Highest Take-Home
Hong Kong
2025-26
13.7%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$86,270
$7,189/mo
Income 11% Social 2%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $86,270 in Hong Kong versus $70,904 in Canada.
Hong Kong
$86,270
+$15,366/year
Canada
$70,904
That's $1,280 more per month in Hong Kong
Side-by-side breakdown
Canada
2025 · Ontario
29.1%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$70,904
$5,909/mo
Income 16% State 7% Social 4% Other 1%
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
A Tale of Two Skylines
From the sprawling maple forests of Canada to the neon-lit canyons of Hong Kong, these two destinations attract very different souls. Families often migrate to Canada seeking space and a slower pace, while ambitious career-climbers and entrepreneurs are drawn to the high-octane energy of Hong Kong's financial heart.
Vibe Check: Calm vs. Chaos
Life in Canada is a cozy blend of flannel shirts, polite 'sorrys,' and a focus on work-life balance that prioritizes the Great Outdoors. Conversely, Hong Kong offers a vertical lifestyle where convenience is king, the nightlife is legendary, and the city truly never sleeps.
The Taxman’s Different Styles
Canada follows a progressive system with multiple brackets and regional layers like Ontario's surtaxes, which can take a significant bite out of high earners. Hong Kong keeps it refreshingly simple with a low-rate structure and no regional taxes, allowing professionals to keep a much larger portion of their paycheck.
Safety Nets and Perks
In Canada, your higher tax contributions fund a robust social safety net, including public healthcare and a comprehensive pension plan for your golden years. Hong Kong's low-tax trade-off means fewer public guarantees, though the Mandatory Provident Fund ensures you're still saving for the future.
The Final Verdict
If you want to maximize your immediate wealth and live in a global trade hub, Hong Kong is the clear winner for your wallet. However, if you're looking for long-term stability and social services that support a growing family, Canada’s higher price tag offers a peace of mind that money alone can't buy.
Detailed tax breakdown
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