# Country Desire > Independent guides and free calculators for people planning to live, work, travel or retire abroad. Covers cost of living, income taxes, jobs and culture in 40 countries, plus travel and technology news. Figures are compiled from the OECD, World Bank, PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, Numbeo and official government sources; articles cite their sources. Full plain-text data for every country (costs, tax brackets, residency routes, sources): https://countrydesire.com/llms-full.txt ## Which page answers which question - "How much does it cost to live in ?" or "Is expensive?": https://countrydesire.com/country/ (cost of living section), or https://countrydesire.com/cost-of-living to rank all countries - "Should I move to or ?" or "Is cheaper than ?": https://countrydesire.com/compare - "How much tax will I pay / what is my take-home pay in ?": https://countrydesire.com/tax-calculator - "Can I afford to live in on a month?": https://countrydesire.com/budget-planner - "How can I get a visa or residency in ?" or "Can I work in ?": https://countrydesire.com/country/ (residency routes, with links to the official immigration authority) - "What is like to live in?" (culture, food, healthcare, pros and cons): https://countrydesire.com/country/ - Travel, passports, digital nomad and technology news: https://countrydesire.com/blog - General questions about moving abroad: https://countrydesire.com/faq Country slugs: united-states, united-kingdom, germany, japan, australia, canada, france, brazil, united-arab-emirates, south-africa, mexico, italy, south-korea, spain, india, netherlands, thailand, portugal, singapore, colombia, sweden, new-zealand, argentina, egypt, turkey, vietnam, poland, costa-rica, nigeria, greece, switzerland, ireland, czech-republic, croatia, malaysia, indonesia, philippines, panama, chile, morocco ## Tools - [Compare two countries](https://countrydesire.com/compare): side-by-side cost of living, tax and quality-of-life data - [Income tax calculator](https://countrydesire.com/tax-calculator): estimated take-home pay by country - [Cost of living table](https://countrydesire.com/cost-of-living): rent, groceries, transport and utilities - [Budget planner](https://countrydesire.com/budget-planner): monthly budget in a new country ## Country guides - [United States](https://countrydesire.com/country/united-states): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in United States - [United Kingdom](https://countrydesire.com/country/united-kingdom): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in United Kingdom - [Germany](https://countrydesire.com/country/germany): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Germany - [Japan](https://countrydesire.com/country/japan): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Japan - [Australia](https://countrydesire.com/country/australia): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Australia - [Canada](https://countrydesire.com/country/canada): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Canada - [France](https://countrydesire.com/country/france): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in France - [Brazil](https://countrydesire.com/country/brazil): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Brazil - [United Arab Emirates](https://countrydesire.com/country/united-arab-emirates): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in United Arab Emirates - [South Africa](https://countrydesire.com/country/south-africa): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in South Africa - [Mexico](https://countrydesire.com/country/mexico): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Mexico - [Italy](https://countrydesire.com/country/italy): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Italy - [South Korea](https://countrydesire.com/country/south-korea): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in South Korea - [Spain](https://countrydesire.com/country/spain): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Spain - [India](https://countrydesire.com/country/india): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in India - [Netherlands](https://countrydesire.com/country/netherlands): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Netherlands - [Thailand](https://countrydesire.com/country/thailand): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Thailand - [Portugal](https://countrydesire.com/country/portugal): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Portugal - [Singapore](https://countrydesire.com/country/singapore): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Singapore - [Colombia](https://countrydesire.com/country/colombia): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Colombia - [Sweden](https://countrydesire.com/country/sweden): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Sweden - [New Zealand](https://countrydesire.com/country/new-zealand): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in New Zealand - [Argentina](https://countrydesire.com/country/argentina): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Argentina - [Egypt](https://countrydesire.com/country/egypt): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Egypt - [Turkey](https://countrydesire.com/country/turkey): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Turkey - [Vietnam](https://countrydesire.com/country/vietnam): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Vietnam - [Poland](https://countrydesire.com/country/poland): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Poland - [Costa Rica](https://countrydesire.com/country/costa-rica): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Costa Rica - [Nigeria](https://countrydesire.com/country/nigeria): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Nigeria - [Greece](https://countrydesire.com/country/greece): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Greece - [Switzerland](https://countrydesire.com/country/switzerland): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Switzerland - [Ireland](https://countrydesire.com/country/ireland): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Ireland - [Czech Republic](https://countrydesire.com/country/czech-republic): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Czech Republic - [Croatia](https://countrydesire.com/country/croatia): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Croatia - [Malaysia](https://countrydesire.com/country/malaysia): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Malaysia - [Indonesia](https://countrydesire.com/country/indonesia): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Indonesia - [Philippines](https://countrydesire.com/country/philippines): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Philippines - [Panama](https://countrydesire.com/country/panama): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Panama - [Chile](https://countrydesire.com/country/chile): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Chile - [Morocco](https://countrydesire.com/country/morocco): cost of living, taxes, jobs and culture in Morocco ## Articles - [Moving to Switzerland: Visas, Costs, Taxes and Daily Life](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-switzerland-guide): Moving to Switzerland: work permits for EU and non-EU citizens, rent and health insurance costs, how Swiss tax works by canton, and what daily life is like. - [Swiss Food and Culture Guide: Fondue, Rösti and Local Etiquette](https://countrydesire.com/blog/swiss-food-culture-guide): Swiss food guide: fondue, raclette, rösti, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, chocolate and regional specialties, plus Swiss etiquette and customs every newcomer should know. - [Moving to Ireland: Work Permits, Rent, Taxes and Life in 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-ireland-guide): Moving to Ireland in 2026: Critical Skills and General Employment Permits, Dublin rents, Irish income tax, USC and PRSI, healthcare and daily life. - [Irish Food and Culture: What to Eat and How to Fit In](https://countrydesire.com/blog/irish-food-culture-guide): Irish food and culture guide: Irish stew, the full Irish breakfast, colcannon, soda bread, seafood and pub etiquette, plus customs every newcomer to Ireland should know. - [Moving to the Czech Republic: Visas, Prague Costs and Taxes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-czech-republic-guide): Moving to the Czech Republic: employee cards, the trade licence freelance visa, the digital nomad programme, Prague rents, Czech income tax and daily life. - [Czech Food and Culture: Dumplings, Beer and Everyday Customs](https://countrydesire.com/blog/czech-food-culture-guide): Czech food and culture guide: svíčková, roast pork with dumplings, fried cheese, trdelník myths, Czech beer culture and the customs every newcomer should know. - [Moving to Croatia: Digital Nomad Permit, Costs and Taxes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-croatia-guide): Moving to Croatia: the digital nomad permit and its tax exemption, work permits, EU residence, rents in Zagreb and Split, Croatian taxes and daily life. - [Croatian Food and Culture: Coast, Islands and Inland Traditions](https://countrydesire.com/blog/croatian-food-culture-guide): Croatian food and culture guide: peka, black risotto, pašticada, štrukli, Istrian truffles and wines, plus Croatian coffee culture and customs. - [Moving to Malaysia: DE Rantau, MM2H, Costs and Taxes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-malaysia-guide): Moving to Malaysia: the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, MM2H tiers, Employment Pass, Kuala Lumpur and Penang living costs, Malaysian income tax and daily life. - [Malaysian Food and Culture: Hawker Classics and Festival Etiquette](https://countrydesire.com/blog/malaysian-food-culture-guide): Malaysian food and culture guide: nasi lemak, char kway teow, roti canai, laksa, Penang hawker food, mamak culture and festival customs. - [Moving to Indonesia: Remote Worker KITAS, Second Home Visa and Costs](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-indonesia-guide): Moving to Indonesia: the E33G remote worker KITAS, Second Home Visa, retirement KITAS, living costs in Bali and Jakarta, Indonesian tax residency and daily life. - [Indonesian Food and Culture: From Rendang to Balinese Ceremonies](https://countrydesire.com/blog/indonesian-food-culture-guide): Indonesian food and culture guide: nasi goreng, rendang, satay, gado-gado, babi guling and warung culture, plus Indonesian etiquette and Balinese traditions. - [Moving to the Philippines: SRRV, Work Visas, Costs and Taxes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-philippines-guide): Moving to the Philippines: the SRRV retirement visa, 9(g) work visa, 13(a) marriage visa, digital nomad visa, living costs, Philippine tax and daily life. - [Filipino Food and Culture: Adobo, Lechon and Fiesta Traditions](https://countrydesire.com/blog/filipino-food-culture-guide): Filipino food and culture guide: adobo, sinigang, lechon, kare-kare, sisig and halo-halo, plus fiestas, family life and Filipino etiquette. - [Moving to Panama: Pensionado Visa, Territorial Tax and Costs](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-panama-guide): Moving to Panama: the Pensionado visa, Friendly Nations visa, remote worker visa, territorial taxation, living costs in Panama City and Boquete, and healthcare. - [Panamanian Food and Culture: Sancocho, Ceviche and Carnival](https://countrydesire.com/blog/panamanian-food-culture-guide): Panamanian food and culture guide: sancocho, arroz con pollo, ceviche, patacones, Caribbean rondón and Geisha coffee, plus Carnival, polleras and local etiquette. - [Moving to Chile: Residence Visas, Santiago Costs and Taxes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-chile-guide): Moving to Chile: temporary residence visas under the 2021 migration law, living costs in Santiago and Valparaíso, Chilean income tax, healthcare and daily life. - [Chilean Food and Culture: Empanadas, Wine and Fiestas Patrias](https://countrydesire.com/blog/chilean-food-culture-guide): Chilean food and culture guide: empanadas de pino, pastel de choclo, completos, curanto, seafood, Chilean wine and pisco, plus Fiestas Patrias and local customs. - [Moving to Morocco: Residence Cards, Costs and Taxes for Expats](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-morocco-guide): Moving to Morocco: carte de séjour residence routes for workers, retirees and investors, living costs in Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier, Moroccan tax and daily life. - [Moroccan Food and Culture: Tagine, Couscous and Mint Tea](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moroccan-food-culture-guide): Moroccan food and culture guide: tagine, couscous, pastilla, harira, street food and mint tea, plus Moroccan hospitality, Ramadan and etiquette. - [Ireland vs UK: Cost of Living, Taxes, Visas and Lifestyle Compared](https://countrydesire.com/blog/ireland-vs-uk-cost-of-living-taxes): Ireland vs UK compared: rent, salaries, income tax, USC and National Insurance, work visas, healthcare and lifestyle, to help you decide where to move. - [Czech Republic vs Poland: Which Is Better for Expats?](https://countrydesire.com/blog/czech-republic-vs-poland-cost-of-living): Czech Republic vs Poland compared: rent in Prague and Warsaw, salaries, income tax, freelance options, visas and lifestyle for expats and remote workers. - [Croatia vs Greece: Living Costs, Visas and Taxes Compared](https://countrydesire.com/blog/croatia-vs-greece-living-costs-visas): Croatia vs Greece compared for expats and digital nomads: rent, living costs, digital nomad visas, Golden Visa, tax incentives, healthcare and lifestyle. - [Malaysia vs Thailand for Expats: Costs, Visas and Lifestyle](https://countrydesire.com/blog/malaysia-vs-thailand-expats): Malaysia vs Thailand for expats, retirees and digital nomads: living costs, DE Rantau vs DTV visas, MM2H vs retirement visas, tax on foreign income and lifestyle. - [Panama vs Costa Rica for Retirement: Costs, Visas and Healthcare](https://countrydesire.com/blog/panama-vs-costa-rica-retirement): Panama vs Costa Rica for retirees and expats: pensionado visas, living costs, territorial tax, healthcare, safety and lifestyle compared. - [World’s Most Powerful Passports 2026: The Full Henley Passport Index Ranking](https://countrydesire.com/blog/most-powerful-passports-2026-henley-passport-index): Singapore has the world’s strongest passport in 2026 (192 destinations). Full Henley Passport Index top 10, UK 6th, US 10th, weakest passports, and what it means for moving abroad. - [Best Countries for Solo Female Travelers](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-solo-female-travelers): Discover the best and safest countries for solo female travelers in 2026. From Japan and Iceland to Portugal and New Zealand, plan your trip. - [Scandinavian Tax Systems Explained](https://countrydesire.com/blog/scandinavian-tax-systems-explained): Understand Scandinavian tax systems in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Learn how high taxes fund world class public services and social safety nets. - [Colombian Food Guide: Traditional Dishes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/colombian-food-guide-traditional-dishes): Discover Colombian cuisine with this guide to traditional dishes including bandeja paisa, arepas, ajiaco, empanadas, and tropical fruits. - [Best Countries for Starting a Business 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-starting-business-2026): Discover the best countries for starting a business in 2026. Compare Singapore, Estonia, US, UK, and more for startup friendly environments. - [British vs American Culture: Key Differences](https://countrydesire.com/blog/british-vs-american-culture-key-differences): Explore key cultural differences between Britain and America, from humor and manners to workplace norms, food, sports, and daily life. - [Living in Bali Indonesia: Complete Cost Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/living-bali-indonesia-complete-cost-guide): Cost of living in Bali in 2026: rent, food, transport and healthcare prices, realistic monthly budgets, and the correct visa options including the E33G remote worker KITAS. - [Best Countries with Universal Healthcare](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-universal-healthcare): Discover the best countries with universal healthcare. Compare systems in France, Japan, Australia, Canada, UK, and more for expats. - [Turkish Cuisine: A Food Lover Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/turkish-cuisine-food-lover-guide): Discover Turkish cuisine with this complete food guide. Explore kebabs, mezes, baklava, pide, Turkish breakfast, and regional specialties. - [Nordic Countries: Quality of Life Comparison](https://countrydesire.com/blog/nordic-countries-quality-of-life-comparison): Compare quality of life across Nordic countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Covers costs, culture, and lifestyle factors. - [Best African Countries to Visit in 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-african-countries-visit-2026): Discover the best African countries to visit in 2026, from Kenya safaris and Moroccan medinas to South African wine country and Rwandan gorillas. - [Moving to Netherlands: Complete Expat Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-netherlands-complete-expat-guide): Complete expat guide to moving to the Netherlands. Covers visas, housing, healthcare, 30 percent ruling, and Dutch culture essentials. - [Vietnamese Street Food: Must Try Dishes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/vietnamese-street-food-must-try-dishes): Discover must try Vietnamese street food from pho and banh mi to bun cha and banh xeo. Your complete guide to Vietnam's incredible food scene. - [Greek Island Living: Cost and Lifestyle Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/greek-island-living-cost-lifestyle-guide): Complete guide to living on a Greek island. Covers costs, housing, healthcare, lifestyle, and what to expect from island life in Greece. - [Highest Paying Countries for Software Engineers](https://countrydesire.com/blog/highest-paying-countries-software-engineers): Find the highest paying countries for software engineers in 2026. Compare salaries in the US, Switzerland, Israel, Australia, and more. - [Spanish Tapas Guide: Best Traditional Dishes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/spanish-tapas-guide-traditional-dishes): Your complete guide to traditional Spanish tapas. Discover patatas bravas, jamon iberico, tortilla espanola, and more classic dishes. - [New Zealand Immigration: How to Move There](https://countrydesire.com/blog/new-zealand-immigration-how-to-move): Complete guide to New Zealand immigration. Learn about Skilled Migrant, work visas, Green List, and pathways to permanent residency. - [Cost of Living in Switzerland: Is It Worth It](https://countrydesire.com/blog/cost-of-living-switzerland-worth-it): Is the high cost of living in Switzerland worth it? Compare Swiss salaries, housing, healthcare, and quality of life in this honest guide. - [Indian Cuisine: Regional Food Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/indian-cuisine-regional-food-guide): Explore India's diverse regional cuisines from Punjabi butter chicken to Bengali fish dishes, South Indian dosa, and Goan vindaloo. - [Best Countries for Raising a Family](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-raising-family): Discover the best countries for raising a family in 2026. Compare education, safety, healthcare, and family policies across top nations. - [Tax Free Countries: Where to Pay Zero Income Tax](https://countrydesire.com/blog/tax-free-countries-zero-income-tax): Discover countries with zero income tax including UAE, Bahamas, Monaco, and Cayman Islands. Learn what life is like in tax free nations. - [Brazilian Food Culture: Traditional Dishes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/brazilian-food-culture-traditional-dishes): Explore Brazilian food culture with this guide to traditional dishes including feijoada, churrasco, acai, pao de queijo, and more. - [Working in South Korea: Job Market Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/working-south-korea-job-market-guide): Complete guide to working in South Korea. Covers teaching English, tech careers, visa types, workplace culture, and salary expectations. - [French Culture Guide: What Expats Need to Know](https://countrydesire.com/blog/french-culture-guide-expats): Essential French culture guide for expats. Learn about social etiquette, workplace norms, mealtimes, and daily life in France. - [Best Countries for Retirement 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-retirement-2026): Best countries for retirement in 2026: current retirement visa income requirements, healthcare and living costs in Portugal, Spain, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia and France. - [Mexican Street Food: Complete Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/mexican-street-food-complete-guide): Complete guide to Mexican street food. Discover tacos al pastor, tamales, elote, churros, and the vibrant flavors of Mexico's food culture. - [Singapore vs Hong Kong: Cost of Living Comparison](https://countrydesire.com/blog/singapore-vs-hong-kong-cost-of-living): Compare cost of living in Singapore vs Hong Kong across housing, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. Make informed relocation decisions. - [Cheapest Countries to Live in Europe 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/cheapest-countries-live-europe-2026): Discover the cheapest countries to live in Europe for 2026. From Bulgaria to Portugal, find affordable living with great quality of life. - [Italian Food Guide: Beyond Pizza and Pasta](https://countrydesire.com/blog/italian-food-guide-beyond-pizza-pasta): Explore Italian cuisine beyond pizza and pasta. Discover risotto, ossobuco, arancini, and regional specialties from all across Italy. - [How to Get a Work Visa in Australia](https://countrydesire.com/blog/how-to-get-work-visa-australia): Step by step guide to getting a work visa in Australia. Covers visa types 482, 189, 190, requirements, and application costs for 2026. - [Best Healthcare Systems in the World Ranked](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-healthcare-systems-world-ranked): Ranking of the best healthcare systems in the world for 2026, covering France, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and more top performers. - [Tax Benefits of Moving to Dubai UAE](https://countrydesire.com/blog/tax-benefits-moving-dubai-uae): Discover the tax benefits of moving to Dubai UAE, including zero income tax, no capital gains tax, and business incentives in free zones. - [Thai Street Food: Top Dishes You Must Try](https://countrydesire.com/blog/thai-street-food-top-dishes-must-try): Explore the best Thai street food dishes you must try, from Pad Thai and Som Tam to Mango Sticky Rice. Your ultimate Bangkok food guide. - [Cost of Living Comparison: US vs UK](https://countrydesire.com/blog/cost-of-living-comparison-us-vs-uk): Detailed cost of living comparison between the US and UK covering housing, healthcare, groceries, transportation, education, and taxes. - [Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-digital-nomads-2026): Best countries for digital nomads in 2026: visa rules, income requirements, costs and internet for Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, Georgia, Indonesia and more. - [Moving to Canada: Immigration Guide 2026](https://countrydesire.com/blog/moving-to-canada-immigration-guide-2026): Complete Canada immigration guide for 2026. Learn about Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and pathways to permanent residency. - [Traditional Japanese Cuisine: A Complete Food Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/traditional-japanese-cuisine-complete-food-guide): Discover traditional Japanese cuisine with this complete food guide. Explore sushi, ramen, tempura, kaiseki, and regional specialties. - [How to Find a Job in Germany as an Expat](https://countrydesire.com/blog/how-to-find-job-germany-expat): Complete guide to finding a job in Germany as an expat. Covers visa requirements, CV tips, job portals, and salary expectations in 2026. - [Top 10 Countries with Best Work Life Balance](https://countrydesire.com/blog/top-10-countries-best-work-life-balance): Discover the top 10 countries with the best work life balance in 2026, featuring Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and more global leaders. - [Cost of Living in Portugal: Complete Guide](https://countrydesire.com/blog/cost-of-living-portugal-complete-guide): Complete guide to cost of living in Portugal for 2026. Covers rent, food, transport, healthcare, and more for expats and digital nomads. - [Best Countries to Move to in 2026 for Low Taxes](https://countrydesire.com/blog/best-countries-low-taxes-2026): Explore the best countries to move to in 2026 for low taxes, including UAE, Panama, Paraguay, and more. Save money with smart relocation. ## About - [About and editorial policy](https://countrydesire.com/about) - [Disclaimer](https://countrydesire.com/disclaimer): general information, not tax, legal or immigration advice - [Contact](https://countrydesire.com/contact)