United Kingdom vs Ireland: take-home pay compared
The two English-speaking, closely-linked economies with the most cross-border employment movement in Europe. The result isn't a simple "one always wins" story — there's a genuine crossover point where the advantage flips.
Net salary side by side
Figures are calculated using this site's own tax engine for each country — click through to the full calculator to adjust for your exact situation.
| Gross salary | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom net/mo | 🇮🇪 Ireland net/mo |
|---|---|---|
| 40,000 | £2,693/mo (19.2%) | €2,830/mo (15.1%) |
| 60,000 | £3,780/mo (24.4%) | €3,761/mo (24.8%) |
| 80,000 | £4,746/mo (28.8%) | €4,593/mo (31.1%) |
| 100,000 | £5,713/mo (31.4%) | €5,391/mo (35.3%) |
"Gross salary" is shown in each country's own currency at matching nominal amounts, not currency-converted — useful for comparing two job offers quoted in local currency. Effective rate shown in brackets.
The crossover: Ireland wins low, the UK wins high
At 40,000 (either currency), Ireland actually nets slightly more than the UK — Irish personal tax credits (€3,750 combined) are generous at lower incomes, and the standard rate band (20% up to €44,000) is comparable to the UK's basic rate. But Ireland's Universal Social Charge (USC) — a separate surcharge layered on top of income tax — accelerates faster than UK National Insurance as income rises. By €60,000 the two are almost identical, and by €100,000 the UK has pulled clearly ahead. See our full USC explainer for the exact bands.
Why this comparison matters so much in practice
The UK and Ireland have a Common Travel Area allowing citizens to live and work in either country without a visa — one of the most frictionless bilateral employment relationships in Europe. Dublin's tech and finance sectors compete directly with London for the same talent pool, and salary negotiations frequently involve candidates comparing offers in both currencies directly, which makes an accurate side-by-side genuinely useful rather than academic.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the salary level. At €40,000, Ireland nets slightly more (€2,830/month vs £2,693/month). By €100,000, the UK is clearly ahead (£5,713/month vs €5,391/month). The crossover happens because Ireland's USC surcharge accelerates faster than UK National Insurance as income rises.
The Universal Social Charge is a surcharge on top of Irish income tax, rising from 0.5% to 8% across four bands. It's the main reason Ireland's take-home advantage at lower salaries erodes and eventually reverses at higher incomes — see our dedicated USC guide for the exact thresholds.
Yes. The Common Travel Area predates the EU and allows UK and Irish citizens to live, work, and access services in either country without a visa or work permit, regardless of Brexit — one of the most open bilateral labour arrangements in Europe.
No — these are nominal take-home figures at matching amounts, not adjusted for purchasing power. Dublin has one of the most expensive rental markets in Europe, often exceeding London for comparable properties, which can offset Ireland's take-home advantage at lower salaries.
Want the full story? Read: Ireland's USC explained: the surcharge that changes everything above €50k →