Southampton vs Cork 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 Southampton (69% of gross) and €6,043 a month in Cork on the equivalent €117,000 (62%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Cork is 9% more expensive than Southampton overall (cost-of-living index 59.1 vs 54.2, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €1,917 a month in Cork and £1,139 in Southampton, which leaves €4,127 and £4,574 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €6,198 a month in Cork — €154 a month more than this salary pays.
By category, groceries cost 18% more in Cork than in Southampton, eating out 5% less and rent 45% more.
| Southampton | Cork | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | £100,000 | €117,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | £5,713 | €6,043 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | £1,139 | €1,917 |
| Left after rent | £4,574 | €4,127 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 54.2 | 59.1 |
How each figure is taxed: United Kingdom tax calculator and Ireland tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Southampton vs Cork
Is Cork, Ireland more expensive than Southampton, United Kingdom?
Cork, Ireland is 9% more expensive than Southampton, United Kingdom overall. On a gross salary of £100,000 a year, you take home £5,713 a month in Southampton, United Kingdom and €6,043 a month in Cork, Ireland after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Cork, Ireland vs Southampton, United Kingdom?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Southampton, United Kingdom and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €154 a month more than this salary leaves in Cork, Ireland, because of its 9% higher cost of living.
What taxes will I pay in Ireland vs United Kingdom?
On £100,000 gross a year you take home £5,713 a month in United Kingdom and €6,043 a month in Ireland. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.