Highest Take-Home
Singapore
2025
20.9%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$79,104
$6,592/mo
Income 5% Social 16%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $79,104 in Singapore versus $71,979 in Australia.
Singapore
$79,104
+$7,125/year
Australia
$71,979
That's $594 more per month in Singapore
Side-by-side breakdown
Australia
2025-26
28.0%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$71,979
$5,998/mo
Income 25% Social 2% Other 2%
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
Sunsets vs Skyscrapers
Ambitious young professionals often flock to Singapore's high-octane financial hub, while families and lifestyle-seekers are drawn to Australia's laid-back coastal vibes and work-life balance. Whether you're chasing a global career in the 'Little Red Dot' or a weekend surfboard session in Sydney, both nations offer some of the highest standards of living in the world.
The Tax Man's Slice
Australia uses a simpler five-bracket system with a high top marginal rate for high earners, whereas Singapore employs a highly granular 13-bracket system designed to keep rates remarkably low. While Aussies face steeper progressive climbs, Singaporeans enjoy one of the most competitive tax environments globally, allowing them to keep significantly more of their hard-earned cash.
Safety Nets and Perks
In Australia, your taxes fund a robust public health system through the Medicare Levy, providing a massive safety net for everyone. Singapore takes a more individualistic approach through the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a mandatory savings scheme that ensures you have personal funds ready for healthcare, housing, and your golden years.
Watch Out for Extras
Aussies need to keep an eye on the Medicare Levy Surcharge if they skip private health insurance, which can be a sneaky added cost. In Singapore, keep in mind that while tax rates are low, the cost of car ownership and luxury goods is famously high, often balancing out the savings you've made at tax time.
The Ultimate Verdict
If your goal is maximum wealth accumulation and urban efficiency, Singapore is the undisputed heavyweight champion. However, if you're looking for a generous social safety net and a lifestyle where the beach is your backyard, the higher tax price tag in Australia might just be worth every cent.
Detailed tax breakdown
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