On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $86,276 in Hong Kong versus $79,096 in Singapore — a difference of $7,181/year ($598/month).
Tax Breakdown Comparison
Hong Kong
2025-26 tax year
Take-Home Pay
$86,276
$7,190/mo
Effective Rate
13.7%
of gross
Singapore
2025 tax year
Take-Home Pay
$79,096
$6,591/mo
Effective Rate
20.9%
of gross
Effective Tax Rate by Income
Shows effective tax rate (total tax / gross income) at different income levels in USD
Life & Taxes
What it's like to live and earn in each country
A Tale of Two Cities
Singapore and Hong Kong are the ultimate battlegrounds for ambitious professionals and families looking to elevate their lifestyle in Asia. While Hong Kong draws the high-octane finance crowds and night owls, Singapore attracts those seeking a meticulously organized, garden-city sanctuary for their children to grow up in.
The Vibe Check
Life in Hong Kong is a thrilling, vertical rush where neon lights meet mountain trails, offering an intensity that is hard to match anywhere else on Earth. Conversely, Singapore offers a polished, breezy efficiency where everything works perfectly, from the world-class airport to the lush green corridors connecting every neighborhood.
The Taxman’s Strategy
Hong Kong keeps it lean with a simple five-bracket system and a legendary 'standard rate' cap that acts as a safety net for high earners. Singapore utilizes a more granular approach with thirteen brackets, allowing for a gentler climb but reaching slightly higher peaks for the ultra-wealthy.
Saving for a Rainy Day
Both cities ensure you aren't just spending your paycheck, utilizing mandatory savings schemes like the CPF and MPF to fund your retirement and healthcare. In Singapore, these contributions are a cornerstone of nation-building, while Hong Kong’s system focuses on giving you a portable nest egg for your future.
The Final Verdict
If you want the lowest possible ceiling on your tax bill and a fast-paced 'work hard, play hard' environment, Hong Kong is your winner. However, if you prioritize unparalleled stability and a family-friendly infrastructure that feels like the future, Singapore’s slightly more progressive system is a price well worth paying.
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