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 $72,162 in United Kingdom.
Hong Kong
$86,272
+$14,110/year
United Kingdom
$72,162
That's $1,176 more per month in Hong Kong
Side-by-side breakdown
United Kingdom
2025-26 · London
27.8%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$72,162
$6,013/mo
Income 23% Social 5%
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
East Meets West Lifestyle
Professional movers often find themselves choosing between London's historic charm and Hong Kong's neon-lit skyscrapers. While families often lean toward the UK's suburban space and prestigious schools, ambitious finance and tech experts flock to Hong Kong for its relentless energy and unmatched career velocity.
High Octane vs. Heritage
Living in Hong Kong means embracing a high-density, ultra-convenient urban jungle where world-class dining is always steps away. In contrast, the UK offers a slower pace of life, trading Hong Kong's vertical living for cozy neighborhoods, green parks, and a deeper focus on work-life balance.
The Tax Bracket Divide
The divergence in take-home pay is striking: Hong Kong maintains one of the world's most famously simple and low-tax regimes with just a few progressive steps. The UK follows a traditional European model with higher marginal rates that kick in quickly, particularly for those climbing the corporate ladder.
Safety Nets and Perks
In the UK, your taxes fund the expansive National Health Service and a broad social safety net, providing peace of mind from birth to retirement. Hong Kong takes a more individualistic approach, with the Mandatory Provident Fund focusing on personal retirement savings and a system that rewards those who prefer to manage their own wealth.
The Final Verdict
If you want to maximize every cent of your salary and love the hustle of a global trade hub, Hong Kong is the clear champion. However, if you value social security, public infrastructure, and a more relaxed lifestyle over a fatter paycheck, the UK is worth the extra contribution.
Detailed tax breakdown
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