Highest Take-Home
Hong Kong
2025-26
13.7%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$86,272
$7,189/mo
Income 11% Social 2%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $86,272 in Hong Kong versus $71,979 in Australia.
Hong Kong
$86,272
+$14,293/year
Australia
$71,979
That's $1,191 more per month in Hong Kong
Side-by-side breakdown
Australia
2025-26
28.0%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$71,979
$5,998/mo
Income 25% Social 2% Other 2%
Tax rate by income level
Effective Tax Rate by Income
Shows effective tax rate (total tax / gross income) at different income levels in USD
Understanding the difference
Life & Taxes
Sun-Soaked Versus Sky-High
Australia draws families and lifestyle seekers with its sprawling beaches and relaxed pace, while Hong Kong is the ultimate magnet for ambitious professionals chasing a fast-paced urban jungle. Whether you're looking for a backyard BBQ in Sydney or a late-night dim sum run in Central, both regions offer world-class opportunities for those ready to make the leap.
The Vibe Check
Life in Australia is about the 'fair go' and striking a healthy work-life balance under the southern sun. In contrast, Hong Kong is an efficiency-driven powerhouse where the convenience of a 24-hour city meets a highly competitive, high-energy professional culture.
Taxing Your Hustle
Australia operates a progressive system with five brackets where higher earners contribute significantly more, whereas Hong Kong is famous for one of the lowest and simplest tax regimes in the world. While Australians benefit from a generous tax-free threshold, Hong Kong professionals often keep a much larger slice of their paycheck thanks to a very low top marginal rate.
What You Get Back
In Australia, your taxes fund a robust public healthcare system via the Medicare Levy, providing a safety net for all. Hong Kong takes a more privatized approach, where social contributions are directed into the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), putting the focus on personal retirement savings rather than broad social welfare.
The Bottom Line
If you value social security and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Australia’s higher tax rates are a price worth paying. However, if your goal is pure wealth accumulation and career acceleration in a low-tax environment, Hong Kong is the undisputed champion of the financial world.
Detailed tax breakdown
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