Highest Take-Home
Australia
2025-26
28.0%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$71,979
$5,998/mo
Income 25% Social 2% Other 2%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $71,979 in Australia versus $56,696 in Italy.
Australia
$71,979
+$15,283/year
Italy
$56,696
That's $1,274 more per month in Australia
Side-by-side breakdown
Italy
2025 · Rome
43.3%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$56,696
$4,725/mo
Income 30% State 3% Social 9%
Tax rate by income level
Effective Tax Rate by Income
Shows effective tax rate (total tax / gross income) at different income levels in USD
Understanding the difference
Life & Taxes
Sunrays vs. Cobblestones
Adventure seekers often find themselves torn between Australia’s laid-back surf culture and the timeless allure of Italy’s historical piazzas. While professionals flock to Australia for the high-octane economy, digital nomads and creatives are lured to Italy by the promise of 'la dolce vita' and a slower, more meaningful pace of life.
Vibe Check: Lifestyle Comparison
Life in Australia is a blend of backyard BBQs and pristine beaches where work-life balance is a sacred right. Italy, by contrast, offers an immersive cultural masterclass where your morning ritual is a perfect espresso and your evenings are spent in the warm glow of ancient city centers.
The Taxman’s Strategy
Australia uses a more granular approach with five tax brackets, making the climb up the career ladder feel a bit more incremental. Italy keeps it simpler with just three main brackets, but you’ll need to account for regional and municipal layers that change depending on whether you’re living in Rome or a quiet northern village.
What Your Taxes Buy
In Australia, your contributions primarily fund a robust Medicare system and high-quality infrastructure that keeps the cities humming. In Italy, your INPS social security contributions fuel an extensive pension and welfare system designed to protect families through every stage of life, from the cradle to the coast.
The Fine Print
The 'gotcha' in Australia is the Medicare Levy Surcharge for those without private health cover, effectively a nudge to go private. Meanwhile, in Italy, the complexity lies in the shifting regional surcharges and the 'Additional Deduction' for specific income ranges that can make your take-home pay a pleasant surprise.
Detailed tax breakdown
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