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League Table (based on 2012 results)

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United Kingdom

France

Economics

 

30th

1st

Overall

GB

29th

FR

27th

Income

GB

26th

FR

27th

Disposable income

GB

27th

FR

28th

Higher quality accommodation

GB

27th

FR

24th

Domestic helper/staff

GB

26th

FR

23rd

Swimming pool

GB

28th

FR

10th

More than one property

GB

26th

FR

30th

Nicer Cars

GB

18th

FR

23rd

Boat or yacht

GB

23rd

FR

16th

More luxurious holidays

GB

26th

FR

24th

Healthcare

GB

22nd

FR

3rd

Experience

 

30th

1st

Overall

GB

18th

FR

13th

Organising school for my children

GB

11th

FR

21st

Organising finances

GB

16th

FR

15th

Organising healthcare

GB

8th

FR

14th

Finding accommodation

GB

18th

FR

20th

Learning the local language

GB

5th

FR

19th

Getting used to local food

GB

20th

FR

7th

Local weather

GB

18th

FR

10th

Making friends

GB

16th

FR

17th

Local work culture

GB

9th

FR

17th

Setting up utilities

GB

14th

FR

22nd

Fitting in the new culture

GB

12th

FR

14th

Local transport

GB

15th

FR

8th

Enjoying local food

GB

15th

FR

2nd

Local culture

GB

8th

FR

11th

Using the local language

GB

5th

FR

3rd

Making local friends

GB

7th

FR

22nd

Integrating into the community

GB

2nd

FR

14th

Feeling welcome at work

GB

7th

FR

10th

Local shops and markets

GB

9th

FR

6th

Social life

GB

16th

FR

19th

Sports

GB

23rd

FR

26th

Working environment

GB

22nd

FR

26th

Work / life balance

GB

23rd

FR

13th

Entertainment

GB

1st

FR

19th

Quality of accommodation

GB

28th

FR

27th

Commuting

GB

29th

FR

5th

Travelling more

GB

14th

FR

27th

Healthcare access and quality

GB

17th

FR

3rd

Healthy diet

GB

28th

FR

6th

Expat Hints & Tips

Find and share advice on expat life. Whether you're about to move, have just moved or are a seasoned expat, find hundreds of useful hints and tips about life abroad. You can even add your own and be part of the conversation.

Go to Expat Hints & Tips

Expat Explorer ranks 30 countries across various criteria from the 2012 survey.

See how United Kingdom and France compare, or use the dropdown menus above to add or remove criteria and see which country performs best.

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Case studies

Expats talk about their experiences, including the rewards, challenges and practicalities of life abroad.

Expat case studies

Expat Guides

A series of guides to help you prepare for the key challenges you may face when living and working abroad.

Expat guides

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