Salary Comparison: European Cities
Updated 4 June 2026
The same gross salary means very different things depending on where you live. Compare your take-home pay and leftover income across five major European cities.
Why gross salary is only half the story
When comparing job offers or planning a move abroad, the gross salary figure is just the starting point. What matters is how much you actually have left after the government takes its share — and after you've paid rent and kept yourself alive. In some cities, a "high" salary on paper leaves you with remarkably little headroom.
This salary comparison tool lets you cut through the noise. Enter your annual gross salary once and instantly see your estimated monthly net pay, rent, living costs, and leftover income across Dublin, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon — all on one screen.
Effective tax rates across European cities
Income tax is the first big deduction from any salary. Ireland has one of the highest effective rates for middle earners in Western Europe, with the 40% marginal rate kicking in at a relatively low income threshold. The UK is somewhat more generous, with a 20% base rate and 40% above £50,270. Germany and the Netherlands sit in the mid-30s for effective rates, while Portugal remains the most attractive for most income levels at roughly 28% effective rate.
It's important to note that these are simplified effective rates. Real-world tax bills depend on deductions, social contributions, personal circumstances, and whether you qualify for special expat schemes like the Dutch 30% ruling or the Portuguese NHR regime.
Approximate effective tax rates by city (€70,000 gross)
| City | Country | Effective rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Ireland | ~40% |
| Amsterdam | Netherlands | ~37% |
| Berlin | Germany | ~35% |
| London | United Kingdom | ~32% |
| Lisbon | Portugal | ~28% |
How to use this salary comparison tool
Simply enter your gross annual salary in euros (or the euro equivalent of your salary) in the field above. The tool will immediately calculate your estimated monthly net pay in each city, subtract the average monthly rent and living costs, and rank the cities from the one where you would save the most to the one where you would save the least.
The ranking updates instantly as you type. If a city shows a negative leftover figure, it means your salary would not comfortably cover basic costs there without additional income or cheaper accommodation than the city-centre average used in the calculation.
Salary negotiation and relocation decisions
This tool is particularly useful when negotiating a salary for a role in a new city, or when comparing two job offers in different countries. A €10,000 higher gross salary in Dublin over Berlin may actually leave you worse off each month once tax and rent are factored in. Running the numbers takes less than a minute and can save you from a costly surprise after you've already relocated.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gross and net salary in Europe?
Gross salary is your pay before any deductions. Net salary is what you actually receive after income tax, social contributions, and other statutory deductions. The gap varies significantly by country: in Ireland, the difference can exceed 40% for middle earners, while in Portugal it is closer to 28%. This is why two identical gross salaries in different European cities can translate to very different take-home pay.
How do effective income tax rates compare across European cities?
Approximate effective income tax rates for a €70,000 gross salary (including social contributions) vary significantly: Dublin approximately 40%, Amsterdam approximately 37%, Berlin approximately 35%, London approximately 32%, Lisbon approximately 28%. These are simplified effective rates — actual tax bills depend on deductions, filing status, personal allowances, and individual circumstances.
How much net income do you get on €70,000 in European cities?
On a €70,000 gross salary, estimated monthly net income (after tax) ranges from approximately €2,917 in Dublin to around €4,200 in Lisbon. Berlin and Amsterdam sit in the middle range at roughly €3,792 and €3,646 respectively. London falls between Amsterdam and Lisbon at around €3,967. Use the calculator above to see the full breakdown including rent and living costs for any salary.
What is the best European city for salary versus cost of living?
Lisbon consistently offers the best ratio of take-home pay to living costs. Low income tax and moderate rents mean a higher proportion of gross salary survives as disposable income. Berlin is the best value among Northern and Central European cities. Dublin and London offer the highest gross salaries in many sectors, but after tax and rent, the monthly surplus is often lower than in Lisbon or Berlin.