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 $69,663 in Vietnam.
United States
$73,812
+$4,149/year
Vietnam
$69,663
That's $346 more per month in United States
Side-by-side breakdown
Vietnam
2024-25
30.3%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$69,663
$5,805/mo
Income 28% Social 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 the Pacific Dream
From the tech hubs of Silicon Valley to the bustling street food stalls of Ho Chi Minh City, the move between the US and Vietnam is a classic swap of high-octane career growth for a vibrant, fast-paced lifestyle. While Americans often head to Vietnam for the incredible food and lower cost of living, Vietnamese professionals frequently look toward the US for academic prestige and the vast California sunshine.
Sunsets and Social Life
Life in California is defined by weekend road trips and a focus on wellness, whereas Vietnam offers an energetic, community-driven atmosphere where coffee culture is a daily ritual. You’ll find that while the US focuses on individual space and modern convenience, Vietnam charms with its organized chaos and a social life that happens primarily on the lively sidewalks.
The Progressive Tax Puzzle
Both nations utilize a seven-tier progressive system, but the journey to the top looks very different. While the US layers federal taxes with state-specific bites like California’s regional income tax, Vietnam keeps it simpler with a unified national rate, meaning you won’t have to worry about where within the country you decide to hang your hat.
Safety Nets and Social Security
Your contributions in the US fund a complex web of Medicare and Social Security, often requiring a long-term stay to see the full benefits. In contrast, Vietnam’s mandatory social, health, and unemployment insurance are tightly linked to the statutory basic salary, offering a more centralized approach to protecting workers in a rapidly developing economy.
The Bottom Line
If you crave the simplicity of a single tax filing and a lower overhead for a high-quality life, Vietnam is an undisputed champion for expats. However, for those seeking the high-earning potential and diverse deductions of the American Dream, navigating the California tax maze remains a price worth paying for world-class infrastructure.
Detailed tax breakdown
Related comparisons
Compare all 140+ countries
See how United States and Vietnam rank globally