UK vs US: Financial Comparison

Taxes, mortgages, retirement, healthcare and more, side by side.

Salary & Tax

Take-home pay on a £50,000 / $60,000 salary

Category

United Kingdom

United States

Gross Income

£50,000

$60,000

Income Tax

£7,486

$6,748 (federal)

Social Contributions

£3,062 (NI)

$4,590 (FICA)

State / Local Tax

—

~$2,500

Est. Take-Home

£39,452

~$46,162

Effective Tax Rate

21.1%

~23.1%

UK Notes

Includes 20% income tax on earnings £12,571–£50,270 and 8% NI on earnings £12,570–£50,270.

US Notes

Federal tax uses 2026 brackets. FICA = 7.65%. State tax varies, average ~4.2% used here.

ISA, NI, PAYE and more explained

401(k), FICA, HSA and more explained

Figures are approximate and based on 2026 rates for illustrative purposes. Use our calculators for personalised estimates.