Compare countries · Australia vs United States
Australia vs United States
Australia(Oceania)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Australia leads on 8, United States on 2, 3 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Australia
67.9
Worse than 87% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Australia
33.7
Worse than 92% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
Australia: 17% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Australia
1.58
Better than 83% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
Australia: more peaceful (1.58 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Australia
52.5
Worse than 57% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Australia: higher perceived safety (52.5 vs 50.8).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Australia
0.946
Better than 95% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Australia: higher human development (0.946 vs 0.927).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Australia
$71,934
Better than 88% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 25% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Australia
83.1 yrs
Better than 91% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
Australia: 4.2 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Australia
72.0
Better than 76% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
Australia: better-rated healthcare (72.0 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Australia
157 Mbps
Better than 69% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 97% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Australia
75/100
Better than 81% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
Australia: freer press (75 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Australia
6.92
Better than 90% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Australia
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Australia
91.9
Better than 80% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
Australia: more pleasant climate rating (91.9 vs 75.8).
Deciding between Australia and United States for real?
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Find your match →Full Australia profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.