How the cost of living in the US compares with other countries around the world

• Living and working conditions vary around the world, with differing visa requirements, paid maternity leave and cost of living.
• WorldFirst, a global leader in international money transfers, analysed seven countries to see how the US compares with the rest of the world in terms of living and working conditions.
• The organisation looked at job demand, accessibility of visas, the cost of living, and working conditions.

Seeking new opportunities abroad can be exciting, but living and working conditions vary around the world, with differing visa requirements, paid maternity leave and cost of living.

In the US, the average cost of rent stands at $1,671, while transport comes in at around $94. Compared with other countries, the main sectors in which jobs are in demand include mathematics, information technology, health, teaching, and writing.

Different visas are available depending on whether you have a job offer and, often, you need at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Visas can be renewed indefinitely depending on where you're from and can allow an applicant's spouse to live and work in the US.

WorldFirst, a global leader in international money transfers, analysed seven countries to see how the US compares with the rest of the world in terms of the jobs in demand, accessibility of visas, the cost of living, and working conditions.

Here's a look at the comparisons.

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1. Germany

"Health specialists and engineers may secure a visa more easily, as these jobs are in demand, but other workers will have to prove their job could not be filled by an EU worker," says Worldfirst.

The opportunity to work in Germany often also comes with enjoying generous maternity and sick leave benefits.

Rent: $1,077

Transport: $111

Jobs in demand: Technology specialists, health professionals, and engineers.

Visa requirements: Working Holiday visas are available for those between 18 and 30 for up to 12 months. People from outside Germany can, with a firm job offer and a vocational qualification, apply for a residence permit for general employment.

Working conditions: Employees are entitled to 14 weeks maternity leave on full pay, and full salary for up to six weeks in case of illness.

2. Singapore

"Singapore is popular with finance industry professionals, and its low income tax rates — up to 22% for high earners — make it attractive for businesses and executives," says WorldFirst.

"Even better, expats are subject to just a 15% income tax in their first 183 days of employment in Singapore.

"Visas are easy to acquire and are valid for up to two years, but Singapore's popularity among professionals also makes it one of the most expensive countries for rent."

Rent: $2,673

Transport: $99

Jobs in demand: Business and financial professionals, infrastructure constructionists, and marketing consultants.

Visa requirements: An employment pass or "S Card" is valid for up to three years.

Working conditions: Employees on visas or work permits are not entitled to a pension scheme in Singapore.

3. Hong Kong

"Hong Kong has less favourable working conditions, with limited annual, maternity and paternity leave," says WorldFirst.

"Sales, information technology, marketing and finance roles are sought after in Hong Kong, but Working Holiday visas are limited."

Rent: $3,210

Transport: $81

Jobs in demand: Finance and accounting, engineering and marketing and sales.

Visa requirements: General Employment Policy visas are available for those outside of Hong Kong, provided they have a reasonable job offer, a good academic and professional background, and where the job cannot be filled locally. Working Holiday visas for those between 18 and 30 years of age are available for set numbers of people.

Working conditions: Employees are only entitled to between seven and 14 days of annual leave, and 10 weeks of paid maternity leave — provided they've been with their employer for at least 40 weeks. New fathers are entitled to a mere three days' paternity leave.