Transparent calculations based on German tax data, city living costs, and proven quality of life metrics.
A €65,000 salary in Munich is not the same as €65,000 in Leipzig. After taxes, living costs, and commute expenses, your actual quality of life can differ by thousands of euros and hundreds of hours per year. Our methodology breaks down the real numbers so you can make informed career decisions.
Formula: Net Income = Gross Salary × 0.60
We use a simplified 60% net-to-gross ratio based on average German tax rates for middle-income earners. This accounts for income tax, solidarity surcharge, and social security contributions. Actual rates vary by tax class, marital status, and deductions, but 60% provides a realistic baseline for comparison.
Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Database & Destatis (German Federal Statistical Office)
Living costs include rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center), utilities, groceries, local transportation, and basic monthly expenses. Data is updated regularly from Numbeo's crowdsourced database and cross-referenced with official Destatis consumer price indices. Costs vary significantly: Munich and Frankfurt are 30-40% more expensive than Leipzig or Dresden.
Formula: Monthly Commute Cost = Commute Minutes × 2 (round trip) × 20 working days × €0.35/km
Assumption: 1 minute of commute ≈ 1 kilometer (average speed)
€0.35/km is the official German tax deductible rate (Pendlerpauschale) and represents realistic costs including fuel, vehicle wear, or public transport tickets. Costs are reduced proportionally by remote work days (e.g., 2 remote days/week = 60% of full commute cost).
Formula: Disposable Income = Net Monthly Income − Living Costs − Commute Costs
This is the money you have left each month for savings, entertainment, travel, and personal goals. It's the most important metric for comparing your real financial situation across different job offers.
Formula: Weekly Hours = Contracted Work Hours + (Commute Hours per Week × (5 − Remote Days) / 5)
Your real time investment includes both work and commute. Remote days reduce effective commute time proportionally. For example, if you work from home 2 days/week, your commute impact is reduced by 40%.
Formula: Hourly Rate = Annual Net Income ÷ (Weekly Hours × 48 weeks)
This shows what you actually earn per hour of time invested, including commute. We use 48 working weeks (accounting for vacation and holidays). A high salary with long hours and commute may result in a lower hourly rate than a moderate salary with better work-life balance.
Daily Time Breakdown:
Yearly Calculation: Work Days = 365 − Vacation Days − 104 weekend days
Free time is calculated separately for work days vs. days off. For example, a job with 40h/week + 1h commute (daily) gives you 6.2h free time per work day. Days off give you 12h free time. Your annual average shows the real impact on your life quality.
Our proprietary score combines five weighted factors to give you a single comparable metric across job offers:
Based on disposable income after all costs. €2,000/month disposable = maximum score. Scales linearly below that. This is the most heavily weighted factor because financial security is fundamental to quality of life.
Based on effective hourly rate. €25/hour = maximum score. This measures how efficiently you're converting time into income. Higher is better for long-term wealth building.
Inverse relationship with commute costs. €0 commute cost = 15 points. €250+ = 0 points. Studies show long commutes significantly decrease life satisfaction and health.
Living costs as percentage of net income. Lower burden = higher score. If living costs consume 70%+ of your income, financial stress impacts quality of life significantly.
Based on weekly work hours. 30-34h = 15 points, 35-40h = 13 points, 41-45h = 10 points, 46h+ = 2 points. Work-life balance directly affects health, relationships, and long-term career sustainability.
Simplified Tax Model: We use 60% net-to-gross ratio. Actual taxes depend on tax class, deductions, church tax, and individual circumstances. Consult a tax advisor for precise calculations.
Average Living Costs: City costs are averages. Your actual expenses vary by lifestyle, family size, and personal choices.
Commute Assumptions: 1 minute ≈ 1km is approximate. Actual commute costs and time depend on transportation mode and route.
Decision Support Tool: This tool provides comparative insights, not absolute financial advice. Consider health benefits, career growth, company culture, and personal priorities in your final decision.
Ready to compare your job offers with transparent calculations?