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 $65,239 in France.
United Kingdom
$72,162
+$6,923/year
France
$65,239
That's $577 more per month in United Kingdom
Side-by-side breakdown
France
2024-2025
34.8%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$65,239
$5,437/mo
Income 14% Social 21%
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 Channel Dream
Whether it's ambitious professionals flocking to London's global financial hub or style-seekers drawn to the romantic streets of Paris, the movement between these two neighbors is constant. Young creatives usually trade the UK's hustle for French 'art de vivre', while families often weigh up the British career ladder against the European focus on leisure and community.
Pubs vs. Pâtisseries
Life in the UK is fast-paced and efficiency-driven, where a quick pint after work is the quintessential social glue. In contrast, France treats time as a luxury, prioritizing long lunches and a sacred respect for the weekend that makes burnout feel like a foreign concept.
The Taxman’s Strategy
The UK keeps it simple with a generous tax-free allowance that lets you keep more of your early earnings, though the steps up are steep. France takes a more granular approach with more brackets and complex social deductions, often proving more favorable for those with families thanks to its unique household-based calculations.
What Your Money Buys
In Britain, your National Insurance primarily feeds the beloved NHS, offering healthcare that is free at the point of use. France demands higher social contributions, but in return, you get a world-class healthcare system with shorter wait times and a robust social safety net that feels incredibly secure.
The Final Verdict
If you are a high-earning solo flyer, the UK’s streamlined system and higher entry thresholds might edge out a win. However, for those seeking a holistic lifestyle where taxes directly fund high-quality public infrastructure and a slower pace of life, the French 'tax price' is one most are happy to pay.
Detailed tax breakdown
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