Over 60% of workers in developed countries report living paycheck to paycheck, making location a critical factor in building long-term wealth. A new study by a moneylender company in Singapore analyzed salary levels against living costs across countries to identify where residents can save the most money.
The research evaluated income and expense data using five financial metrics: average monthly net salaries after tax, cost of living indices, safety ratings, and quality of life scores. Countries were ranked based on their estimated monthly spare money potential.
Here’s a look at the top 10 countries with the highest savings potential:
| Country | Safety Index | Quality of Life Index | Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | Cost of living | Spare Money |
| Switzerland | 73.5 | 205.0 | $7,284 | $1,805 | $5,479 |
| Luxembourg | 65.8 | 220.1 | $5,195 | $1,260 | $3,935 |
| Singapore | 77.4 | 152.8 | $4,249 | $1,219 | $3,030 |
| Iceland | 74.3 | 202.0 | $4,583 | $1,614 | $2,969 |
| United States | 50.8 | 188.8 | $4,319 | $1,492 | $2,828 |
| Netherlands | 73.1 | 211.3 | $3,876 | $1,139 | $2,738 |
| Denmark | 74.0 | 209.9 | $4,060 | $1,390 | $2,670 |
| Australia | 52.7 | 192.2 | $3,576 | $1,037 | $2,539 |
| Norway | 67.0 | 195.0 | $3,677 | $1,294 | $2,383 |
| Ireland | 52.4 | 166.5 | $3,431 | $1,119 | $2,311 |
You can access the complete research findings here.
Switzerland takes first place with residents able to save $5,479 each month after covering basic expenses. Swiss workers earn exceptional salaries averaging $7,284 monthly, though they face substantial living costs of $1,805. The country maintains solid safety levels and good quality of life standards. Despite premium living expenses, Switzerland’s robust salary levels allow residents to set aside over $65,000 annually for financial goals.
Luxembourg secures second place, enabling citizens to keep $3,935 monthly for savings. The nation offers the highest quality of life among all ranked countries, while residents earn $5,195 monthly against $1,260 in living costs. Luxembourg also sustains decent safety standards, and the favorable expense-to-income ratio allows locals to accumulate approximately $47,000 yearly in disposable income.
Singapore takes third position as the best Asian country for building savings. Singapore residents are able to set aside $3,030 each month. The city-state also posts the strongest safety ratings among all countries studied. Monthly wages in Singapore reach $4,249 while living costs stand at $1,219. This enables residents to potentially accumulate $36,360 annually in savings.
Iceland ranks fourth, providing locals with $2,969 monthly for wealth building. The Nordic nation combines impressive $4,583 monthly earnings with $1,614 living costs. Iceland also stands out with excellent safety and quality of life standards. The country allows residents to save over $35,000 annually while enjoying great living conditions.
The United States takes fifth place. Residents here can put away $2,828 each month in savings. American employees earn $4,319 monthly, with living expenses standing at $1,492. These income levels, paired with solid quality of life metrics, allow Americans to build $33,936 in annual savings.
The Netherlands holds sixth position with locals able to save $2,738 monthly. Dutch workers earn $3,876 per month while managing controlled living costs of just $1,139 – the lowest expenses among top-ranking nations. The country also delivers excellent safety standards and the second-highest quality of life.
Denmark ranks seventh, allowing citizens to save $2,670 monthly. Salaries average $4,060 when living expenses reach $1,390. Danish workers benefit from outstanding safety levels and high quality of life standards. Denmark’s strong social systems and controlled expenses enable residents to save potentially $32,040 every year.
Australia claims eighth place with residents managing to save $2,539 each month from their income. Australians earn $3,576 monthly and face $1,037 living costs – among the most affordable in the rankings. The favorable cost structure allows residents to accumulate over $30,000 annually in spare income.
Norway lands in ninth place, as workers are able to save $2,383 each month from their income. Monthly wages total $3,677, and living costs amount to $1,294. The Nordic country maintains high safety standards and good quality of life indicators, allowing citizens to potentially gather $28,596 yearly.
Ireland closes out the top ten rankings with citizens managing to save $2,311 monthly from their earnings. Local salaries in Ireland stand at $3,431, while monthly expenses reach $1,119. The nation’s manageable cost environment enables workers to potentially store approximately $27,732 per year in surplus income.
“The findings reveal a clear geographic pattern where Northern and Western European countries excel at creating savings-friendly environments,” says the spokesperson from a moneylender company in Singapore. “Switzerland’s dominance stems from premium salaries that outpace even high living costs, while countries like the Netherlands succeed through expense control rather than maximum earnings. Singapore’s ranking is also noteworthy as the country combines exceptional safety with solid savings capacity. For individuals considering international relocation for financial reasons, this data highlights the importance of examining the complete salary-to-cost equation rather than focusing solely on headline wages.”