Reading vs Frankfurt on £100,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026

On a gross salary of £100,000 a year, a single employee takes home £5,713 a month in Reading (69% of gross) and €5,579 a month in Frankfurt on the equivalent €117,000 (57%), after income tax and social security contributions.

Frankfurt is 7% cheaper than Reading overall (cost-of-living index 52.1 vs 56, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €1,170 a month in Frankfurt and £1,299 in Reading, which leaves €4,410 and £4,414 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €5,288 a month in Frankfurt — this salary leaves €292 a month on top.

By category, groceries cost 2% more in Frankfurt than in Reading, eating out 11% less and rent 14% less.

Reading Frankfurt
Gross salary per year£100,000€117,000
Take-home pay per month£5,713€5,579
One-bedroom rent, city centre£1,299€1,170
Left after rent£4,414€4,410
Cost-of-living index (New York = 100)5652.1

How each figure is taxed: United Kingdom tax calculator and Germany tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.

Questions about Reading vs Frankfurt

Is Frankfurt, Germany more expensive than Reading, United Kingdom?

Frankfurt, Germany is 7% cheaper than Reading, United Kingdom overall. On a gross salary of £100,000 a year, you take home £5,713 a month in Reading, United Kingdom and €5,579 a month in Frankfurt, Germany after income tax and social contributions.

How much can I save living in Frankfurt, Germany vs Reading, United Kingdom?

Keeping the same standard of living as in Reading, United Kingdom, you could save about €292 a month (€3,499 a year) in Frankfurt, Germany on this salary, after rent and living costs.

What taxes will I pay in Germany vs United Kingdom?

On £100,000 gross a year you take home £5,713 a month in United Kingdom and €5,579 a month in Germany. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.