India vs Australia: Tax Comparison

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On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $71,980 in Australia versus $59,228 in India.

Australia

$71,980

+$12,753/year

India

$59,228

That's $1,063 more per month in Australia

Side-by-side breakdown

Highest Take-Home

Australia

2025-26

28.0%

effective tax rate

Take-home
$71,980

$5,998/mo

Income 25% Social 2% Other 1%

India

2025-26 · Maharashtra

40.8%

effective tax rate

Take-home
$59,228

$4,936/mo

Income 25% State 0% Social 12% Other 4%

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

Chasing the Southern Sun

From the tech hubs of Bengaluru to the breezy coastlines of Sydney, the path between India and Australia is well-trodden by ambitious professionals and young families seeking a balance of high-growth careers and a laid-back lifestyle. While India offers a vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere with deep cultural roots, Australia draws people in with its promise of a literal breath of fresh air and an outdoor-centric way of life.

The Daily Grind vs. Coastal Calm

In India, life is an energetic hustle where your rupee often goes further on daily luxuries like help at home and dining out, while Australia focuses on a 'work-to-live' philosophy. You’ll swap the bustling, colorful markets of Mumbai for quiet weekend morning surf sessions or backyard cricket, transitioning from a high-convenience economy to one that prizes physical well-being and space.

Brackets, Surcharges, and Bureaucracy

India’s tax system is becoming more streamlined with its new default regime, utilizing multiple steps to keep the top rate lower than Australia’s, though surcharges can add up for high earners. Australia takes a 'fewer but steeper' approach; while the entry thresholds are generous, the top marginal rates kick in harder, reflecting a system designed to redistribute wealth more aggressively.

Investing in the Public Good

Your tax dollars tell two different stories: in India, contributions like the EPF focus on building a private nest egg for retirement, whereas Australian taxes heavily fund a robust public healthcare system via the Medicare Levy. While Australians enjoy nearly universal healthcare access, Indian residents often navigate a mix of state-level professional taxes and education cesses designed to uplift a massive, developing infrastructure.

The Final Verdict

If you want to maximize your immediate purchasing power and live in the heart of the world's next economic superpower, India’s tax structure rewards the hustle. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive social safety net and don't mind trading a larger slice of your paycheck for world-class public services, the Australian 'Fair Go' remains an unbeatable draw.

Detailed tax breakdown

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