Estonia vs Romania: Income Tax Compared (2026)
Estonia vs Romania: tax rates, brackets, and take-home pay compared side by side.
| Metric |  Estonia |  Romania |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | EUR | RON |
| Top marginal rate | 22% | 10% |
| Standard deduction | €8,400 | lei0 |
| Filing deadline | 31 May | 31 May |
Estimated at $75,000 USD-equivalent income
Estonia net income ≈ €56,253 (19.4% effective rate)
Romania net income ≈ lei310,500 (10.0% effective rate)
Take-home pay compared at four salary levels
Estimated Estonia and Romania income tax on the same four salaries, set in US dollars and converted at approximate fixed reference rates (not live exchange rates). Income tax only: social contributions are not deducted.
| Salary | Estonia tax | Estonia take-home | Romania tax | Romania take-home | Lower effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | €3,267 (14.1%) | €19,983 | lei11,500 (10.0%) | lei103,500 | Romania |
| $50,000 | €8,382 (18.0%) | €38,118 | lei23,000 (10.0%) | lei207,000 | Romania |
| $100,000 | €18,612 (20.0%) | €74,388 | lei46,000 (10.0%) | lei414,000 | Romania |
| $200,000 | €39,072 (21.0%) | €146,928 | lei92,000 (10.0%) | lei828,000 | Romania |
Estonia Pros & Cons
- ✓€8,400 standard deduction before tax applies
- ✓Clear filing deadline: 31 May
- ✕Top earners face a marginal rate of up to 22%
- ✕Higher top rate than Romania by 12.0 points
- ✕Progressive brackets mean higher earners pay a larger share
Romania Pros & Cons
- ✓Lower top tax rate than Estonia (10% vs 22%)
- ✓Clear filing deadline: 31 May
- ✕Top earners face a marginal rate of up to 10%
- ✕Progressive brackets mean higher earners pay a larger share
Frequently asked questions
At $75,000 income, how does take-home pay compare?+
On an estimated $75,000 USD-equivalent income, our calculator shows Estonia take-home of roughly €56,253 (19.4% effective rate) versus Romania's lei310,500 (10.0% effective rate). Use the calculator above with your own income for a personalized estimate.
How much tax would I pay moving from Estonia to Romania?+
On a $75,000 USD-equivalent salary our estimate is an effective income tax rate of 19.4% in Estonia and 10.0% in Romania, so moving from Estonia to Romania, income tax would fall by roughly $7,013 a year. This compares income tax only: social contributions, residency rules, visas and cost of living are not included.
How much tax would I pay moving from Romania to Estonia?+
On a $75,000 USD-equivalent salary our estimate is an effective income tax rate of 10.0% in Romania and 19.4% in Estonia, so moving from Romania to Estonia, income tax would rise by roughly $7,013 a year. This compares income tax only: social contributions, residency rules, visas and cost of living are not included.
Which has the higher top tax rate, Estonia or Romania?+
Estonia has the higher top marginal rate at 22%, compared to Romania's 10%.
What's the standard deduction in each country?+
Estonia's estimated standard deduction is €8,400, while Romania's is lei0. A larger deduction reduces the income that's actually taxed.
Are these figures exact?+
No — these are estimates generated from a simplified model of each country's published tax brackets, intended for planning purposes. They don't account for every credit, allowance, or surcharge. Always confirm current-year figures with Estonia's and Romania's official tax authorities before making a decision.
Compare Estonia with other countries
Compare Romania with other countries
Figures shown are estimates for the current tax year and do not include every deduction, credit or surcharge that may apply. Always confirm with each country's official tax authority.