Cushy Index
Salary Comparison
Compare salaries and lifestyles between cities and countries — after tax, rent and cost of living.
Direct Answer
Comparing two salaries only makes sense after tax and cost of living. Use these comparisons to see which option leaves you with more real breathing room.
Key Takeaways
- A higher gross salary can lose to a lower one after tax and rent.
- Cross-currency comparisons must convert breathing room, not raw gross.
- Use Salary Swap to compare any two cities directly.
USA vs UK
The classic transatlantic comparison.
Europe comparisons
Within the eurozone.
Expat comparisons
Low-tax and premium hubs.
FAQ
How do you compare across currencies?
We convert after-tax breathing room using modeled exchange rates rather than comparing raw gross salaries.
Which city wins?
The one that leaves more monthly breathing room after tax, rent and core costs — which is often not the higher-paying one.
Calculate your Cushy Index
See your real take-home pay, income rank, rent pressure and lifestyle score.
Open the calculator →Modeled estimate. Actual results may vary.