Income Tax Comparison
Software engineer in Berlin · Independent and uneven
This page compares financial outcomes for a Software engineer living in Berlin, Germany, following the Independent and uneven life scenario.
A non-linear income path shaped by project-based work, variability, and self-managed risk. Flexibility is high, but consistency must be actively created rather than assumed.
Berlin has a diverse economy with strong demand in technology and services, paired with a relatively high cost of living.
The comparison focuses on how changing the Income tax rate influences long-term results, while all other assumptions remain constant.
Simulation Overview
Base scenario assumptions
- The simulation starts at age 30 and runs until age 65.
- The initial annual labor income is €30,800.
- Labor income grows annually at an average rate of 4%.
- The labor income tax rate varies between 0% and 30%.
- The saving rate is set to 15%.
- Minimum annual living expenses are €18,000.
- Savings are invested with stochastic annual returns.
- The average annual return is 5%, with year-to-year variability.
- All values are expressed in real terms, assuming average annual inflation of 2%.
- The simulation includes stochastic life events such as unemployment, and health issue.
- These events may temporarily affect income, expenses, or net worth.
- Financial independence is defined as having net worth equal to 25 times annual expenses.
- Bankruptcy is triggered if net worth remains below €0 for 2 consecutive years.
Scenario Comparison
Results are shown as a realistic range. P10 represents a pessimistic outcome, while P90 represents an optimistic outcome. Most simulations fall between these two values.
| Scenario | Median Net Worth | P10 Net Worth | P90 Net Worth | FI Probability | FI Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 686,982 | 443,359 | 1,054,502 | 91% | 58 |
| 10% | 613,113 | 395,193 | 942,226 | 84% | 59 |
| 20% | 536,482 | 347,598 | 826,027 | 72% | 60 |
| 30% | 460,752 | 301,098 | 715,602 | 55% | 61 |
How Your Financial Life Evolves
These charts show how each scenario affects long-term outcomes, including expected wealth, downside risk, and the likelihood of achieving financial independence.
Net Worth Median
Net Worth Range
Fi Probability
Fi Median Age