Norway is one of the very few countries in Europe that is not a member of the European Union. Experts say that the country is not in favor of the internal redistribution that the EU mandates, and wants to manage its resources independently. Nevertheless, Norway became one of the most efficient countries and even  once voted as the most socially progressive nation in the world, sans EU membership. Also, it was able to maintain very close ties with the union and was even rumored to be another model for the United Kingdom post-Brexit.

We compare which country is better to migrate to, Norway or Australia.

Employment

Norway

Norway’s economy is a flourishing mixed economy whose sturdy growth began during the Industrial Age. Thus, its main economic drivers are mainly industry-based, such as shipbuilding, metals, petroleum and natural gas, mining, wood pulp and paper products, and chemicals. Other thriving commerce are agriculture, food processing, timber, and textiles. Unemployment here is at check, with 4.3%.

In the workplace, Norwegian employees are given more freedom when it comes to the pace of their work, manner of organization, and methods of execution. They are more satisfied with the working conditions, go through less exhaustion, and receive less physically demanding work than other workers throughout the EU, according to studies. At 1,629 hours annually (or 31 hours every week), working time her is lower than the OECD average of 1,770 hours a year.

Australia

Like, Austria, Australia is also one of the largest mixed market economies in the world. Its economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 68% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. It is the 12^th largest in the world in terms of GDP. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.8%, but still very low in overall scale.

Australian workers are also given free hand at work, especially in socializing. Doing it after-office is encouraged. Also, mutual respect is being emphasized, as it adheres to the spirit of mateship Aussies are known for. That means equal respect should be given from the employees to the company managers.

At 1,664 working hours annually, it is slightly lower than Spain, and way lower than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average of 1,770.

Health Care

Norway

At US$9,715 per head per year, Norway’s expenditure on healthcare is the highest in the world. Healthcare here is universal, but there underlying payment requirements.

Free healthcare is provided to children aged sixteen or younger, and pregnant and/or nursing women regardless of the coverage they may have had in previous situations. All citizens are otherwise responsible for the annual deductible. Their health system does not cover specialized care for those above 16 years of age. If ever someone needs treatment such as specialized physiotherapy, he/she is required to pay an additional deductible. While the health appointments are covered by the deductible, extra materials and medical equipment are often covered by the patient.

When it comes to emergency room admission, all immediate healthcare costs are encompassed by the healthcare. In the case that hospitals in the country are unable to treat a patient, then treatment abroad is arranged free of charge.

Australia

Australia’s healthcare system engages on a centralized level, and is provided by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments manage aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.

It is two-pronged. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare for the public system. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance.

To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.

Dining

Norway

Norwegian traditional cuisine is centered on raw, cured, or preserved materials readily available in the country, with respect to their long winters. Their ingredients focuses on game such as moose, reindeer, mountain hare, duck, rock ptarmigan, and fowl. They also base heavily on seafood like salmon, crab, and shellfish. Their modern cuisine, however, is ripe with global influences such as tacos, pizzas, pastas, and even burgers. They mostly eat four times a day, starting with a cold breakfast, then with cold lunch, and a hot dinner. This is then capped off with another cold dinner.

A three-course meal for two people on a restaurant costs around AU$127.62, while dining at a less expensive café costs AU$25.52. A McDonald’s combo meal is at AU$15.95.

Australia

Australian cuisine is a fusion of native aboriginal inventiveness and British colonial contribution, with mix of Asian and Mediterranean traditions provided by wave after wave of post-colonial migrations and helped transform their cuisine. They usually take advantage of meat available in the continent, such as lamb, kangaroo, and emu, as well as pork, beef, and chickens. To find out more about Australia’s exciting cuisine, check our blog here.

Dining out, a three-course meal for two people on a restaurant is at around AU$80.00, while dining at a less expensive café costs AU$1800. A McDonald’s combo meal is at AU$10.00.

Housing

Norway

To set the records straight, it is possible for expats, even those from non-European Union countries, to buy a property in Norway. But given that you just moved here, you better off renting especially if you just newly migrated to the country.

Finding for a place to rent here is pretty challenging, as the competition is very stiff. But the process is quite straightforward. You attend an open house event, inspect the property, write your name on the waiting list, and then wait to be contacted.  Flats and apartments here are available in furnished (which are slightly more expensive) or unfurnished options. If you go for the unfurnished route, you may find a good range of high-quality furniture stores, such as in IKEA.

Australia

Costs of rental houses differ considerably depending on the region, city, neighborhood, quality of a property, size (number of bedrooms), age, and the facilities provided.

Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities, the cheaper it is. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.

Letting agencies and estate agents will usually charge you a fee of two weeks’ rent for a one-year lease and one week’s rent for a six-month lease. These are the legal maximum fees. Also, you’re expected to settle one month’s rent in advance, depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, plus a bond which is held against damages.

For a quick, easy -to-follow-guide on how to rent in Australia, check it out here.

Public and Private Transport

Norway

Rapid transit system exists solely in Oslo, in form of the Oslo Metro, also known as Oslo T-bane. It serves the entire city through its 101 stations, 17 of which are underground. It is compensated outside Oslo with the local buses operating in every town. Taxis, on the other hand, is best flagged down, but can also be called and reserved in advanced.

A one way train ticket here costs AU$5.10, while a monthly pass is at around AU$109.91. Starting taxi tariff is AU$12.74 with AU$2.23 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back AU$42,866.27. Gasoline is at AU$2.27 for every litter.

Australia

Australia has an efficient transport system, too. However, the citizens rely more on road transport, as it is a significant component of the Australian transport network. The substantial dependence on road transport is largely in part to the country’s extensive area and the low population density. As a result, Australia has the second highest level of car ownership in the world, with Melbourne as the most car-dependent city.

As for commuting and public transport, commuter rail, trams, light rail, and rapid transit systems can also be found around the country, and services the citizens adequately.

A one way bus ticket ride costs AU$4.00, with the monthly pass at AU$130. Starting taxi tariff is AU$4.00 with AU$2.17 for every kilometer. Getting your own car will set you back AU$25,000 for a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car). A litter of gasoline is at AU$1.30.

Weather and Climate

Norway

Norway has four quite distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each one having equal length and their own characteristics. Spring starts in April and lasts until late May and can be very windy. As summer approaches, the days become longer and the nights shorter. Summer then lasts from June to mid-August. During these months the days are long, sunny and mild. In the far north, the sun doesn’t set below the horizon at all for several weeks. During autumn, the temperature begins to gradually drop during September and as autumn progresses, the afternoons and evenings become dark.  During winter, temperatures can drop to below -30˚C in some parts of the country and it isn’t until early spring time that the days start to become lighter. The snow often lasts until Easter, when it's time for spring again.

Australia

The Land Down Under experiences an assortment of climates also due to its size. It can range from severely hot in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. And due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.

The seasons will vary depending upon where in the continent you are each month, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.

Benefits of Citizenship

Norway

Advantages of Norwegian dual citizenship include:

• Entitlement to the same rights and obligations in relation to the Norwegian state as other Norwegian citizens.
• You are entitled to have two passports, one from each country.
• Eligibility to consular aid and help from the authorities of both countries.

Australia

Advantages of Australian citizenship include:

• Being able to work for the federal government
• Children will be Australian citizens
• The right to vote
• Being able to run for public office
• Avoid deportation
• Entitlement for Australian passport
• Access to consular help
• Eligibility for the deferral of education fees
• Full residence rights in New Zealand
• Being able to adopt
• Being able to represent Australia in international sporting events

For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.

The Takeaway

One can say Norway and Australia worlds apart, not just in location, but in way of life, people, and environment. So you really have to be clear with your priorities, preferences, pleasures, and pet peeves before picking because the country shares very few things in common. The two nations both have mixed economies as their greatest strength, as well as well-designed health care systems. Also, people in both countries rely in a deep level of honesty, trust, and interpersonal relationships when communicating with one another. And that’s pretty much where it ends.

For those who want to enjoy a cooler climate and more distinct season, Norway is the place for you. Also, parents here receive the best benefits, since the government looks after children born to Norwegian citizens. And if you value weekends, you have to know that most Norwegians do not work on Sundays. However, you have to be able to speak Norwegian here to better communicate. Plus, everything is taxed, whether you are aware of it or not.

For the tropical climate lovers, Australia is your haven. Here, socializing on and after work is a norm, and Australians are warm and friendly people. There are no language barrier to tide since everybody speaks English. If you want to lead an active lifestyle, you can do it freely. As they are big on sports, whether playing or just watching it. Though you have to tide the erratic weather and quirky food they might serve on you.

Leaning towards Australia to build your dreams and your career? Throw us a message in the enquiry section below or call us at 1300 619 977 and we'll show you how!