Highest Take-Home
United Kingdom
2025-26 · London
27.8%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$72,162
$6,013/mo
Income 23% Social 5%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $72,162 in United Kingdom versus $71,979 in Australia.
United Kingdom
$72,162
+$183/year
Australia
$71,979
That's $15 more per month in United Kingdom
Side-by-side breakdown
Australia
2025-26
28.0%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$71,979
$5,998/mo
Income 25% Social 2% Other 2%
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 History
The route between London and Sydney is a classic exchange of dreams, where young professionals seek the UK's global career fast-track while families head Down Under for a backyard-and-barbecue lifestyle. Whether you are trading the misty charm of a British pub for the golden sands of Bondi Beach, both nations offer a high-octane mix of culture and opportunity.
Vibes Over Value
Living in the UK means navigating the energetic buzz of ancient cities and world-class arts, though you will definitely need a sturdy umbrella and a love for cozy interiors. Australia, by contrast, focuses on the great outdoors and a slower 'no worries' pace of life where the weekend starts early and the coffee culture is taken very seriously.
The Taxman's Strategy
Australia uses a more granular approach with five tax brackets, designed to ease you in gently as you earn more, whereas the UK keeps it simple with just three main tiers. While the UK offers a generous threshold before you pay a penny, Australia utilizes a system of offsets and credits to keep the burden light for those just starting their career journey.
The Safety Net
In the UK, your National Insurance contributions power the legendary NHS, ensuring healthcare is free at the point of use for everyone. Australia splits the bill through the Medicare Levy, which funds a high-quality public system but nudges higher earners toward private cover to avoid extra surcharges.
The Final Verdict
If you want a massive tax-free allowance to jumpstart your savings, the UK is hard to beat for early-career earners. However, Australia's progressive brackets and sunny lifestyle make it the winner for those looking to balance a growing paycheck with a high-quality, outdoor-centric existence.
Detailed tax breakdown
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