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 $72,137 in United Kingdom.
Singapore
$79,120
+$6,983/year
United Kingdom
$72,137
That's $582 more per month in Singapore
Side-by-side breakdown
United Kingdom
2025-26 · London
27.9%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$72,137
$6,011/mo
Income 23% Social 5%
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
Global Hubs, Different Vibes
London and Singapore are the ultimate magnets for high-flyers, attracting ambitious techies and finance gurus from every corner of the globe. While the UK offers a rich tapestry of history and European proximity, Singapore provides a hyper-modern, tropical gateway to the heart of Asia's booming economy.
The Daily Grind
Life in the UK is about cozy pubs, unpredictable weather, and a slower pace outside the London bubble, whereas Singapore is a sleek, efficient city-state where everything works like clockwork. You trade the charming British countryside and cultural depth for Singapore's pristine streets, world-class safety, and year-round outdoor dining.
Two Paths to the Taxman
The UK keeps things simple but steep with just three main tax brackets topping out at 45%, significantly impacting high earners. Singapore takes a much more granular approach with thirteen brackets, keeping its top rate incredibly low at 24%—a massive draw for those looking to maximize their take-home pay.
Investing in Your Future
Your tax pounds in the UK primarily fund the National Health Service and a broad social safety net, providing peace of mind regardless of your career stage. In contrast, Singapore emphasizes individual responsibility through the Central Provident Fund, a mandatory savings scheme that fuels your own housing, healthcare, and retirement pot.
The Hidden Fine Print
UK residents must navigate a tapering personal allowance that can create a 'stealth' tax trap for those crossing certain income thresholds. Meanwhile, Singaporean residents enjoy a generous cap on total tax reliefs, though expats must remember that the most attractive benefits are often reserved for citizens and permanent residents.
Detailed tax breakdown
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