Belgium vs Bulgaria: tax rates and take-home pay (2026)
On €88,000 (about €88,000) you take home €48,073 in Belgium and €75,940 in Bulgaria (about €75,940) — Bulgaria leaves you 58% more.
You keep more in Belgium up to about €35,000, and more in Bulgaria above that.
Take-home pay at eight salary levels
| Salary | Belgium | Bulgaria | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25,011€22,000 | $24,560€21,603 | $19,408€17,071 | Belgium +27% |
| $39,791€35,000 | $32,322€28,430 | $32,106€28,240 | Belgium +1% |
| $60,255€53,000 | $38,139€33,547 | $50,523€44,440 | Bulgaria +32% |
| $79,582€70,000 | $46,413€40,825 | $67,917€59,740 | Bulgaria +46% |
| $100,045€88,000 | $54,653€48,073 | $86,335€75,940 | Bulgaria +58% |
| $147,794€130,000 | $73,954€65,050 | $129,309€113,740 | Bulgaria +75% |
| $204,638€180,000 | $96,933€85,262 | $180,468€158,740 | Bulgaria +86% |
| $295,589€260,000 | $133,697€117,600 | $262,324€230,740 | Bulgaria +96% |
Cost of living
Compare the cost of living in Brussels and SofiaMore comparisons
More for Belgium
More for Bulgaria
Frequently asked questions
Is tax higher in Belgium or Bulgaria?
At €88,000, Bulgaria takes less of your pay: you keep 86% there, against 55% in Belgium.
What is the top tax rate in Belgium and Bulgaria?
The top income tax rate is 53.5% in Belgium and 10% in Bulgaria.
How much do I take home on €88,000 in each?
On €88,000 (about €88,000) you take home €48,073 in Belgium and €75,940 in Bulgaria (about €75,940).
2026 rules checked against fin.belgium.be. Single person, employee, no other income. Not tax advice. Change the details