Salary comparison
Compare After Tax Salary Between Countries
Comparing take home pay across countries needs both tax estimates and currency conversion, plus a separate cost of living check. This guide shows how to compare net and FX adjusted net without over-claiming.
Published: December 31, 2025 · Updated: December 31, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only, not financial or tax advice.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
- FX and tax rules vary and can change, and cost of living is separate.
- See the Privacy Policy for handling details.
Open the salary after tax calculator
Estimate net pay for each country and see the FX adjusted view.
Quick answers: compare after tax salary between countries
- Start with net pay after tax in the origin country.
- Use FX adjusted destination net for a rough comparison.
- Note assumptions and what is not included.
- Check cost of living separately before drawing conclusions.
Step by step comparison method
- Choose origin and destination.
- Enter gross and pay frequency.
- Set pension percent if relevant.
- Run and note net pay and effective rate.
- Save scenario A.
- Change destination and rerun for scenario B.
- Compare net and FX adjusted net side by side.
- Sanity check with the cost of living tool.
Net vs FX adjusted net
Net is take home pay in the origin currency. FX adjusted net is that net converted to a destination currency using a snapshot rate for a directional view. See the FX snapshot guide for details.
Example 1
| Scenario | Origin | Destination | Gross | Estimated net (origin) | FX snapshot | Converted destination net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | USD | EUR | $90,000 | $65,000 | 1.10 | €71,500 |
| B | USD | EUR | $90,000 | $65,000 | 1.05 | €68,250 |
Illustrative only; FX snapshots move and real payroll may differ.
Example 2
| Scenario | Origin | Destination | Gross | Estimated net (origin) | FX snapshot | Converted destination net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | GBP | CAD | £70,000 | £48,000 | 1.65 | $79,200 CAD |
| D | GBP | CAD | £70,000 | £48,000 | 1.55 | $74,400 CAD |
Illustrative only; not a forecast or a relocation recommendation.
Assumptions checklist
- Simplified national tax model.
- No city or state taxes where applicable.
- Allowances and credits not fully modeled.
- Benefits and employer deductions not modeled.
- FX is a snapshot, not an average.
See limitations and assumptions for more detail.
Add cost of living context
The same converted net can feel very different in different places. Layer a cost of living comparison before making decisions.
Use the global cost of living comparison tool for a separate check.
Common traps
- Comparing gross only.
- Ignoring the FX date.
- Mixing annual and monthly amounts.
- Using net as gross.
- Expecting payslip matching.
- Assuming local taxes are included everywhere.
- Ignoring benefit deductions.
- Using one day FX for long term planning.
- Declaring a “best country” from one scenario.
- Forgetting to rerun after changes.
Privacy and safe handling
- Keep scenario labels generic.
- Export files carefully and avoid personal identifiers.
- Review the Privacy Policy before sharing.
FAQs
Should I compare gross or net?
Compare net after tax so you are looking at take home pay in each country.
What is FX adjusted net?
It is your net converted to another currency with a snapshot rate for a directional view.
How often should I rerun for FX?
Rerun when rates move or when comparing offers days or weeks apart.
Does cost of living change the answer?
Yes. Use the cost of living tool to see how far a salary goes in each place.
Why do estimates differ from payslips?
Simplified models may not include local taxes, benefits, or payroll timing on your payslip.
Where can I see the full FAQ?
Visit the salary after tax calculator FAQ.
Is this relocation advice?
No. This is educational and does not recommend a country.
Try the salary after tax calculator
Estimate net pay, see FX adjusted numbers, and export your scenarios.