Highest Take-Home
South Korea
2025 · Seoul
26.9%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$73,107
$6,092/mo
Income 18% State 2% Social 7%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $73,107 in South Korea versus $70,904 in Canada.
South Korea
$73,107
+$2,202/year
Canada
$70,904
That's $184 more per month in South Korea
Side-by-side breakdown
Canada
2025 · Ontario
29.1%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$70,904
$5,909/mo
Income 16% State 7% Social 4% 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 Worlds
Whether it's tech talent flocking to the neon-lit streets of Seoul or families seeking the sprawling landscapes of Ontario, the bridge between these nations is built on ambition. Canada offers a slower-paced sanctuary for those seeking work-life balance, while South Korea provides a high-octane environment for the career-driven and culturally curious.
Daily Grind and City Vibes
Living in Canada feels like a marathon in nature, where personal space and weekend hiking trips are the norm. In contrast, South Korea is a 24/7 sprint of convenience, where world-class public transit and a 'pali-pali' culture of speed make every day feel like a leap into the future.
The Bracket Battle
Canada keeps it relatively simple with five federal tiers, though regional surtaxes like those in Ontario add a layer of complexity. South Korea’s system is much more granular with eight brackets, starting very low for entry-level earners but scaling significantly higher for top-tier executives compared to their Canadian counterparts.
The Social Safety Net
Your tax dollars work differently here; Canada leans into universal healthcare and pension credits that phase out for high earners to favor the middle class. South Korea integrates its health and long-term care insurance directly into the deduction process, offering incredible efficiency and some of the world's most accessible medical services.
The Ultimate Verdict
If you are a high-flying CEO, Canada’s lower top-marginal rate might look more attractive on paper. However, for the average professional, South Korea’s generous employment deductions and credits often make it the winner for those who value ultra-modern infrastructure and high-speed living.
Detailed tax breakdown
Related comparisons
Compare all 140+ countries
See how Canada and South Korea rank globally