USA → Europe · Salary
US vs Europe salary after tax: where does $100,000 go further?
On a $100,000 salary a single American keeps about $6,600 a month in a state without income tax and $5,870 in New York City. Paid the same amount in Europe, you would keep between about $4,850 (Italy) and $6,450 (Switzerland). But European deductions pay for things Americans buy separately.
$100,000 in the US
| Where you live | Take-home per month | You keep |
|---|---|---|
| Texas or Florida (no state income tax) | $6,598 | 79% |
| California | $6,069 | 73% |
| New York City | $5,870 | 70% |
Single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax, Social Security and Medicare, plus state and city tax and state disability or family leave payroll taxes. No 401(k), health insurance premiums or other pre-tax deductions.
The same salary in Europe
$100,000 is about €89,250 at the ECB rate of 22 October 2026 ($1.1205 per euro).
| Country | Take-home per month, in dollars |
|---|---|
| Switzerland (Zurich, before health insurance) | $6,451 |
| United Kingdom | $6,010 |
| Ireland | $5,546 |
| Sweden | $5,532 |
| Luxembourg | $5,452 |
| France | $5,425 |
| Netherlands | $5,414 |
| Spain | $5,411 |
| Denmark | $5,272 |
| Germany | $4,934 |
| Portugal | $4,897 |
| Italy | $4,853 |
Single, no children, 2026 rules, no expat tax regimes. At $150,000 the US figure is $9,483 a month in Texas and $8,347 in New York City, against $6,757 (Portugal) to $9,218 (Switzerland) in Europe.
What the comparison leaves out
- Health insurance. In most of Europe your social contributions cover public health care, with low or no deductibles. In the US, an employee's share of a workplace plan, plus deductibles and co-pays, often adds up to thousands of dollars a year.
- Pensions. European pension contributions build a state pension, often with a large employer share on top. Americans usually save part of their salary in a 401(k) themselves.
- Paid leave. EU law guarantees at least four weeks of paid holiday a year, and many countries add public holidays, paid sick leave and long parental leave.
- Salaries. The same job usually pays less in Europe. Use a real offer, not your US salary, when you compare; the calculator lets you enter both.
- Costs. Rent in Zurich, London, Dublin or Amsterdam can take as much of your pay as rent in New York; in Lisbon or Madrid salaries and rents are both lower.
- US tax on top. As a US citizen you keep filing in the US. In most European countries the foreign tax credit means no extra US tax, but in lower-tax situations, or with an expat tax break, some US tax can be due. See our tax guide for Americans.
Expat tax breaks change the picture
Newcomers can pay much less tax in some countries: the Dutch 30% ruling, Spain's Beckham law (24% flat), Italy's impatriati regime (50% exempt) or Portugal's IFICI (20% flat). With these, Europe can match or beat US take-home pay, though your US tax bill may then rise.
Run your own US vs Europe comparison →
Sources
This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].