The Impact of Quality of Life Between Cities in Different Countries

There’s a lot of information out there about the significant difference in quality of life between people born and raised in a developed country and those living in underdeveloped or developing countries. We often hear: “we all have the same 24 hours,” but deep down, it’s not that black and white. And how does this impact our overall health?

For those who don’t know me yet, nice to meet you! I’m Amanda. I just turned 31 and have been living far from my beloved Brazil for almost 3 years, truly understanding and experiencing the difference between living there and living here on the Gold Coast—where I now work as a remedial massage therapist with the team at Holism.

Before diving deeper into this subject, I want to emphasize that I am fully aware of being extremely privileged to be able to live this experience. Many people around the world don’t have the same access and resources to have such a beautiful and enriching cultural exchange.

São Paulo vs. Gold Coast

The choice of these cities is based on my own experience—since I was born and raised in São Paulo and now live in the Gold Coast. It might even seem unfair to “compare” them since each city has different propositions, but the goal here is to better understand how the environment we live in directly impacts our health, well-being, and even how we recover from stress or physical pain.

São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and one of the main financial and cultural centers in Latin America. With a diverse population of approximately 12 million people, it’s known for its intense urban life, characterised by skyscrapers, heavy traffic, and an endless array of services and attractions.

Gold Coast is a beautiful city located in the southeast of Queensland, Australia, known for its golden sandy beaches, tropical climate, and laid back lifestyle. In 2025, the population of Gold Coast is estimated to be just over 752,000 inhabitants.

The difference is already striking—starting with the population, right? Let’s continue…

São Paulo

Living Fast vs. Living Well

São Paulo offers a rich cultural experience with gastronomy, museums, theaters, and events. Despite its fast-paced rhythm, it does have green spaces like Ibirapuera Park. Still, many people live with constant background stress, which can take a toll on their body—often leading to tension, chronic pain and fatigue.

That’s where I’ve seen firsthand how valuable remedial massage in Gold Coast can be as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Clients who come to Holism often share how different life feels when you're supported in a city that prioritises wellbeing and offers space for recovery and rest.

Gold Coast, while smaller and more relaxed, offers its own vibrant cultural scene, a strong focus on outdoor activity, and easier access to things like natural spaces, beach walks, and local wellness services. As a remedial massage therapist here, I see the positive impact of this environment on my clients every single day.

What Slows Us Down

In São Paulo, just to travel a distance of 70 km can take between 1.5 to 4 hours during peak times. Public transport is another challenge. Meals are often eaten in traffic. This kind of routine creates more stress in the nervous system and makes it harder to be mindful when we eat, sleep, move—or even breathe.

Sure, people make it work. There are gyms near offices, and there’s 24/7 access to services. But when your day begins with a race against time, your body carries that tension. It’s no wonder people often live with high cortisol, poor sleep, and pain that lingers. These are the kinds of conditions we support through massage at Holism, especially with a focus on long-term care.

In contrast, Gold Coast’s lifestyle offers a sense of space—literally and mentally. Being able to live close to work, get into nature and actually breathe in clean air makes a real difference. And having access to health support like remedial massage therapy in Gold Coast allows people to take care of their bodies before pain becomes chronic.

Gold Coast

A Different Perspective

One thing I am certain of: we are privileged to have these natural resources and support systems around us here. Breathing fresh, less polluted air, having moments to relax, interacting with our loved ones, and still having time to take care of our health is precious. Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a mindful moment, or a regular massage—these small things add up.

If you’re ready to improve your quality of life, prevent pain, or simply give your body the care it deserves, I’d love to see you at Holism. It’s one of the most supportive places I’ve ever worked, and we’re here to help you feel better in every way.

Want to know how to move better and stay pain-free as you age? Paige wrote a beautiful post on aging without pain. See below for the previous post on this 👇