Melbourne: An Easy City to Get Used To
Melbourne ranks 8th out of 50 in the Expat City Ranking 2022, performing best in the Working Abroad Index (4th). Expats are happy with their working hours (73% happy vs. 63% globally) and work-life balance (72% vs. 62% globally). Another 68% rate their career opportunities positively (vs. 58% globally), while 61% view the job market favorably (vs. 47% globally). Moreover, seven in ten (70%) agree they are paid fairly (vs. 62% globally). It is hardly surprising then that 77% report overall job satisfaction (vs. 64% globally).
In the Expat Essentials Index (16th), Melbourne’s results are not quite as stellar but still really good. Expats do agree it is easy to open a local bank account (81% happy vs. 64% globally) and to deal with the local authorities (53% vs. 40% globally). However, getting a visa to move there is something 49% struggled with (vs. 24% globally). Housing is another hot issue: 30% consider it difficult to find (vs. 27% globally), while 59% say it is hard to afford (vs. 43% globally).
The Personal Finance Index in general is the one where Melbourne does worst (27th): 38% rate the cost of living unfavorably, a little more than the global average of 35%, and 24% are dissatisfied with their financial situation (vs. 21% globally). “I worry about the housing market and the rising cost of living in general,” an Armenian-Lebanese expat shares.
Nevertheless, expats feel welcome in Melbourne (67% vs. 66% globally). They find it slightly easier to make local friends than in other destinations (46% vs. 42% globally), and they consider the local residents generally friendly (72% vs. 66% globally). Moreover, 74% find it easy to get used to the local culture (vs. 62% globally). The city ranks in a decent 17th place in the Ease of Settling In Index.
Finally, Melbourne comes 19th in the Quality of Life Index. Expats benefit from great Leisure Options (8th), for example, the opportunities for recreational sports (86% happy vs. 75% globally). The city offers a pleasant urban environment (79% happy vs. 67% globally) and top air quality (83% vs. 65% globally). “The climate and the natural beauty are not surpassed by much,” says an expat from Italy.
