Australia vs Singapore: Tax Comparison

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On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $79,120 in Singapore versus $71,980 in Australia.

Singapore

$79,120

+$7,140/year

Australia

$71,980

That's $595 more per month in Singapore

Side-by-side breakdown

Highest Take-Home

Singapore

2025

20.9%

effective tax rate

Take-home
$79,120

$6,593/mo

Income 5% Social 16%

Australia

2025-26

28.0%

effective tax rate

Take-home
$71,980

$5,998/mo

Income 25% Social 2% Other 1%

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

A Tale of Two Cities

From the humidity of Singapore's business district to the laid-back coastal vibes of Australia, this route is a favorite for ambitious corporate climbers and outdoorsy families alike. While one offers a high-octane urban playground at the heart of Asia, the other promises a sun-drenched work-life balance that is hard to beat.

Vibes Over Figures

Living in Singapore feels like living in the future with hyper-efficient transit and world-class dining, but you'll pay for the privilege of space. Australia offers room to breathe and a slower pace, where the 'no worries' attitude dictates the daily flow more than the clock does.

The Tax Reality Check

The systems couldn't be more different: Singapore uses a granular ladder of thirteen brackets to keep your contributions low, while Australia keeps it simple with fewer brackets but significantly higher top rates. If you are a high earner, Singapore’s capped top rate feels like a massive raise compared to Australia's more progressive appetite.

Safety Nets and Perks

In Australia, your taxes fund a robust public healthcare system via the Medicare Levy, offering peace of mind for every citizen. Singapore favors a self-reliance model through the CPF system, ensuring you save for your own future while enjoying a cleaner, safer urban environment than almost anywhere else on Earth.

The Fine Print

Watch out for the 'gotchas' like Australia's surcharge for those without private health insurance or Singapore's relief caps. Ultimately, Singapore is the clear winner for wealth accumulation, but Australia wins if your priority is social security and a wide-open backyard.

Detailed tax breakdown

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