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 $68,376 in Ireland.
United States
$73,812
+$5,436/year
Ireland
$68,376
That's $453 more per month in United States
Side-by-side breakdown
Ireland
2025
31.6%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$68,376
$5,698/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
Chasing the Tech Dream
Whether it is moving to the sunny tech hubs of California or the bustling 'Silicon Docks' of Dublin, professionals often find themselves choosing between these two giants. While Americans seek the rich heritage and European gateway of Ireland, many Irish expats head stateside for the sheer scale of the US market and the promise of endless summer.
Coastlines and Craic
Life in California is all about the fast-paced outdoor lifestyle and scenic highway drives, whereas Ireland offers a more laid-back pace defined by cozy pubs and tight-knit communities. You are trading the expansive, high-energy American landscape for the emerald charm and rainy-day charm of the Atlantic coast.
Comparing the Ledger
The US system is a complex puzzle of seven federal brackets layered with state-specific taxes, offering a granular approach to how much you contribute. In contrast, Ireland keeps it remarkably simple with just two main rates, though the jump to the higher tier happens much sooner than you might expect.
What Your Taxes Buy
In Ireland, your contributions feed into a robust social safety net with public healthcare and universal credits that provide a sense of collective security. The US model is more 'choose your own adventure,' where lower direct social charges often mean you are responsible for funding your own private health and retirement benefits.
The Ultimate Verdict
If you are a high flyer looking to maximize raw take-home pay through complex deductions, the US often wins out. However, for those who value simplicity and a straightforward social contract without the headache of regional tax filings, Ireland’s streamlined system is an expat’s dream.
Detailed tax breakdown
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