City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Hong Kong
COL index 86.2
Australia
COL index 82.4
Hong Kong vs Sydney — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Sydney is 4.4% 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 | Sydney | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86.2 | Cost of living index | 82.4 | -4.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €46,550 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,283 | -7.0% |
| €3,880 | Rent — 1BR centre | €2,480 | -36.1% |
| €4,813 | Monthly COL (single) | €3,421 | -28.9% |
| €54,002 | PPP — net / COL | €52,528 | -2.7% |
| 6.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.4% | +94.7% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Hong Kong = €3,879 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Sydney, you would need roughly €51,801 gross in Australia (≈ €3,708 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 86)
- +Favourable tax rate (6.9%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (100.0%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€2,480)
- −High cost of living (index 82)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (68.8%)
The verdict
Across the data, Hong Kong delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Sydney 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 Sydney?+
Sydney is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Hong Kong 86.2, Sydney 82.4 — a 4.4% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Hong Kong and Sydney?+
Hong Kong sits at 86.2 on our COL index, Sydney at 82.4. That works out to roughly 4.4% — Sydney being the cheaper of the two.
Is Hong Kong a good place to live compared to Sydney?+
It depends on priorities. Hong Kong delivers €46,550 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 6.9% effective tax rate. Sydney delivers €43,283 at 13.4%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,880 vs €2,480.
How do salaries compare in Hong Kong vs Sydney?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €46,550/year (€3,879/month) in Hong Kong and €43,283/year (€3,607/month) in Sydney.
Which city has lower taxes, Hong Kong or Sydney?+
Hong Kong has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Hong Kong 6.9%, Australia 13.4%.