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Best Countries in Oceania to Live

Oceania offers some of the world's highest quality of life, from Australia's economic opportunities to New Zealand's safety and natural beauty. While the region has fewer countries than other continents, the ones we cover consistently rank among the global top tier for healthcare, education, and lifestyle.

Highest quality of lifeExceptional safetyStrong healthcareNatural environments

Countries Ranked

$2,238

Avg. Monthly Cost

$1,550

Lowest Monthly Cost

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Top 4 in Oceania

Ranked using balanced quality weights across 7 dimensions. Scores reflect 15 institutional data sources.

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Australia

Oceania

EducationInfrastructureHealthcare

New Zealand

Oceania

SafetyEducationHealthcare

Fiji

Oceania

LifestyleSafetyEducation

Papua New Guinea

Oceania

LifestyleSafetyCost of Living

7.87

Score

~$1,550/mo

#1 in Oceania

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Australia

Oceania

66.1

Overall Score

$2,900

Est. Monthly Cost

Australia delivers on your top priority (safety) while also standing out for career.

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Rankings by Lifestyle

Looking for something specific? Our persona-optimized rankings weight dimensions differently based on your priorities.

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Best Countries for Digital Nomads

Infrastructure · Lifestyle · Cost of Living · Safety

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Best Countries to Retire Abroad

Healthcare · Safety · Cost of Living · Lifestyle

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Best Countries for Families

Education · Safety · Healthcare · Cost of Living

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Best Countries for Career Relocation

Career & Economy · Infrastructure · Lifestyle · Safety

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Best Countries for Entrepreneurs

Career & Economy · Infrastructure · Cost of Living · Safety

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Best Low-Tax Countries to Live

Lifestyle · Safety · Healthcare · Infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Australia and New Zealand compare?

Both rank extremely well globally. Australia typically scores higher on career opportunities and infrastructure, while New Zealand edges ahead on safety and lifestyle. Use our Compare feature for a detailed side-by-side analysis across all 7 dimensions.

Is Oceania expensive to live in?

Australia and New Zealand have above-average costs of living, particularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. However, salary levels are also high. Our Arbitrage Calculator (Pro) shows how far your current income would go.

What visa options are available?

Australia offers skilled migration, business, and retirement visas. New Zealand has skilled migrant and entrepreneur categories. Both countries have Working Holiday Visa agreements with many nations. Set your citizenship in the quiz for personalized pathways.