United Kingdom vs Canada: Tax Comparison

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On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $72,162 in United Kingdom versus $70,917 in Canada.

United Kingdom

$72,162

+$1,245/year

Canada

$70,917

That's $104 more per month in United Kingdom

Side-by-side breakdown

Highest Take-Home

United Kingdom

2025-26 · London

27.8%

effective tax rate

Take-home
$72,162

$6,013/mo

Income 23% Social 5%

Canada

2025 · Ontario

29.1%

effective tax rate

Take-home
$70,917

$5,910/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 Shores

Whether you are drawn to the historic pub culture of London or the rugged, outdoorsy spirit of Toronto, the move between the UK and Canada is a classic expat journey. Young professionals often chase the fast-paced career energy of the British Isles, while families frequently head across the Atlantic seeking more space and a slower, nature-focused pace of life.

City Lights vs Snowy Heights

Life in the UK is all about proximity, where a short train ride connects you to centuries of history and vibrant European getaways. Canada offers a grander scale of living, where weekends are defined by lakeside cabins and vast wilderness, though you'll trade the British drizzle for crisp, snowy winters and a more spread-out, car-centric lifestyle.

The Tax Man's Strategy

The UK keeps things simple with just three main tax bands and no regional income taxes to worry about, though high earners see their personal allowance vanish quite quickly. In contrast, Canada uses a more granular federal system with five brackets, but you must also account for provincial taxes and unique surtaxes that can make your final paycheck feel a bit more complex.

What Your Quid Buys

In the UK, your National Insurance contributions help fund the legendary NHS, providing healthcare that is free at the point of use. Canada's system similarly prioritizes social safety nets like the Canada Pension Plan, ensuring that while you're paying into the system, you're securing a robust umbrella of public services and future stability.

The Ultimate Verdict

If you prefer a straightforward tax bill and world-class urban connectivity, the UK is your winner. However, if you don't mind a little extra paperwork in exchange for lower top-tier federal rates and the chance to live in a sprawling natural playground, Canada's system offers a rewarding trade-off for the adventurous soul.

Detailed tax breakdown

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