Move or Stay? UK vs Australia the quality of life in 2025

28.05.2025

8 mins to read

When deciding whether to start a new life abroad, most of us begin with the numbers: rent, groceries, transport, healthcare. And it makes sense, because the cost of living can make or break your budget (this was the subject of our last article – link). But once the bills are paid and the fridge is stocked, what kind of life are you actually living?

Cost is only one piece of the puzzle. The real question is: how does it feel to live there?

Whether you’re a technician relocating solo or moving with your family, quality of life matters just as much, if not more than monthly expenses. We’re talking about the hours you spend at work (and off it), the weather when you step outside, your daily commute, and whether you can go hiking on weekends without breaking the bank.

In this article, we go beyond the spreadsheets to explore what life really looks like for skilled workers in the UK and Australia. What can you expect in terms of lifestyle, standard of living, safety, work-life balance, climate and commute?

Let’s take a closer look at what makes a place not just affordable, but livable.

1. Work-Life Balance: Comparing the UK and Australia

Average Working Hours and Overtime

In 2025, full-time employees in the UK work an average of 36.5 hours per week, according to the Office for National Statistics.

In Australia, the standard full-time workweek is 38 hours. However, actual hours worked can vary by occupation and industry.

Overtime practices differ between the two countries. In the UK, overtime is common, especially in sectors like healthcare and finance, but it’s often unpaid or compensated with time off in lieu.

In Australia, while employers can request reasonable overtime, employees have the right to refuse unreasonable additional hours. There are two forms of compensation:

150% of hourly pay (time-and-a-half) for the first 3 hours of overtime or 1.5 hours of paid time off for each hour worked.

200% of hourly pay (time-and-a-half) for each hour beyond the first 3 hours or 2 hours of paid time off for each hour worked.

Annual Leave and Paid Time Off

UK full-time workers are entitled to a minimum of 28 days of paid annual leave per year, which includes public holidays.

In contrast, Australian full-time employees receive four weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave annually, not including public holidays.

Public holidays vary between the two countries. The UK has 8 public holidays in England and Wales, while Australia has around 10 to 12 public holidays, depending on the state.

Both countries offer opportunities to maximise time off by strategically combining annual leave with public holidays. For instance, UK workers can achieve up to 53 days off in 2025 by aligning leave with bank holidays . Similarly, Australians can extend their 20 days of annual leave to up to 57 days off by planning around public holidays.

Workplace Culture: Formality, Flexibility, and Autonomy

Workplace culture in the UK tends to be more formal and hierarchical. Decision-making often involves multiple levels of management, and there is a strong emphasis on punctuality and professionalism. Meetings are typically structured, and communication is often indirect.

In contrast, Australian workplaces are generally more relaxed and egalitarian. There is a focus on work-life balance, and the culture promotes open communication and approachability across all levels of staff. Team bonding activities, such as Friday afternoon gatherings, are common, reflecting the value placed on ‘mateship’.

3. Commute and Daily Mobility

Average Commute Times and Traffic

In 2022, the average one-way commute in the UK was approximately 27 minutes, a figure that has remained relatively stable over recent years. Commuting durations varied depending on the mode of transport

In Australia, a 2023 survey revealed that the majority of commuters (32.1%) reported a one-way commute time between 15 and 30 minutes. Notably, respondents from New South Wales and Victoria were more likely to experience longer commutes, ranging from 45 to 60 minutes, potentially due to urban congestion and greater travel distances in larger cities.

Urban Planning – Australia and the UK

Public transport network in the UK is among the most developed in the world. London’s Underground and Overground systems are extensive, though costly, and commuter rail links connect major towns and cities efficiently. Bus services are widespread, with recent initiatives like the £2 fare cap in England (extended through 2025) helping to improve affordability outside London (gov.uk). However, services in rural areas remain less frequent and more car-dependent.

Public transport coverage in Australia is more variable. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offer well-developed train, tram and bus systems in the urban core, but outer suburbs and regional areas often lack the same connectivity. In Sydney, Opal cards and capped weekly fares help regular commuters manage costs, while some states have introduced free off-peak or weekend travel schemes to encourage usage. Nonetheless, over two-thirds of Australians still commute by car. It’s a sign of limited coverage or convenience in many areas.

Bike-Friendliness and Walkability – Australia compared to the UK

United Kingdom

The UK has made significant strides in promoting cycling, with cities like London, Bristol and Cambridge investing heavily in dedicated bike lanes and active travel schemes. London, for instance, has seen a surge in cycling commuters, with an average cycle commute of 9.1 km taking roughly 32 minutes, supported by the expanded Cycle Superhighways and Santander bike hire scheme.

In terms of walkability, cities such as Brighton have been recognised for their pedestrian-friendly layouts, ranking as the UK’s most walkable city and third globally.

Australia

Australian cities are also investing in cycling infrastructure. Canberra is often cited among the world’s top 10 bike-friendly cities, with a well-connected network of off-road cycle paths and green corridors encouraging active travel.

When it comes to walkability, cities like Sydney and Melbourne feature neighbourhoods with high scores – particularly inner-city suburbs designed around mixed-use living. Still, according to CUR, only around 37–44% of residents in major cities live in areas classified as having “above average” walkability, compared to higher proportions in top European cities.

While both countries are improving active transport infrastructure, the UK leads in public transport connectivity. Australia offers more space and newer infrastructure in some cities, but its sprawling urban layouts and car dependency make daily mobility more challenging outside city centres.

If you are interested in Cost of Living and Healthcare Systems read our recent article: link

4. Safety and Crime Rates: A Comparative Overview

When considering a move abroad, personal safety is a paramount concern. Let’s delve into the crime statistics of the UK and Australia to provide a clearer picture.

Homicide Rates

United Kingdom

In the year ending December 2024, England and Wales recorded 535 homicides. This marked a 5% decrease from the previous year. The homicide rate was 8.8 per 1 million people.

Australia

In 2023, Australia reported 409 victims of homicide and related offences, resulting in a victimisation rate of 2 per 100,000 persons.

Violent and Property Crimes

United Kingdom

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated 9.6 million incidents of headline crime in the year ending December 2024, a 14% increase from the previous year. Notably, fraud incidents rose by 33% to approximately 4.1 million, and theft offences increased by 13% to around 2.9 million.

Australia

In 2023, Australia saw a 14% increase in victims of other theft, totaling 117,870 cases. Motor vehicle thefts also rose by 18%, with 11,673 incidents reported.

Both the UK and Australia maintain relatively low homicide rates compared to global standards. However, variations in other crime categories exist, and prospective movers should research specific regions and consult local crime statistics to make informed decisions.

5. Final Thoughts: It’s About the Life You Want

So, after all the comparisons, facts and figures, the question remains:

What does a better life actually look like for you?

Because once the rent’s paid and the bills are sorted, what matters most is how you feel living day to day. Do you finish work with energy to spare? Do you step out into the sunshine or drizzle? Is your commute a quick cycle or a draining drive? Are you near green space, or dreaming of it from your desk?

Both Australia and the UK have their strengths. The UK offers predictability, cultural familiarity and exceptional public transport. Australia gives you more sun, outdoor living, and a lifestyle rooted in balance and ease.

But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to your values.

Let this article be your starting point. Because in the end, it’s not just about how much you earn. It’s about how fully you live.

Sources:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/timeseries/ybuy/lms

https://kangarooedu.au/blogs/how-many-working-hours-in-a-year/

https://joinhorizons.com/countries/australia/hiring-employees/working-hours-and-days-2

https://www.parim.co/blog/time-off-in-lieu

https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights

https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/32080419/bank-holiday-annual-leave-2025

https://www.finder.com.au/travel-insurance/annual-leave-hack

https://www.countrynavigator.com/blog/11-cultural-differences-between-the-brits-and-aussies

https://www.livingin-australia.com/sunshine-hours-australia/