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 $73,812 in United States.
Hong Kong
$86,270
+$12,458/year
United States
$73,812
That's $1,038 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 Cities
From the tech-fueled hills of California to the vertical neon jungle of Hong Kong, these destinations are magnets for ambitious professionals and serial entrepreneurs. While Americans often crave the suburban dream and wide-open spaces, those landing in Hong Kong trade the backyard for a hyper-efficient, high-octane lifestyle where the world's best dim sum is always a short walk away.
Lifestyle vs. The Ledger
Living in the States means balancing high-quality amenities with a complex web of federal and state obligations that can feel like a maze. Hong Kong offers a refreshing 'what you see is what you get' simplicity, though that extra cash in your pocket often goes straight toward the city's legendary real estate prices and vibrant social scene.
The Tax Man's Reach
The US operates on a multi-layered bracket system that demands a larger slice of your pie as you climb the corporate ladder, especially when adding state-level contributions like California's disability insurance. Conversely, Hong Kong keeps things lean with a low-ceiling progressive system and a 'standard rate' cap that ensures the government never takes too much of your hard-earned winnings.
Safety Nets and Savings
Your tax dollars in the US fund a massive machinery of Social Security and Medicare, providing a structured safety net for the long haul. Hong Kong takes a more individualistic approach via the MPF system, where you and your employer build a private nest egg, reflecting the city’s philosophy of personal responsibility and lightning-fast economic mobility.
The Ultimate Verdict
If you prioritize a robust public infrastructure and a traditional safety net, the US remains the gold standard despite the higher price tag. However, for the high-flying expat looking to maximize take-home pay and minimize paperwork, Hong Kong’s streamlined system is an unbeatable financial powerhouse.
Detailed tax breakdown
Related comparisons
Compare all 140+ countries
See how United States and Hong Kong rank globally