is the diversity of the climate and landscape, as well as its proximity to other desirable European countries. Citizens of Austria report a 7.8 out of 10 for life satisfaction, supported by a strong sense of community and commitment to the environment.

Key industries in Austria include the food and drink, mechanical and steel engineering, chemical, and automotive industries. Tourism is also a driving force for the Austrian economy, providing ample opportunities for expats looking for both part-time and full-time work.

The cost of living in Austria can be quite high, especially in bigger cities like Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck. On average, expats can expect their living costs to come in around 2.7% more expensive than in the UK, though rent can be as much as 25.6% lower than UK prices.

Healthcare in Austria

Coming in 9th overall in the Euro Health Consumer Index, Austria boasts a comprehensive healthcare system that gives residents access to high-quality medical care, paid for through public taxes.

Despite already being one the best countries in the world for healthcare, Austria has set ambitious health goals, aiming to increase the average healthy lifespan of its citizens by 1.5 years by 2025 – meanwhile, life expectancy is already around 82 years, one year higher than the OECD average. Initiatives include promoting preventive care, enhancing mental health services, and encouraging healthy lifestyles among the population.

Education in Austria

The Austrian education system is well-regarded, offering free public schooling. For expat families, there are also numerous international schools that provide curricula in various languages, including English.

In higher education, Austrian universities attract around 60,000 international students every year, with institutions such as the University of Vienna and the Vienna University of Technology widely recognised for their research and academic excellence.

6/ Norway

Average expat salary: US$53,660

Norway consistently places in the top 10 happiest countries in the world – and as an expat in this Scandinavian country, you’ll soon see why. Famous for its fjords and fishing, Norway may not seem the obvious place for high-flying expats to make a name for themselves – but it has plenty to recommend it.

Quality of life in Norway

With one of the lowest population densities in the world and fewer people in its capital city, Oslo, than in Rhode Island, Norway has plenty to offer the intrepid expat. One thing is its incredible track record when it comes to income inequality – its Gini coefficient of 27.7 is one of the lowest in the developed world.

Living in Norway may not be cheap, but expats can expect a high quality of life, no matter how much they have in the bank. Speaking of which, you may not need to worry too much about your finances because, when it comes to GDP per capita, Norway ranks 5th in the world.

Right now, Norway is looking to move away from its traditional oil and gas industries towards a future full of hydropower, digital services and tourism – which is why foreign expertise is in such high demand. As an expat in Norway, you’re sure to find a job to suit your skills.

Healthcare in Norway

Norway’s healthcare system is arguably one of the best in the world – and might explain why Norway ranks 12th in the world for life expectancy, with an average of 83.46 years. Healthcare in Norway is free for everyone who pays national insurance, which you’ll pay as part of your taxes.

Education in Norway

Norway ranks mid-table as far as state education goes, although it has recently been boosting its education spending. Alternatively, there are an ever-growing number of international schools springing up in Oslo.

Those moving to Norway should expect a completely different way of life. For one thing, it’s likely to be much colder than you’re probably used to! But in return, expatriates will undoubtedly discover a comfortable and cosy lifestyle. Make sure to try the Pinnekjøtt (lamb ribs) while you’re there.

7/ Germany

Average expat salary: US$53,754

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, offers expatriates a dynamic environment rich in history, culture, and economic opportunity. Whether you head for the bustling streets of Berlin or the financial heart of Frankfurt, here’s what you can expect when considering a move to Germany as an expat.

Quality of life in Germany

Germany’s high standard of living is characterised by efficient public services, a strong social welfare system, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Cities like Munich and Hamburg offer expats a unique mix of modern amenities and cultural heritage, along with competitive job opportunities, making them attractive destinations for both single expats and families.

The German economy is varied, with key sectors including automotive, engineering, finance, and technology. Salaries are generally higher on average than elsewhere in Europe, however they can vary significantly based on industry, experience, and location, with city-based employees earning more.

The cost of living can be high, particularly in major cities, though it still comes out 1.3% lower than the U.K. The average cost of rent in Germany is also 25.1% lower than the U.K, but this can vary greatly depending on where you choose to live.

Healthcare in Germany

Germany has a universal healthcare system, currently providing around 89% of the population with high-quality healthcare. Germany consistently ranks highly in global indices due to its comprehensive care, specialised treatments, and well-funded health centres, contributing to the country’s high life expectancy of 81 years.

Education in Germany

Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities. In 2024, eight German universities were named in the Times Higher Education rankings, including Technical University of Munich (26), LMU Munich (38) and Heidelberg University (47). Germany is known for its emphasis on research, engineering, and STEM subjects, as well as its growing prominence in the fields of business and the social sciences.

8/ Ireland

Average expat salary: US$55,964

The Emerald Isle, known for its rolling hills, wild Atlantic coast and vibrant culture (which is particularly great for those who love beer) emerges this year as one of our top destinations for expats, thanks to its strong mix of work and social opportunities.

Quality of life in Ireland

The stereotypes are true – the Irish really are happy folk. In the 2023 World Happiness Report, Ireland placed 16th globally, thanks to strong performance in areas like social support, life expectancy, and economic stability. Offering a balanced lifestyle with its scenic landscapes, low crime rates, and vibrant cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway, Ireland is fast rising up the list of popular expat destinations.

But it’s not all play. The Irish economy is one of the fastest-growing in the EU, with a 5% growth in 2023. The country has become a major hub for global tech companies, including Google and Apple, and offers a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, making it an attractive place for business and innovation. With a low 4.2% unemployment rate and a strong demand for skilled workers in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and finance, you should have no trouble finding your perfect career.

That said, the cost of living in Ireland can be high, especially in Dublin, which is among the most expensive cities in Europe. Housing prices, in particular, have surged in recent years, making accommodation costly – around 31% more expensive than the UK – while groceries, utilities, and transport also come at a premium. Despite this, salaries in Ireland are competitive, and the high standard of living, quality services, and thriving economy often offset the higher costs for many expats.

Healthcare in Ireland

Ireland’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The Health Service Executive (HSE) oversees public healthcare, providing services to residents. In 2025, the HSE’s National Service Plan allocated €26.9 billion to healthcare services, marking a €1.6 billion increase from the previous year. This investment aims to enhance mental health services, support older adults, and improve disability services.

While the public healthcare system provides comprehensive cover, some expats opt for private health insurance to access private hospitals and combat high waiting times for certain treatments.

Education in Ireland

Ireland’s education system is well-regarded, offering a range of options for expat families. The country has a mix of public and private schools, with education provided in both English and Irish. Primary and secondary education is free, and the curriculum is designed to be inclusive and diverse.

In higher education, Ireland is home to several prestigious universities, including Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and University College Cork. These institutions offer a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting around 30,000 international students.

9/ Canada

Average expat salary: US$64,064

In 2021, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) listed Canada as the number 1 destination people said they would move to given the chance. And according to feedback from our members, Canada remains one of the best countries to live as an expat.

It’s not hard to see why – Canada has a particularly strong appeal to younger, digitally-minded, white collar workers owing to its strong tech and digital services scene.

Quality of life in Canada

The perks of moving to Canada are plentiful and ought to appeal especially to young families. They include free universal healthcare for all permanent residents, free public secondary education, a high degree of public safety and low air pollution – indeed, Canada ranks as low as 93rd out of 134 countries for air pollution.

Canada is also renowned as one of the most liberal and progressive societies in the world, making it a really exciting and energising place to live, no matter what background you’re from.

Canada has a Gini coefficient of 31.7, which is lower than the global average of 38.2. The country also boasts high-quality infrastructure in its major cities with great public services.

Ultimately, Canada ranks highly across almost all quality of life metrics, including safety, health, the environment and life satisfaction, making it a first-class destination for expat families. And, while the cost of living can be expensive in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, many citizens agree living in these cosmopolitan areas is worth the price tag.

Healthcare in Canada

The World Population Review placed Canada’s healthcare system as 4th in the world in 2024 based on factors from access to healthcare to overall healthcare outcomes. As we mentioned, universal healthcare is available to all residents in Canada and, in some provinces, is the only option (certain Canadian provinces have actually banned private healthcare, although there is plenty of debate as to whether this is constitutional).

Education in Canada

Canada is one of the best countries worldwide to receive a state education, coming within the top 10 for reading, maths and science. Plus, children growing up in Quebec and Ontario can expect to receive an education in French as well as English.

10/ Netherlands

Average expat salary: US$43,516

The home of tulips and Vincent van Gogh, the Netherlands continues to be a favourite among expats looking for a slower pace of life with all the benefits of a thriving economy and international employment opportunities.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Netherlands a leading destination for expats to live and work abroad.

Quality of life in Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its enviable work-life balance, with 0.5% of the workforce regularly working long hours, compared to the OECD average of 10%. It’s not surprising then that the Dutch report a high life satisfaction score of 8.7 out of 10, placing them 5th in the world.

This emphasis on well-being extends beyond the workplace, with the Dutch enjoying vibrant cultural scenes, world-class cycling infrastructure, and an overall relaxed pace of life. The Netherlands also scores highly in environmental quality, with 91% of people satisfied with their water quality, though air pollution levels come in below the OECD average.

Economically, the Netherlands boasts a robust GDP per capita of around US$64,570, and a low unemployment rate of 3.5. Combined with thriving industries in technology, renewable energy, and the creative sector, The Netherlands offers not just a high standard of living but a dynamic, forward-thinking environment for expats to live and work.

Healthcare in Netherlands

The Dutch healthcare system is a model of efficiency and quality, consistently ranking among the top in Europe. In the 2024 Euro Health Consumer Index, the Netherlands ranked 2nd overall, excelling in patient rights, accessibility, and treatment outcomes. The country has a strong emphasis on preventive care and patient-centred services.

Healthcare in the Netherlands is financed through a combination of mandatory health insurance and taxation, ensuring comprehensive cover for all residents (although expats may wish to invest in international health insurance to ensure access).

Education in Netherlands

With five universities in the Time Higher Education top 100, the Netherlands is a magnet for international students, attracting over 128,000 annually. Students in The Netherlands can expect a diverse array of English-taught programs and reasonable tuition fees, creating a welcoming environment for learners from around the globe.

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expatriates finding best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance. Plus, we produce lots of expert material to help you and your family adapt to life abroad.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers global health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we provide medical evacuations to patients who require life or limb-saving treatment, where it’s not available locally. Terms and conditions apply.