City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Hong Kong
COL index 86.2
Japan
COL index 72.4
Hong Kong vs Tokyo — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Tokyo is 16.0% 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 | Tokyo | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86.2 | Cost of living index | 72.4 | -16.0% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €46,550 | Net at €50,000 gross | €43,154 | -7.3% |
| €3,880 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,780 | -54.1% |
| €4,813 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,595 | -46.1% |
| €54,002 | PPP — net / COL | €59,605 | +10.4% |
| 6.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 13.7% | +98.4% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Hong Kong = €3,879 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Tokyo, you would need roughly €45,300 gross in Japan (≈ €3,258 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%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,780)
- +Favourable tax rate (13.7%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (49.5%)
The verdict
Across the data, Hong Kong delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Tokyo carries a lower cost-of-living index; Hong Kong has the lighter effective tax burden; Tokyo wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Tokyo edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Hong Kong cheaper than Tokyo?+
Tokyo is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Hong Kong 86.2, Tokyo 72.4 — a 16.0% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Hong Kong and Tokyo?+
Hong Kong sits at 86.2 on our COL index, Tokyo at 72.4. That works out to roughly 16.0% — Tokyo being the cheaper of the two.
Is Hong Kong a good place to live compared to Tokyo?+
It depends on priorities. Hong Kong delivers €46,550 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 6.9% effective tax rate. Tokyo delivers €43,154 at 13.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €3,880 vs €1,780.
How do salaries compare in Hong Kong vs Tokyo?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €46,550/year (€3,879/month) in Hong Kong and €43,154/year (€3,596/month) in Tokyo.
Which city has lower taxes, Hong Kong or Tokyo?+
Hong Kong has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Hong Kong 6.9%, Japan 13.7%.