Highest Take-Home
United States
2025 · California
26.2%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$73,812
$6,151/mo
Income 13% State 4% Social 9%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $73,812 in United States versus $58,944 in Belgium.
United States
$73,812
+$14,868/year
Belgium
$58,944
That's $1,239 more per month in United States
Side-by-side breakdown
Belgium
2025 · Brussels
41.1%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$58,944
$4,912/mo
Income 26% Social 13% 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 Dreams or Waffles?
Ambitious techies and entrepreneurs often flock to the sun-drenched offices of California, while families and culture-seekers are drawn to Belgium’s charming cobblestone streets and central European convenience. Whether you're hunting for a Silicon Valley breakthrough or a balanced life in the heart of the EU, both destinations offer high-octane opportunities for expats.
Sunshine State vs. Social Soul
Life in California is about that high-energy, outdoor lifestyle where the cost of living reflects the premium of being in a global innovation hub. Conversely, Belgium offers a slower, more deliberate pace where world-class healthcare and public transit are woven into the fabric of daily life, trading American flash for European stability.
The Tax Bracket Tango
The US system is a complex dance of seven federal tiers plus California's own state layers, rewarding high earners with a lower top marginal cap. Belgium keeps it simple with just four brackets, but you'll hit that 50% top rate much faster, making it one of the world's most progressive tax environments.
What Your Money Buys
In the US, your take-home pay is higher, but the burden of health insurance and education falls squarely on your shoulders. Belgians pay more upfront into the 'communal' pot, but in return, they enjoy a robust social safety net that covers everything from nearly free university to comprehensive maternity leave.
The Bottom Line
If you are a high-flying specialist looking to maximize raw wealth, the American system is designed for your success. However, if you value peace of mind and shared community benefits over a massive bank balance, Belgium’s structured society provides a comfort that money alone can't buy.
Detailed tax breakdown
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