For the first time in decades, the ‘salary vs cost of living’ equation is no longer the sole driver for expats relocating abroad. Global surveys show that for many professionals, having flexibility at work is now just as important as the size of the paycheck. Professionals are voting with their feet, moving to international destinations that value well-being, safety, sustainability, and inclusivity over a slightly fatter pay cheque.
According to Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025, the traditional concept of ‘work-life balance’ is being flipped on its head. The report advocates for ‘life-work balance’ – putting your personal life first. Here are the countries doing it best in 2025.
The winner: New Zealand
New Zealand has claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year. The Land of the Long White Cloud continues to set the standard for a healthy relationship between professional obligations and personal time. The unique Kiwi culture strikes a sweet spot: productive yet relaxed, and the ‘clock-off culture’ is real. People finish work and head straight for the bush or the beach.
New Zealand’s retention of the crown is partly due to its high minimum wage, which is now the second-highest of all 60 countries assessed in the study. Employees also get a solid 32 days of statutory leave. This includes four weeks of annual leave plus public holidays.
It is also easier to get in than before; the government’s ‘Green List’ offers faster visa processing for skilled workers in healthcare, engineering, construction, and IT. There’s also a high standard of healthcare and a family-friendly environment.
But paradise comes with a price tag. Wages are high, but so is the cost of living. Imported goods and housing in hubs like Auckland and Wellington are expensive. You may not save as much cash as you would in the US or the Middle East, but the trade-off is spending weekends on the beach and hiking trails instead of working overtime in the office. New Zealand is best suited to those who value experiences – hiking, sailing, skiing, and enjoying nature – over accumulating material wealth.
What do expats say about work-life balance in New Zealand?
“One of my favourite things has been seeing how Kiwis prioritise their work/life balance. Anyone working a full-time job is guaranteed a minimum of four weeks' annual leave, and you’ll never be made to feel guilty for using it.”
Read more from Steph, an American expat, in her expat interview about living in New Zealand.
“Christchurch is such a great city: it has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere like you’d find in a small town, but with the resources of a medium-sized city. I really appreciate the slower pace of life here compared to the US.”
Read more from American expat Whitney in our expat interview about living in New Zealand.
The runners-up
New Zealand took the top spot, but as a continent, Europe still leads the world in work-life balance. Seven of the 10 positions were clinched by European countries. This success comes down to law, not luck.
European countries generally mandate paid leave, enforce maximum working hours, protect the right to disconnect, and ensure universal healthcare. This is a sharp contrast to other regions, where finding a balance between personal and professional obligations comes down to the goodwill of your specific company.
2. Ireland
Ireland takes second place, largely because it is so safe. The Global Peace Index ranks Ireland (alongside Austria) as one of the most secure environments for expats. The Emerald Isle is also famous for its ‘hundred thousand welcomes’ (céad míle fáilte). There’s a warm, community-focused culture that helps reduce the isolation many expats feel when they’ve just moved to a new country. The Irish workplace is sociable and tends to take a relaxed approach to time management. Colleagues often put relationships before rigid schedules.
The country also scores highly in terms of family support. Ireland's Maternity Benefit provides 26 weeks of subsidised leave. Employers are not required to pay your salary during this time, but it's customary for them to top up this state payment to match 100 percent of your normal wage. This makes Ireland an ideal place for young families to put down roots.
The major hurdle is housing in Ireland. A severe shortage has driven rents to record highs, especially in Dublin. Outside the capital, public transport can be sparse, so you will likely need a car. Be prepared for high costs; buying the car is one thing, but insurance premiums in Ireland can be shockingly high. The quality of life in Ireland is exceptional, but this destination works best for high earners or those with a relocation package that includes housing.
What do expats say about living in Ireland?
“I think the quality of life is high in general... [But] the cost of living in Dublin is quite high. Expensive: entertainment/leisure/eating out... and many flats/apartments in the centre are of quite low standard.”
Read more from Polish expat Joanna in our expat interview about living in Ireland.
3. Belgium
Belgium takes the third spot in the 2025 rankings, proving it has more to offer than just chocolate and beer. The country’s high ranking is due to excellent compensation. It provides a progressive legislative framework and one of the highest minimum wages in Europe. Working in Belgium now includes the option for a condensed four-day work week, so employees have the legal right to request to condense their full-time hours and enjoy a three-day weekend. There is also a ‘Right to Disconnect’ for companies with more than 20 employees, so they can ignore work emails and calls outside of contracted hours.
New arrivals will find that this stability comes with administrative complexity. The local bureaucracy can be slow, and the country imposes a high tax burden. Income tax rates can take up to 50 percent of a high earner's salary. That is the price you pay for top-tier healthcare and social security. The language barrier can also be tricky, and the split between French-speaking Wallonia and Dutch-speaking Flanders is something you’ll have to get used to. This destination is best for those who value stability and central European travel over maximising net income.
What do expats say about living in Belgium?
“It’s central to everywhere... especially after living in New Zealand. It’s one or two hours to Berlin, Rome, Paris and Amsterdam. That still stuns me... I now recognise all kinds of other languages and can understand more than a few.”
Read more from New Zealander Di in her expat interview about living in Belgium.
4. Germany
Germany climbed two places in the 2025 rankings, and it seems to have shaken off the stereotypes of rigid overwork. The German philosophy of Feierabend – the clear distinction between working hours and rest time – is alive and well. Generous holiday allowances (often 30 days annually) and strong Elternzeit (parental leave) policies allow parents to take extended time off to care for their young children. The rise in ranking is also attributed to recent improvements in statutory sick pay and the Self-Determination Act, which simplified the process of legal gender recognition.
The average working week in Germany is just 33.2 hours, proof that success does not require burnout. While work stress is low, ‘life’ stress can be high initially. Finding accommodation in cities like Berlin and Munich is a battle. You can expect months of searching and a mountain of paperwork. Socially, Germany can be a hard nut to crack, as locals are hard to get to know at first, although they are warm and loyal friends once you’ve broken through. But you will need to be proactive to build a social circle outside the office. This destination suits those who value structure and security over spontaneity.
What do expats say about work-life balance in Germany?
“The work-life balance is real. When work is done, it is done. You are not expected to answer emails or calls. Overtime is frowned upon, and if you do work extra, you get that time back.”
Read more from Ana, a Filipino expat, in our expat interview on working in Germany.
“Everything moves at a much, much slower pace than in the States. It took me a while to get used to not being able to shop whenever I wanted. Sundays are when everything is closed.”
Read more from Marisa, an American expat, in our expat interview about living in Germany.
5. Norway
Norway moved from ninth place in 2024 to fifth in 2025. This rise stems from an adjustment in parental leave policies; the government extended the 80 percent salary coverage period by 11 days. Parents who choose to take extended leave are no longer financially penalised.
The work culture steers heavily towards equality and cooperation. Norway is also one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive countries in the ranking. And leaving early isn't just allowed; it is encouraged. The Norwegian philosophy of Friluftsliv (open-air living) means life happens outside, come rain or shine.
The real headache is finding a place to keep your hiking gear. The rental market in Oslo and Stavanger is brutal. You're often fighting other people for a viewing, and you need a massive deposit ready to go.
This destination is perfect for families looking for a supportive environment, provided they can overcome the initial housing hurdle.
What do expats say about work-life balance in Norway?
“Work/Life balance is very important. Working hours are very humane, and you don’t have to feel guilty for leaving early if you have a doctor’s appointment. My main challenge is that the working culture is ‘consensus’ oriented.”
Read more from Gisèle, a Central American expat, in our interview about living in Norway.
“The quality of life is fantastic here; wages are high, and the general mentality when it comes to work is that we work to live and not live to work, so people really utilise their free time in order to do the things they enjoy!”
Read more from Selina, a British expat, in her interview about living in Norway.
6. Denmark
Denmark consistently ranks as one of the world’s happiest nations (currently second only to Finland), and its work-life balance is a major reason why. The Danish workplace uses a flat hierarchy and the concept of ‘flexicurity’. The Danish model integrates easy hiring and firing with a solid social safety net. Denmark has no statutory minimum wage. Instead, powerful collective bargaining agreements secured through trade unions secure high wages for Danish workers.
The standard working week is just 37 hours, so Danes have plenty of time for hygge. The cost of entry, however, is high. But securing accommodation in Copenhagen is expensive and difficult. Also, a high tax burden is the non-negotiable price for this well-oiled society. This destination is ideal for those who prefer a stress-free, egalitarian environment over low taxes.
What do expats say about living in Denmark?
“I love the city’s vibe. There is an amazing mix of old and modern architecture, plenty of small cosy cafés, bikes everywhere and a unique culture in each neighbourhood... Copenhagen has a pretty stable economy. There are jobs waiting for you, but you need to go out and look for them. The biggest barrier would be the language.”
Read more from Spanish expat Astrid in her interview about life in Copenhagen.
7. Canada
Canada is the only North American entry in the top 10, and is entirely different from its southern neighbour. Although it fell two places this year, it continues to lead in inclusivity and safety. Many Canadian companies use ‘summer hours’, letting employees leave early on Fridays to enjoy the warmer months. The universal government-funded healthcare system is another major drawcard, but access is currently under strain. Finding a family doctor can take years in some provinces, and emergency room wait times are often long.
Despite this, the quality of life is high, particularly for families and LGBTQ+ individuals, who benefit from robust legal protections. Skilled professionals, especially healthcare and tech workers, can access this lifestyle through the streamlined Express Entry immigration system.
This destination is ideal for those prioritising safety and tolerance, provided they can tackle the high housing costs in major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver.
What do expats say about living and working in Canada?
“We wanted to live in a country where our family has the same legal rights and responsibilities as other families. In the US, while we are each a legal parent to our son, we are considered strangers... Under Canadian law, we are a family like any other.”
Read more from American expat Melissa in our expat interview about living in Canada.
“Most of all, Cambridge [Ontario] feels much safer than the streets of London, England... I find that essentials like a roof over your head are more reasonably priced, but luxuries like cell phones and cable TV are expensive.”
Read more from British expat Natalie in our expat interview about living in Canada.
8. Australia
Australia’s no-worries attitude is backed up by hard data and legislation. The country offers the highest minimum wage of any country in the study (calculated at over USD 18 per hour in the report’s index). Australia has also introduced ‘Right to Disconnect’ laws. These allow employees to ignore work calls and emails after hours without penalty. This policy supports the quintessential Australian lifestyle, where a surf or a run before work is a daily routine for many.
This relaxed lifestyle has a catch: a brutal housing crunch. Vacancy rates in capitals like Sydney and Melbourne are at record lows. You will often see lines of people down the street for a single viewing, and rents are skyrocketing.
For those with family in the UK or the US, the tyranny of distance is also a real concern. Figuring out time zones for calls home can be tricky, and the long-haul travel required for visits adds a high financial and time cost.
What do expats say about living in Australia?
“I love Sydney. I think it is a fantastic city. The weather is lovely, and there is so much to do; from shopping at Paddy’s Market to taking surfing lessons at Bondi Beach.”
Read more about British expat Jo’s experience in our expat interview about life in Sydney.
“I have had great experiences with the Medicare system in Sydney – I’ve never had a problem getting an appointment.”
Read more from British expat Libby in her expat interview about living in Australia.
9. Spain
The traditional siesta is less common in modern Spanish business, but the country’s commitment to leisure endures. Spain ranks in the top 10 thanks to its generous statutory paid time off entitlement of 36 days (comprising annual leave and public holidays). Many companies also adopt jornada intensiva during the summer months. They condense the workday to finish by early afternoon so residents can enjoy the long, sunny evenings.
Spain is also the second most LGBTQ+-friendly country in the index, so it is a top choice for expats seeking a progressive and accepting society. For non-EU citizens, the ‘Digital Nomad Visa’ makes moving here more accessible. This visa allows remote workers to live in Spain for up to five years. Applicants often benefit from a special tax regime (the so-called ‘Beckham Law’) that caps income tax at a flat 24 percent. The relaxed pace has a flip side: bureaucracy. Simple tasks like setting up the internet or getting a residency card can take months.
What do expats say about work-life balance in Spain?
“We moved to sunny Málaga to enjoy the relaxed work-life balance in Spain and take advantage of the excellent yet low-cost quality of life... As this is my third expat experience, I have adapted to the ups and downs.”
Read more from Chris, a French expat, in our expat interview about living in Spain.
“I love the way that most of the day is spent outside. Walking around the quaint cobbled streets, stopping off at one of the squares for coffee or a tapa. The social side of things here is so relaxed and friendly.”
Read more from Molly, a British expat, in her expat interview about living in Spain.
10. Finland
Finland rounds out the top 10. It has been the world’s happiest country for eight years running. This happiness comes from a society built on trust. Corruption is low, and people enjoy a lifestyle that emphasises freedom of choice. At work in Finland, the hierarchy is flat, and employers generally trust staff to manage their own schedules without micromanagement. Sauna culture is also a part of daily life and is a unique way to decompress.
Be prepared for a potential cold shock – literally and socially. The high cost of living (especially for services and dining out) and the complex Finnish language can make integration difficult. Beyond the cold, the darkness of the Nordic winter can have a profound impact on mental health. The lack of sunlight for extended periods requires proactive management, such as using light therapy lamps and staying active.
What do expats say about living and working in Finland?
“Work-life balance is great in Finland, and many companies have a flat hierarchy. The start-up scene is thriving, especially in the tech field. In the workplace, Finns value skills, adaptability and transparency.”
Read more from Italian expat Paola in our interview about life in Finland.
“Being active when job hunting is very important. The work situation is changing a lot, and knowing the language is a big advantage when applying for work, as well as having the right network.”
Read more from Filipino expat Mercy in our expat interview about living in Finland.
What else is new in 2025's life-work balance index?
The UK bounces back
After dropping in the rankings in 2024, the UK is clawing its way back up the rankings to just outside the top 10. It jumped five spots this year, mostly because people are earning more (minimum wage has gone up) and working less. The new government is also planning a ‘Right to Switch Off’ code, although it lacks the legislative teeth of similar laws in Australia or Belgium.
The cost of living is still a major concern, particularly in London. While salaries in the capital are higher, they are often swallowed up by rent and transport costs, leading some to question the actual value of the ‘London weighting’.
The USA falls behind
In a concerning trend, the United States has dropped to 59th place out of the 60 countries analysed. The US is penalised heavily because it lacks federally mandated paid leave – alone among advanced economies in this regard – and has high healthcare costs.
For high-earning professionals, the reality can be different. The US job market has unparalleled energy and opportunities for rapid career advancement. For those in high-demand fields, the financial rewards are unmatched. You simply cannot make this kind of money anywhere else.
The law, however, guarantees almost nothing. There is no statutory floor for holiday or sick pay, so you are entirely dependent on your company’s corporate package. The trade-off is also cultural; the ‘at-will’ employment environment and the expectation of being ‘always on’ can make even a high-salary role feel insecure compared to the protected environment of Europe. And without federally mandated paid leave, work-life balance is often a negotiation rather than a right.
What do expats say about work-life balance in the USA?
“I feel like American people work a lot of hours. There isn’t a good work-life balance like in the Netherlands, and always being available is seen as a good thing here. It also still surprises me how easy it is to fire someone – in the Netherlands, it’s really hard to get fired unless you just don’t do your job or misbehave.”
Read more from Dutch expat Conny in our expat interview about living in Dallas, TX.
The 2025 index makes one trend clear: the definition of ‘wealth’ is changing. It is no longer just about the number on a payslip, but about the time and structural support to enjoy it. High-earning hubs like the US and the UK still offer the fastest career growth. But destinations like New Zealand, Spain, and the Nordic countries show that prosperity also means putting life first.
Ultimately, the ‘best’ country is the one that fits your current needs. Your priority might be a safe neighbourhood in Ireland for the kids, or perhaps the tax breaks in Spain are calling your name. Whatever your stage of life, the perfect spot is out there. Dive into our destination guides to find the place that fits.
Read more about the Remote.com Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025
