Highest Take-Home
United Kingdom
2025-26 · London
27.9%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$72,137
$6,011/mo
Income 23% Social 5%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $72,137 in United Kingdom versus $68,221 in Ireland.
United Kingdom
$72,137
+$3,916/year
Ireland
$68,221
That's $326 more per month in United Kingdom
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
A Tale of Two Isles
Whether it is the bustling streets of London or the charm of Dublin, professionals and creatives constantly hop across the Irish Sea for career growth. While the UK offers a massive, diverse landscape for tech and finance, Ireland has become the European home for global giants, attracting a young, international crowd looking for a blend of tradition and modernity.
Pubs, Parks, and Pace
Life in the UK often feels fast-paced and global, with an endless supply of culture and world-class entertainment at your doorstep. In contrast, Ireland offers a slightly more communal, laid-back vibe where a sense of local connection remains strong even in its high-tech hubs, though both countries share a legendary love for cozy rainy afternoons and vibrant social scenes.
The Taxman’s Strategy
The UK utilizes a three-tier ladder that starts with a generous personal allowance, meaning you keep more of your early earnings before the taxman steps in. Ireland keeps things simpler with just two brackets, but their system relies heavily on tax credits to lower your bill, making the entry into the top bracket feel much more immediate for rising stars.
The Safety Net Shuffle
In the UK, National Insurance is your ticket to a storied public health system and state support, keeping things streamlined under one main contribution. Ireland splits this journey into two parts: a social insurance for benefits and a separate social charge that functions like a mini-income tax, ensuring everyone contributes to the nation's collective well-being.
The Hidden Fine Print
High earners in the UK need to watch out for the 'taper,' where that generous tax-free allowance begins to vanish as you climb the corporate ladder. Meanwhile, in Ireland, your social contributions are more sensitive to your weekly paycheck, meaning your take-home pay can shift slightly depending on the season and your specific employment class.
The Final Verdict
Broadly speaking, the UK is often more forgiving for those just starting out or earning mid-range salaries due to the higher tax-free threshold. However, Ireland’s lower top marginal rate makes it an enticing destination for high-flyers who don't mind navigating a more complex web of social charges in exchange for a smaller peak tax percentage.
Detailed tax breakdown
Related comparisons
Compare all 140+ countries
See how United Kingdom and Ireland rank globally