Safety Index
#5
of 124 cities
78.6/100
Current value
#81 of 124
Asia
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Salary & Cost of Living
How do salaries and expenses in Hong Kong compare to Dublin?
Purchasing Power Comparison
An engineer in Hong Kong is 19% worse off vs in Dublin
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in Hong Kong compared to Dublin, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Net Salary
$63,986
-$13K (-17%) vs Dublin
Tax Rate: 13%
Community Insights
NewHong Kong remains a polarizing but potentially lucrative destination for software engineers. The city offers a unique high-adrenaline lifestyle combining low taxes, intense urban energy, and unmatched travel access. However, the data highlights a stark trade-off: while you keep more of your paycheck (#6 lowest tax rate), your purchasing power (#76) is eroded by world-leading housing costs (#120 affordability). The tech scene is heavily skewed toward Fintech and banking; those looking for Silicon Valley-style innovation or work-life balance may find it stifling, while those in algorithmic trading or crypto can earn fortunes.
Resident Sentiment
Sentiment is decidedly mixed. Long-term expats and locals often express nostalgia for the "old Hong Kong," citing a "brain drain" and shifting political atmosphere as reasons for planning an exit. However, newcomers (fresh transplants) still rave about the efficiency, safety, and social scene, often viewing the city as a fantastic short-to-medium-term career accelerant rather than a permanent home. A common refrain is that Hong Kong is "for working, not living."
The Good
Rankings
Top 4%
Tax Rate
#7
of 124 cities
13%
Current value (lower is better)
Community Events
#15
of 124 cities
10 events on luma
Current value
Housing Affordability
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in Hong Kong compared to Dublin?
Avg. Property Price
$20,605 / m²
187% more expensive than Dublin
Salary Converter
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in Hong Kong to maintain the same standard of living.
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