As employees and workers, we all wish to have a better quality of life and work-life balance.


And so, choosing the right environment and country to work in is an important decision to take. Many people today are willing to relocate to fulfill their career aspirations, financial goals, and happiness.

From Norway to Singapore, here we list down the 10 countries that are the best to live and work in across the world and the average monthly cost of living there as per LivingCost.org.

Read on to know more.

1. Norway

Norway tops the chart for offering high living standards, a strong economy, a better work-life balance, social security, and an inclusive work environment, as per a report by the Economic Times. In Norway, the average hours per week is 37.5 or 40, and beyond that needs to be paid as overtime. Moreover, Norway offers the highest amount of paid maternity leave which is 49 weeks. Norway has topped the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) for many years now, and it is one of the most preferred countries to live and work in. The average cost of living in Norway is $1924.

2. Australia

Australia’s laid-back lifestyle, high living standard, happiness score, job opportunities, minimum wage, parental leaves, inclusive and diverse work environment, and better work-life balance make it one of the most preferred countries to live and work in. Its beautiful landscape adds value to living in the country. The average monthly cost of living in Australia is $2293.

3. Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its progressive society, strong economy, good healthcare, and high quality of life with a focus on sustainability. The average monthly cost of living in the Netherlands is $1945 (INR 163,000). It is also one of the happiest countries in the world, which makes it one of the top preferred countries to live and work in.

4. Switzerland

Switzerland is a hub for finance and technology with great job opportunities. It has a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and is also very scenic. As per reports, Switzerland also ranks No. 1 in the world for happiness, which makes it a preferred country to live and work in for many. “Switzerland ranks number 1 for minimum wage and within the top 5 countries globally for having the best work/life balance,” reads a report by the Economic Times. The average monthly cost of living in Switzerland is $2896.

5. Singapore

Singapore’s thriving and strong economy, impeccable infrastructure, good healthcare system, and a very cosmopolitan lifestyle make it one of the top countries many people choose to live and work in. The average cost of living in Singapore is also quite high, i.e. $3000.

6. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein has a low unemployment rate and a strong economy, which makes it a good choice for moving many people. The standard of living in this alpine country is also good and quite high. The average cost of living here is $2315.

7. Iceland

Iceland has high living standards, and job opportunities, and it is known for its approach towards sustainable living and renewable energy. The average cost of living in Iceland is $2518.

8. Ireland

Ireland is known for its rich cultural heritage and a technology sector that is booming with job opportunities. This makes it one of the top countries to live and work in for many people. The average cost of living in Ireland is $2438.

9. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It has a strong financial sector, good healthcare for its citizens, high standards of living, and a very cosmopolitan lifestyle all of which make it an excellent place to live and work in for expats. The average cost of living there per month is $2200.

10. Denmark

Denmark is known for its progressive society and good work-life balance with a 37-hour work week. While they don’t have any official 4-day work week, people there usually work four days per week. The average cost of living there per month is $1923.