What you need to know
Australia consistently ranks among the most expensive English-speaking countries in the world. Rent in capital cities regularly tops AUD $2,500/mo, groceries are pricier than most of Europe, and the AUD's volatility means dollar-pegged destinations can punish your purchasing power.
Southeast Asia remains the strongest play for Australians: short flights home, time-zone overlap with Sydney for remote work, and rent in cities like Chiang Mai, Bali and Kuala Lumpur often under $600/month. Egypt currently leads our ranking with affordable rent and low overall costs.
Tax-wise, Australians moving abroad should check residency status carefully — the ATO uses a domicile test that doesn't simply switch off when you leave. A registered tax agent or migration accountant is worth the fee before you book one-way tickets.