Highest Take-Home
Australia
2025-26
28.0%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$71,980
$5,998/mo
Income 25% Social 2% Other 1%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $71,980 in Australia versus $68,221 in Ireland.
Australia
$71,980
+$3,759/year
Ireland
$68,221
That's $313 more per month in Australia
Side-by-side breakdown
Ireland
2025
31.8%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$68,221
$5,685/mo
Income 25% Social 7%
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 Sun or Emerald Hills
The path between Dublin and Sydney is well-trodden by young professionals and families seeking a change of scenery, whether that's swapping a pint of stout for a surf session or vice versa. While Ireland offers a tech-heavy gateway to Europe, Australia draws in those looking for a laid-back, outdoor-centric lifestyle where the workday ends at the beach.
Vibe Check: Rain vs. Radiance
Living in Australia feels like a constant pursuit of the great outdoors, defined by high energy and sprawling coastal suburbs that prioritize work-life balance. Conversely, Ireland offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with a world-class social scene and a historical charm that makes every rainy afternoon feel like a scene from a movie.
The Tax Bracket Battle
Ireland keeps things simple with just two main tax tiers, but don't let the simplicity fool you; the higher rate kicks in relatively early for many workers. Australia uses a more graduated five-step ladder, which can feel friendlier to mid-range earners even if the very top earners face a steeper climb than their Irish counterparts.
The Social Safety Net
Your taxes work hard in both hemispheres, but they take different routes to get there. Irish workers contribute to the USC and PRSI to fund a robust European-style social net, while Australians pay a dedicated Medicare Levy to sustain one of the world's most envied public healthcare systems.
The Fine Print Gotchas
In Australia, skipping private health insurance can actually trigger an extra surcharge, making it a unique 'carrot and stick' approach to healthcare. Meanwhile, Irish residents benefit from a straightforward credit system that helps offset their initial liability, though the complexity of social insurance classes is always worth a second look.
Detailed tax breakdown
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