Take-Home Showdown: Which Cities Let You Keep the Most?
Not all salaries are created equal—and neither are the cities you earn them in.
The real value of your paycheck depends on how much you keep after taxes, rent, and core living expenses. That’s why we’ve put global cities head-to-head to see which ones give you the most take-home value in 2025.
Welcome to the Take-Home Showdown.
The Rules
We’re comparing:
- Net monthly salary (after tax)
- Rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center
- Essential costs (groceries, utilities, transport)
- Estimated monthly savings
This gives a clearer picture of where your paycheck stretches—and where it vanishes.
The Lineup: 8 Cities, One Winner
| City | Net Salary | Rent (1BR) | Other Costs | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | $3,200 | $1,350 | $1,200 | $650 |
| Dubai | $5,600 | $2,500 | $1,200 | $1,900 |
| Lisbon | $3,200 | $1,150 | $1,000 | $1,050 |
| Buenos Aires | $2,100 | $350 | $750 | $1,000 |
| Toronto | $3,400 | $1,700 | $1,400 | $300 |
| Singapore | $6,500 | $3,000 | $1,600 | $1,900 |
| Tbilisi | $2,000 | $450 | $800 | $750 |
| London | $4,700 | $2,600 | $1,300 | $800 |
The Winners
🥇 Dubai – 0% tax and employer-paid benefits mean more stays in your pocket
🥈 Singapore – High net salary, low tax, balanced against premium costs
🥉 Buenos Aires – Low salary, but even lower expenses = strong surplus
Most Surprising: Lisbon
Lisbon consistently ranks as one of the best places for remote workers, and it holds up here. Even with a modest salary, low rent and tax-friendly policies keep savings strong.
Cities That Don’t Go Far Enough
- Toronto – High rent and tax nearly cancel out mid-level income
- London – Good salary, but rent and daily life cut deep
- Berlin – Decent quality of life, but taxes make a serious dent
The Remote Advantage
Many of the best cities on this list (like Tbilisi, Lisbon, Buenos Aires) shine especially if you earn remotely in a strong currency (USD/EUR). Your paycheck stretches further, rent is lower, and tax burdens may be lighter.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to maximize what you actually get to spend, save, and enjoy—location matters more than you think.
Your gross salary means little if it disappears by the 15th of the month.
Try our take-home calculator and compare your city now. You might be surprised who wins your personal showdown.