Highest Take-Home
Hong Kong
2025-26
13.7%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$86,275
$7,190/mo
Income 11% Social 2%
On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $86,275 in Hong Kong versus $73,812 in United States.
Hong Kong
$86,275
+$12,463/year
United States
$73,812
That's $1,039 more per month in Hong Kong
Side-by-side breakdown
United States
2025 · California
26.2%
effective tax rate
Take-home
$73,812
$6,151/mo
Income 13% State 4% Social 9%
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 Hubs
From the tech-fueled innovation of California to the high-octane financial pulse of Hong Kong, these two regions draw global talent like magnets. Whether you are chasing the American Dream or looking to conquer the Asian markets, both destinations offer a high-energy lifestyle for ambitious professionals.
Sunsets vs. Skyscrapers
Life in the US often means spacious suburban living and diverse landscapes, whereas Hong Kong is a vertical marvel where everything you need is just a fast-paced elevator ride away. You trade the sprawling coastlines of the Pacific for a neon-lit urban jungle that never sleeps.
The Tax Man's Slice
The contrast in take-home pay is striking; the US employs an intricate multi-bracket system with significant state-level additions, while Hong Kong keeps it remarkably lean. While Americans navigate a complex web of federal and state obligations, Hong Kong residents enjoy one of the world's most straightforward and low-rate tax environments.
Your Safety Net Strategy
In the US, your contributions fuel broad social security and healthcare programs like Medicare, providing a government-managed cushion for the future. Hong Kong takes a more individualized approach with the MPF, focusing on personal retirement savings rather than a sprawling social welfare state.
The Big Decision
If you prioritize a simplified, low-tax lifestyle to maximize immediate wealth, Hong Kong is the undisputed champion. However, if you value a robust social infrastructure and the diversity of a continental economy, the higher price of American residency might just be worth the investment.
Detailed tax breakdown
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