Germany vs UK: tax rates and take-home pay (2026)
On €88,000 (about £75,499) you take home €52,203 in Germany and £54,346 in the UK (about €63,344) — the UK leaves you 21% more.
At every salary we checked, you keep more in the UK.
Take-home pay at eight salary levels
| Salary | Germany | UK | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $25,011€22,000£18,875 | $18,777€16,516 | $22,673£17,110 | UK +21% |
| $39,791€35,000£30,028 | $27,379€24,083 | $33,312£25,139 | UK +22% |
| $60,255€53,000£45,471 | $38,561€33,918 | $48,047£36,259 | UK +25% |
| $79,582€70,000£60,056 | $48,396€42,569 | $60,147£45,390 | UK +24% |
| $100,045€88,000£75,499 | $59,349€52,203 | $72,015£54,346 | UK +21% |
| $147,794€130,000£111,533 | $83,932€73,827 | $96,654£72,940 | UK +15% |
| $204,638€180,000£154,430 | $115,442€101,543 | $124,077£93,635 | UK +7% |
| $295,589€260,000£223,066 | $166,093€146,095 | $172,280£130,011 | UK +4% |
Cost of living
Compare the cost of living in Berlin and LondonMore comparisons
More for Germany
More for UK
Frequently asked questions
Is tax higher in Germany or the UK?
At €88,000, the UK takes less of your pay: you keep 72% there, against 59% in Germany.
What is the top tax rate in Germany and UK?
The top income tax rate is 47.5% in Germany and 45% in the UK.
How much do I take home on €88,000 in each?
On €88,000 (about £75,499) you take home €52,203 in Germany and £54,346 in the UK (about €63,344).
2026 rules checked against gesetze-im-internet.de. Single person, employee, no other income. Not tax advice. Change the details