Nominal rankings sort markets by gross USD equivalents before living costs. Buying power rankings divide that gross figure by our static CoL index. The gap between the two lists is the story—not a single “best country” answer.
Median mid-level software engineer gross in our 20-country model: $127,500. Individual offers and tax treatment will differ; use ranges on role pages for negotiation prep.
Top 5 — nominal vs buying power
Nominal USD gross
- 1. Switzerland ($185,841)
- 2. Norway ($152,447)
- 3. Singapore ($148,092)
- 4. United Kingdom ($137,928)
- 5. Australia ($136,476)
Buying power
- 1. Netherlands ($145,189)
- 2. Spain ($145,189)
- 3. Canada ($145,188)
- 4. Sweden ($145,188)
- 5. Norway ($145,188)
For embeddable charts in your blog, use our purchasing power widget or citeable statistics page.