Salary Abroad Calculator
A job offer abroad is hard to compare with your current pay because the currency, tax system and cost of living all differ. This calculator converts a foreign salary into your home currency and applies each country’s income tax rate, so you can compare net (take-home) pay on a like-for-like basis.
Enter the gross salary offered abroad, the income tax rate in that country, the exchange rate to your home currency, and your home tax rate for comparison. The calculator shows net pay in both currencies and the difference. Tax rates are simplified flat estimates — real tax systems are progressive and have allowances.
It is the reality check on a foreign job offer — the calculation that strips out currency and tax differences so you can see whether the move actually leaves you with more money, not just a bigger gross number.
Enter your values to see the result.
How this is calculated
The calculator compares net (take-home) pay across two countries. Net pay abroad is the gross salary abroad multiplied by (1 minus the abroad tax rate), then converted to your home currency using the exchange rate you enter. Net pay at home is your home gross salary multiplied by (1 minus the home tax rate). The difference shows whether the foreign offer leaves you better or worse off in home-currency terms.
Comparing net pay, not gross, is essential because tax systems differ widely. A higher gross offer in a high-tax country can yield less net pay than a lower gross in a low-tax one. The tax rates are simplified flat (effective) rates — real systems are progressive with allowances, so use an effective average rate for the salary level in question, not the top marginal rate.
The model compares pay only. It does not account for cost of living (use the Cost of Living Comparison Calculator), currency stability, employer benefits, pension contributions, or differences in public services. The exchange rate should be a realistic planning rate, not the mid-market rate, since you will convert at a provider’s rate with a markup.
Worked example
An $80,000 offer abroad (25% tax, rate 0.92 to home currency) vs a $60,000 job at home (20% tax).
- 1Net abroad (local) = 80,000 × 0.75 = $60,000.
- 2Net abroad (home ccy) = 60,000 × 0.92 = $55,200.
- 3Net at home = 60,000 × 0.80 = $48,000.
- 4Difference = 55,200 − 48,000 = $7,200 better off abroad, before cost of living.
Frequently asked questions
- Why compare net pay, not gross?
- Gross salaries ignore tax, which varies enormously between countries. A higher gross offer in a high-tax country can leave you with less net pay than a lower gross in a low-tax one. Net pay is what actually hits your bank account.
- What tax rate should I enter?
- Use an effective (average) tax rate for that income level, not the top marginal rate. Effective rates account for allowances and progressive bands. Many tax calculators online will estimate an effective rate for a given salary and country.
- Does this include cost of living?
- No. It compares net pay only. A higher net salary in a more expensive city may buy less than a lower one in a cheaper city. Use the cost-of-living comparison calculator alongside this one for the full picture.
- What tax rate should I enter?
- An effective (average) rate for that income level, not the top marginal rate. Effective rates account for allowances and progressive bands. Online tax calculators for the relevant country will estimate an effective rate for a given salary.
- Does this include cost of living?
- No. It compares net pay only. A higher net salary in a more expensive city may buy less than a lower one in a cheaper city. Use the Cost of Living Comparison Calculator alongside this one for the full picture.
Related calculators
Method: gross × (1 − tax rate), converted at the supplied exchange rate. Tax rates are simplified effective rates; real systems are progressive. Last updated: September 2026.
These results are indicative estimates for planning only and do not constitute financial advice. Exchange rates, tax rules, customs allowances and tipping customs vary by country, provider and over time. Always confirm figures with your bank, the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before acting on a calculation.