The latest NatWest International Personal Banking (NatWest IPB)  Quality of Life Index undertaken in conjunction with think tank, Centre for Future Studies, surveyed UK expatriates now living across the world.

Here are the key findings:

• Of the countries surveyed, New Zealand was rated top of the table by expatriates surveyed.  Last year’s winner, Canada, was in second place.
• Expats in New Zealand rated it highly across almost all life experience factors, including income while simultaneously having the lowest cost of living out of all the countries surveyed.
• It also had one of the lowest property values - equivalent to just £111,000.
• Furthermore, the favourable tax regime means that expats’ money goes further in New Zealand, with the highest tax band at 39 per cent.

2009 Quality of Life Index

1. New Zealand
2. Canada
3. Australia
4. France
5. United Arab Emirates
6. Portugal
7. Spain
8. South Africa
9. USA
10. China
11. Singapore
12. Hong Kong