City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Hong Kong
COL index 86.2
Singapore
COL index 84.8
Hong Kong vs Singapore — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Singapore is 1.6% cheaper than Hong Kong for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Hong Kong | Metric | Singapore | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86.2 | Cost of living index | 84.8 | -1.6% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €46,550 | Net at €50,000 gross | €39,450 | -15.3% |
| €3,880 | Rent — 1BR centre | €3,280 | -15.5% |
| €4,813 | Monthly COL (single) | €4,256 | -11.6% |
| €54,002 | PPP — net / COL | €46,521 | -13.9% |
| 6.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 21.1% | +205.8% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Hong Kong = €3,879 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Singapore, you would need roughly €58,528 gross in Singapore (≈ €3,816 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 86)
- +Favourable tax rate (6.9%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (100.0%)
- +Lower rent (€3,280 vs €3,880)
- −High cost of living (index 85)
- +Favourable tax rate (21.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (99.8%)
The verdict
Across the data, Hong Kong delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Singapore carries a lower cost-of-living index; Hong Kong has the lighter effective tax burden; Hong Kong wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Hong Kong edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Hong Kong cheaper than Singapore?+
Singapore is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Hong Kong 86.2, Singapore 84.8 — a 1.6% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Hong Kong and Singapore?+
Hong Kong sits at 86.2 on our COL index, Singapore at 84.8. That works out to roughly 1.6% — Singapore being the cheaper of the two.
Is Hong Kong a good place to live compared to Singapore?+
It depends on priorities. Hong Kong delivers €46,550 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 6.9% effective tax rate. Singapore delivers €39,450 at 21.1%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,880 vs €3,280.
How do salaries compare in Hong Kong vs Singapore?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €46,550/year (€3,879/month) in Hong Kong and €39,450/year (€3,288/month) in Singapore.
Which city has lower taxes, Hong Kong or Singapore?+
Hong Kong has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Hong Kong 6.9%, Singapore 21.1%.