A high salary means nothing if the cost of living eats it all. The countries that offer the best financial outcome for immigrants aren't always the ones with the highest nominal pay — they're the ones where your salary goes furthest.
We analysed salary estimates and cost of living data across 190+ countries to find where immigrants earn the most, both in absolute terms and relative to local costs.
Highest Absolute Salaries
| # | Country | Avg Net Salary (EUR) | Avg Living Cost (EUR) | Salary:Cost Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | €6,292 | €3,750 | 1.7x |
| 2 | Luxembourg | €5,585 | €2,333 | 2.4x |
| 3 | Iceland | €5,396 | €2,473 | 2.2x |
| 4 | United States | €5,148 | €4,083 | 1.3x |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | €4,805 | €2,356 | 2.0x |
| 6 | Norway | €4,576 | €3,000 | 1.5x |
| 7 | Singapore | €4,576 | €3,040 | 1.5x |
| 8 | Belgium | €4,450 | €1,433 | 3.1x |
| 9 | Australia | €4,347 | €2,697 | 1.6x |
| 10 | Denmark | €4,347 | €2,350 | 1.9x |
| 11 | Finland | €4,005 | €1,267 | 3.2x |
| 12 | Ireland | €4,004 | €2,717 | 1.5x |
| 13 | Netherlands | €3,890 | €2,654 | 1.5x |
| 14 | United Kingdom | €3,775 | €2,886 | 1.3x |
| 15 | Qatar | €3,764 | €1,447 | 2.6x |
Not sure which country fits you?
Find out which country matches your profile.
Check My Eligibility →Best Purchasing Power (Salary vs Cost of Living)
| # | Country | Avg Net Salary (EUR) | Avg Living Cost (EUR) | Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trinidad and Tobago | €1,249 | €130 | 9.6x |
| 2 | Portugal | €1,373 | €242 | 5.7x |
| 3 | Dominica | €3,600 | €732 | 4.9x |
| 4 | Grenada | €3,600 | €845 | 4.3x |
| 5 | Kuwait | €3,063 | €782 | 3.9x |
| 6 | Philippines | €3,220 | €972 | 3.3x |
| 7 | Finland | €4,005 | €1,267 | 3.2x |
| 8 | Belgium | €4,450 | €1,433 | 3.1x |
| 9 | Hungary | €1,861 | €600 | 3.1x |
| 10 | Lithuania | €2,592 | €910 | 2.8x |
| 11 | Saint Lucia | €3,600 | €1,265 | 2.8x |
| 12 | Syria | €720 | €255 | 2.8x |
| 13 | Eswatini | €1,660 | €595 | 2.8x |
| 14 | Bahrain | €2,860 | €1,040 | 2.8x |
| 15 | Indonesia | €2,656 | €990 | 2.7x |
Why Purchasing Power Matters More Than Salary
A software engineer earning €6,000/month in Switzerland sounds impressive until you realise rent alone is €2,500. The same engineer earning €2,500 in Poland might save more each month because costs are a fraction of their income.
The salary:cost ratio tells you how much disposable income you'll actually have. A ratio above 2.0x means you're earning at least double your basic living costs — leaving significant room for savings, travel, and remittances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country pays the highest salaries for immigrants?
In absolute terms, Switzerland offers the highest average salaries at approximately €6,292 net per month. However, for purchasing power, Trinidad and Tobago leads with a salary-to-cost ratio of 9.6x.
Is it better to earn more or spend less abroad?
Both matter, but purchasing power (the ratio of your salary to living costs) is the most useful metric. A country where you earn €3,000 and spend €1,000 gives you €2,000 in disposable income — better than earning €5,000 and spending €4,000.
Do immigrants earn the same as locals?
Generally, immigrants earn 5-15% less than locals in the same role during their first 2-3 years, primarily due to network effects and credential recognition delays. However, in shortage occupations (tech, healthcare, engineering), immigrant salaries often match or exceed local averages due to demand.
Which profession earns the most abroad?
Software engineers and tech professionals consistently earn the highest salaries for immigrants across most countries. Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses) earn well in English-speaking countries. Engineers earn high salaries in the Gulf states and Germany.
How accurate are salary estimates for immigrants?
Our estimates are based on combination of official statistics, job market data, and immigration threshold data. Actual salaries depend on your experience level, employer, city, and language skills. Use our estimates as a realistic baseline, not a guarantee.
Not sure which country fits your profile?
Our free assessment matches your skills, age, and experience against 213 programmes across 50 countries. 2 minutes, no sign-up.
Get My Solutions →Free Emigration Planning Checklist
The 10 steps you need to complete before moving abroad — delivered to your inbox.