Top 10 Places to Live as an Expat for Work-Life Balance

Many expats relocate for better career opportunities and a better lifestyle. According to the 2019 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, 47% of expats under 35 relocate to further their career, with 80% of these increasing their earnings upon moving abroad. In the HSBC survey, expats ranked countries for their work-life balance, and we have put together the top ten in this blog.

1. Bahrain

Bahrain came out on top as the best country for work-life balance and the best country for expats to reach their career potential. It was also ranked in the top five countries with the highest income and best quality of life for expats. Bahrain has the full work-life package!

2. New Zealand 

One of the top reasons to move to New Zealand is because you will certainly enjoy a great lifestyle outside of work! New Zealand ranked among the top five for quality of life, fulfilment, and well-being in the HSBC expat survey, and overall was ranked among the top five countries for expats!

3. Spain 

Sunny Spain was ranked first by expats for quality of life and for physical and mental well-being. This could be down to the constant sunshine, siestas and fiestas in Spain. Check out our blog on why moving to Spain is a definite no-brainer.

4. Guernsey

Guernsey is a small island near the French coast that has recently become popular with expats, as it is a new entry in the 2019 HSBC expat survey. Guernsey is the best place for people who want a simple and relaxed island lifestyle.  

5. Australia 

The Aussie culture is known for being laidback, meaning that outside of work you can soak up the sunshine all year round and enjoy an active lifestyle outdoors. Expats ranked Australia in 2^nd position for well-being, so a move Down Under could enhance your happiness. Check out our blogs on reasons to move to Australia and finding a job there.

6. Vietnam

It was reported by the Metro news that Hoi An, Vietnam was voted as the best city in the world at the 2019 Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards. You could explore all of Vietnam’s most sought-after spots and experience the culture during your time off. Whether it’s Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City, you will have so much to explore outside of work.

7. Poland

Jobs have become more available in Poland, with the unemployment rate reported to be 5.3% in June 2019, its lowest in 28 years. Poland was ranked in the top ten countries in the 2019 HSBC expat survey for well-being and fulfilment.

8. Sweden

Sweden is a happy country! It was ranked 7^th among 156 countries in an annual World Happiness Report by the United Nations. By relocating to Sweden, you can enjoy a happy work-life balance.

9. Isle of Man

A popular saying in the Isle of Man is Traa-dy-Liooar, meaning ‘time enough.’ It is used by those living on this small island as a reassurance that there is time enough to sort whatever you’re stressing about. This is essential for a more relaxed lifestyle and not letting work get in the way of life!

10. Canada

Expats ranked Canada 3^rd overall in the 2019 HSBC expat survey for many reasons, including its work-life balance, well-being, diversity, and career progression, all making Canada one of the best countries for expats! The country is also one of the top 10 happiest countries in the world, found in a report by the Happiness Research Institute, which analysed happiness factors in 156 countries. This is just one of the top reasons to move to Canada!

Wherever you move to, a good work-life balance is important. We all need down-time to relax, rejuvenate and have fun!

If you need to send luggage overseas to Canada, our door-to-door luggage shipping service is popular among expats for saving money, time and stress when relocating.