Have you ever wondered if you could earn the same money as you do now but spend fewer hours at work? Maybe even live somewhere where your paycheck stretches further? I’ve often daydreamed about packing my bags and moving to a country where my efforts are rewarded with both more cash per hour and a better lifestyle. Turns out, this isn’t just a pipe dream—there are at least 13 countries where the average worker can earn the UK’s median salary faster than in Britain, sometimes with a lower cost of living to boot. Let’s dive into this eye-opening exploration of where your skills could take you, financially and beyond.
Why Earning More for Less Work Matters
In the UK, the average person earns about £45,688 annually, clocking in roughly 1,524 hours a year to get there. That’s a lot of time spent at the desk, on the road, or in meetings. But what if you could hit that same salary in significantly fewer hours? According to recent studies, workers in certain countries can achieve this, freeing up time for hobbies, family, or just soaking in life’s little joys. This isn’t about working less for the sake of laziness—it’s about maximizing your time and financial freedom.
The idea of relocating for better pay and fewer hours is gaining traction, especially as remote work and global job markets open new doors. But it’s not just about the paycheck. The cost of living plays a massive role in how far your earnings go. Some countries pair high hourly wages with affordable living, while others, despite stellar pay, come with a hefty price tag. Let’s break down the top destinations where you can earn more, work less, and maybe even live better.
Luxembourg: The Gold Standard for High Pay
Picture this: you’re earning the UK’s average salary in just 125 working days. That’s the reality in Luxembourg, where workers rake in an estimated £48.69 per hour. This tiny European nation is a financial powerhouse, and its wages reflect that. You’d save about 480 hours annually compared to the UK—equivalent to 64 standard workdays.
In Luxembourg, your time is literally worth more. It’s like getting paid for a full year’s work in just over half the time.
– Financial analyst
But there’s a catch. The cost of living in Luxembourg is about 14% higher than in the UK. Your money might not stretch as far on rent or groceries, but the sheer efficiency of earning power makes it a compelling choice for high earners. If you’re in finance, tech, or another lucrative field, this could be your ticket to a cushier lifestyle.
Nordic Nations: High Wages, High Costs
The Nordic countries—Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden—are often hailed for their quality of life, and their wage structures don’t disappoint. In Iceland, for instance, you’d need just 127 days to earn the UK’s average salary, thanks to an hourly rate of £47.87. Norway follows at 151 days (£40.25/hour), Denmark at 153 days (£39.95/hour), and Sweden at 190 days (£32.00/hour).
These numbers sound dreamy, but hold on. The cost of living in Iceland is a whopping 41.5% higher than in the UK. Norway’s is 21% higher, and Denmark’s 13.6%. Sweden, however, is a bit of an outlier, with living costs about 2.2% lower than in Britain. If you’re eyeing a move to the Nordics, Sweden might offer the best balance of high pay and manageable expenses.
- Iceland: Earn the UK salary in 127 days, but brace for high living costs.
- Norway: 151 days to match UK pay, with a 21% cost-of-living hike.
- Denmark: 153 days, with a 13.6% higher cost of living.
- Sweden: 190 days, but living costs are slightly lower than the UK.
I’ve always been fascinated by the Nordic model—high wages, strong social safety nets, and a focus on work-life balance. But the price of a coffee in Reykjavik might make you rethink your priorities!
Germany and Australia: Affordable High Earnings
Not every high-wage country comes with a sky-high cost of living. Take Germany, where the average worker earns £38.81 per hour and needs just 157 days to match the UK’s annual salary. That’s 46 fewer workdays than in Britain. Plus, the cost of living is about 1% lower than in the UK, making your earnings go further.
Australia’s another gem. With an hourly rate of £32.23, Aussies can hit the UK salary in 189 days—about three weeks less than their British counterparts. The cost of living is nearly identical to the UK’s (just 0.4% lower), so you’re not sacrificing affordability for higher pay. Plus, who wouldn’t want to trade London’s drizzle for Sydney’s beaches?
Germany and Australia prove you don’t need to break the bank to live well while earning more.
The Full List: Top 10 Countries for Higher Pay, Fewer Hours
Here’s a quick rundown of the top 10 countries where you can earn the UK’s average salary faster than in Britain, along with how their living costs stack up:
| Rank | Country | Hourly Rate (£) | Days to Earn UK Salary | Cost of Living vs. UK |
| 1 | Luxembourg | 48.69 | 125 | +14% |
| 2 | Iceland | 47.87 | 127 | +41.5% |
| 3 | Norway | 40.25 | 151 | +21% |
| 4 | Denmark | 39.95 | 153 | +13.6% |
| 5 | Netherlands | 39.39 | 155 | +4.4% |
| 6 | Austria | 39.33 | 155 | +3.4% |
| 7 | Germany | 38.81 | 157 | -1% |
| 8 | United States | 35.31 | 173 | +2.7% |
| 9 | Australia | 32.23 | 189 | -0.4% |
| 10 | Sweden | 32.00 | 190 | -2.2% |
This table is a goldmine for anyone considering a move. It’s not just about the money—it’s about how much time you save and how far your earnings go in your new home.
Where It Takes Longer to Earn the UK Salary
Not every country offers a faster track to the UK’s average wage. In some places, you’d be working much longer to hit that £45,688 mark. Mexico, for example, is at the extreme end—workers there would need to clock 6,211 hours, or over 8.5 months of daily work, to match the UK salary. The hourly rate? A mere £7.36.
But here’s the silver lining: Mexico’s cost of living is 41.5% lower than the UK’s. So, while you’re earning less per hour, your money goes a lot further. A taco in Mexico City costs a fraction of a sandwich in London, after all.
Other countries where you’d work longer include Greece (482 days, £12.64/hour), Hungary (406 days, £14.98/hour), and Slovakia (394 days, £15.43/hour). These nations have significantly lower living costs—Greece is 21.7% cheaper, Hungary 35.6%, and Slovakia 28.6%—which could make them attractive if you’re prioritizing affordability over raw earnings.
The Bottom 10: Countries Where You Work More
Here’s a look at the 10 countries where earning the UK’s average salary takes the longest:
| Rank | Country | Hourly Rate (£) | Days to Earn UK Salary | Cost of Living vs. UK |
| 1 | Mexico | 7.36 | 828 | -41.5% |
| 2 | Greece | 12.64 | 482 | -21.7% |
| 3 | Hungary | 14.98 | 406 | -35.6% |
| 4 | Slovakia | 15.43 | 394 | -28.6% |
| 5 | Czech Republic | 16.78 | 363 | -26.2% |
| 6 | Estonia | 17.03 | 357 | -14% |
| 7 | Poland | 18.05 | 337 | -32.9% |
| 8 | Portugal | 18.23 | 334 | -29.1% |
| 9 | Latvia | 19.84 | 306 | -24.9% |
| 10 | Korea | 20.78 | 293 | -5.2% |
These countries might not be the best bet if your goal is to earn the UK salary quickly, but their lower living costs could make them viable for a different kind of lifestyle—one where you prioritize experiences over income.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Relocation
Moving to a country where you can earn more in less time sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Relocating involves more than just comparing wages and living costs. There’s culture shock, language barriers, and the emotional toll of leaving friends and family behind. I’ve known people who moved abroad for better pay only to realize they missed the familiarity of home.
That said, the benefits can be life-changing. Imagine having an extra 64 days a year to pursue your passions, spend with loved ones, or just relax. Countries like Germany or Australia offer not only financial perks but also vibrant cultures and high standards of living. The key is to do your homework—research visa requirements, job markets, and local customs before making the leap.
- Assess your priorities: Is higher pay worth a higher cost of living? Do you value time over money?
- Research job opportunities: Some countries favor specific industries, like finance in Luxembourg or tech in the U.S.
- Consider lifestyle: Would you thrive in Iceland’s rugged beauty or Australia’s laid-back vibe?
Making Your Money Work for You
Wherever you choose to live, the goal is to make your money work harder for you. In countries like Sweden or Germany, where living costs are close to or lower than the UK’s, you can save more or invest in experiences like travel or education. Even in pricier places like Iceland, the extra time you gain from working fewer hours can be a game-changer for your mental health and overall happiness.
It’s not just about earning more—it’s about living more. Time is the ultimate currency.
– Career coach
Personally, I find the idea of working smarter, not harder, incredibly appealing. Why grind away for 1,524 hours a year when you could achieve the same financial goals in 1,000? It’s a mindset shift that could redefine how we approach work and life.
Final Thoughts: Is Relocation Right for You?
The data is clear: there are places in the world where you can earn the UK’s average salary faster, sometimes with the added bonus of lower living costs. Luxembourg, Germany, Australia, and Sweden stand out as prime destinations for those chasing financial efficiency. But the decision to relocate is deeply personal. It’s about more than numbers—it’s about what kind of life you want to lead.
So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear of the unknown, or are you just not sure where to start? My advice: start small. Research one country that sparks your interest. Look at job boards, cost-of-living calculators, and expat forums. You might be surprised at how achievable a better work-life balance is, just a plane ride away.
This exploration of global wages and work hours has been a wake-up call for me. Maybe it’s time to rethink where and how we work. After all, life’s too short to spend it all at the office, right?
