Compare salary & cost of living
Use the tool below to compare salary after tax, weekly living costs and weekly surplus across New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Enter your gross annual salary, choose two countries and your household type to see where your income stretches further in 2026.
Results
Rough estimates. Adjust salary and household type above to compare scenarios.
Detailed breakdown by city:
What This Comparison Shows
When comparing countries, salary alone rarely tells the full story. Two countries may offer similar salaries, but differences in taxes, housing costs, and everyday living expenses can significantly affect how much income actually remains at the end of the week.
This comparison tool focuses on weekly surplus after essential expenses, which provides a clearer view of real spending power.
For example:
- A higher salary in one country may be offset by higher housing costs.
- Lower taxes may increase take-home income even if the gross salary is slightly lower.
- Lifestyle choices such as rent location or transportation can significantly affect weekly costs.
Rather than focusing only on salary, Costeva helps you estimate how far your income stretches in different countries. This approach is particularly useful for people considering relocation, international job opportunities, or long-term financial planning.
Where Your Money Typically Goes
Living costs in most developed countries tend to follow a similar pattern. Housing usually represents the largest portion of household spending, followed by groceries, transport, and utilities.
Below is a simplified view of how expenses are typically distributed in major cities.
| Category | Typical Share of Spending | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 40–50% | |
| Groceries | 12–18% | |
| Transport | 8–12% | |
| Utilities | 6–10% | |
| Other lifestyle costs | 20–30% |
In cities such as Sydney, Auckland, Toronto, Vancouver, and London, housing can take up an even larger share of income, particularly for renters. This is why the most useful metric to compare between countries is not salary alone, but how much income remains after essential expenses are covered. Small differences in rent, tax rates, or transportation costs can significantly influence weekly surplus.
When Each Country May Make More Financial Sense
Different countries may offer advantages depending on your career stage, industry, and lifestyle priorities.
Australia may suit you if:
- you are targeting higher salary ranges
- you work in industries with strong demand such as healthcare, construction, or engineering
- you are open to living outside major cities like Sydney
New Zealand may suit you if:
- lifestyle and work-life balance are a priority
- you prefer smaller or less densely populated cities
- you are looking for a stable cost structure outside Auckland
Canada may suit you if:
- you want access to large job markets in North America
- you work in sectors such as technology, finance, or professional services
- you are considering cities beyond Toronto or Vancouver
United Kingdom may suit you if:
- you are targeting roles in London, Manchester, or other UK hubs
- you work in finance, tech, or professional services with a UK or European focus
- you are open to cities outside London where housing is more affordable
Each country has its own balance between salary levels, tax structures, and living costs, which is why comparing real spending power is often more useful than comparing salary alone. Use the UK cost of living calculator for detailed estimates by city.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which country has the highest salary after tax?
- Salary levels vary by industry and experience, but higher gross salaries do not always translate into higher take-home income. Tax rates and living costs can significantly influence real spending power.
- Is Australia more expensive than New Zealand?
- Major Australian cities such as Sydney can be more expensive than Auckland, particularly for housing. However, salaries in Australia are often higher, which can offset some of the cost difference.
- Is Canada more expensive than Australia?
- Some Canadian cities, especially Vancouver and Toronto, rank among the most expensive in North America for housing. Living costs vary widely depending on the city and lifestyle.
- How does the UK compare for cost of living?
- London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe for housing; Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and other UK cities are often more affordable. Use the UK calculator to compare cities and household types.
- Which country is best for saving money?
- Savings potential depends on the balance between salary, tax rates, and living costs. Comparing weekly surplus after essential expenses provides a clearer picture of where income stretches further.
Popular Country Comparisons
People comparing international relocation options often look at several country combinations before making a decision. The comparisons below highlight some of the most common scenarios people explore when evaluating salaries, taxes, and living costs.
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Australia vs New Zealand
Australia generally offers higher salaries in many industries, while New Zealand can provide a more balanced lifestyle in smaller cities. Housing costs in cities like Sydney can significantly affect savings potential.
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Canada vs Australia
Both countries offer strong job markets and relatively high salaries, but housing costs in cities like Vancouver and Toronto can influence overall affordability compared with Australian cities.
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Canada vs New Zealand
Canada’s larger job markets can offer higher earning potential in some industries, while New Zealand may offer lower living pressure depending on location and lifestyle.
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UK vs Australia
Both offer strong job markets and similar cost structures in major cities. London’s housing costs are often comparable to Sydney’s; regional UK cities can be more affordable. Compare take-home and surplus with the tool above or use the UK calculator for city-level estimates.
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UK vs Canada
Toronto and Vancouver can rival London for housing costs; UK cities outside the capital often offer a lower cost base. Salaries and tax rates differ, so comparing weekly surplus helps show where your income goes further.
Start estimating your living costs
Choose your country and begin with a quick estimate.
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