Southampton vs Darmstadt 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 €5,579 a month in Darmstadt on the equivalent €117,000 (57%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Darmstadt is 21% cheaper than Southampton overall (cost-of-living index 42.9 vs 54.2, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €878 a month in Darmstadt and £1,139 in Southampton, which leaves €4,701 and £4,574 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €4,499 a month in Darmstadt — this salary leaves €1,081 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 6% more in Darmstadt than in Southampton, eating out 15% less and rent 20% less.
| Southampton | Darmstadt | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | £100,000 | €117,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | £5,713 | €5,579 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | £1,139 | €878 |
| Left after rent | £4,574 | €4,701 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 54.2 | 42.9 |
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 Southampton vs Darmstadt
Is Darmstadt, Germany more expensive than Southampton, United Kingdom?
Darmstadt, Germany is 21% cheaper 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 €5,579 a month in Darmstadt, Germany after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Darmstadt, Germany vs Southampton, United Kingdom?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Southampton, United Kingdom, you could save about €1,081 a month (€12,968 a year) in Darmstadt, 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.