Remote Work City Comparison

Match your remote salary to the best destination. Evaluate taxes, living costs, and infrastructure before you relocate.

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Framework for selecting a remote HQ

Remote employees and contractors enjoy enormous flexibility, yet tax obligations still follow them. Start with the headline salary and run it through the destination’s calculator to estimate your monthly net pay. Then analyse visas, permanent establishment rules for your employer, and social insurance thresholds to ensure compliance from day one.

Beyond the numbers, consider time zone alignment, quality of infrastructure, and access to international schools or healthcare. These soft factors often determine whether a location is sustainable for long-term remote work.

Popular destinations in 2025

Lisbon, Portugal

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  • Progressive income tax ranges from 14.5% to 48% with social security around 11%; the Non-Habitual Resident regime can lower the burden.
  • Cost of living remains competitive versus Western Europe, with strong expatriate infrastructure.
  • Tech and startup ecosystem offers plentiful co-working spaces and community support.

Mexico City, Mexico

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  • Income tax peaks at 35%; IMSS social security contributions are comparatively modest for contractors.
  • Fast-growing international remote community with favourable time zones for US collaboration.
  • Consider private healthcare premiums and relocation logistics when modelling total cost.

Singapore

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  • Low personal income tax maxing out at 22% and no capital gains tax—strong net pay for knowledge workers.
  • Higher housing and education costs require careful budgeting despite the tax advantage.
  • World-class digital infrastructure and visa programs oriented around tech and finance talent.

Checklist before booking the flight

  • Validate tax residency rules and double-tax treaties for your citizenship.
  • Confirm employer policy on remote locations, expense coverage, and equipment.
  • Set aside cash for relocation, deposits, and documentation fees.
  • Review health insurance portability and local healthcare options.
  • Schedule quarterly reviews of net pay vs. living costs to stay on track.

Remote freedom should translate into higher quality of life, not financial guesswork. Combine PaycheckCalculate’s city data with diligent planning to make your next move sustainable.