Highest Take-Home
Singapore
2025
20.9%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$79,120
$6,593/mo
Income 5% Social 16%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $79,120 in Singapore versus $71,516 in New Zealand.
Singapore
$79,120
+$7,604/year
New Zealand
$71,516
That's $634 more per month in Singapore
Side-by-side breakdown
New Zealand
2025-26
28.5%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$71,516
$5,960/mo
Income 27% Social 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
Chasing Peaks or Skyscrapers
Adventure-seekers and families often flock to New Zealand for its slower pace and 'Middle-earth' landscapes, while ambitious professionals head to Singapore to thrive in a high-octane global hub. Whether you prefer a weekend hiking through rugged mountains or exploring a neon-lit urban jungle, both nations offer world-class safety and infrastructure for expats.
The Daily Vibe Check
Life in New Zealand is about the 'flat white' culture and finishing work early enough for a surf, emphasizing a genuine work-life balance. In contrast, Singapore is a culinary and shopping paradise where life happens at lightning speed, offering a seamless blend of tropical heat and air-conditioned luxury.
Two Paths to Prosperity
New Zealand keeps things simple with a five-bracket system and a higher top rate, reflecting its egalitarian roots. Singapore, meanwhile, employs a highly granular system with thirteen brackets and a much lower ceiling, rewarding high earners with one of the most competitive tax environments in the world.
Investing in the Future
Kiwi taxes fund a robust public health system and accident cover, providing a safety net that lets you sleep easy. Singapore focuses on the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a mandatory savings powerhouse that ensures residents are building a dedicated nest egg for housing, healthcare, and retirement.
The Ultimate Bottom Line
If you value social equity and a lifestyle focused on the great outdoors, New Zealand is your winner. However, for those looking to maximize their take-home pay and live at the center of Asian commerce, Singapore’s low-tax, high-growth environment is nearly impossible to beat.
Detailed tax breakdown
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