Hong Kong VS Tel Aviv

Cost of Living & Salary Comparison 2026

Hong Kong
China (SAR)
73.6
COLI Index
#19
Global Rank
HKD
Currency
Tel Aviv
Israel
81.3
COLI Index
#10
Global Rank
ILS
Currency

Key Differences

Cost of Living
73.6
81.3
1BR Rent (USD/mo)
$2,500
$1,800
Total Deductions
13.0%
28.5%
Exchange Rate
1 HKD = 0.4596 ILS
Is Hong Kong cheaper than Tel Aviv?

Yes, Hong Kong is 9% cheaper than Tel Aviv based on our cost of living index. Hong Kong has a COLI of 73.6, while Tel Aviv has a COLI of 81.3. 9% cheaper

Key Takeaways: Hong Kong vs Tel Aviv

Overall, Hong Kong is approximately 9% cheaper than Tel Aviv based on our cost of living index. Hong Kong has a COLI of 73.6 (ranked #19 of 182 cities), while Tel Aviv has a COLI of 81.3 (ranked #10).

When it comes to housing, one-bedroom apartment rent in Hong Kong averages $2,500/month compared to $1,800/month in Tel Aviv. That makes Tel Aviv approximately 28% cheaper for rent alone.

Hong Kong has lower total deductions (13.0%) compared to Tel Aviv (28.5%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Hong Kong. When evaluating a relocation, remember that total deductions directly impact your take-home pay and should be weighed alongside cost of living differences.

Tax & Deductions Comparison

Full breakdown of mandatory payroll deductions for a mid-range salary as a local employee in each city.

Hong Kong

Income Tax
13%
MPF
0.2%
Total: 13.0%Take-Home: HK$375,900/yr

Tel Aviv

Income Tax
16%
National Insurance + Health
12.0%
Total: 28.5%Take-Home: ₪157,026/yr

Rates shown for local employees. Expat deductions may differ — use the main converter for personalized calculations.

Salary Equivalent

If you earn HK$587,349 in Hong Kong, you would need approximately ₪298,197 in Tel Aviv to maintain the same purchasing power. That is 9% more due to higher cost of living.

Salary Comparison by Job Title

Estimated mid-level annual salaries in local currency, adjusted for each city's cost of living:

Job Title Hong Kong (HKD) Tel Aviv (ILS)
Doctor (General) HK$1,037,494 ₪526,736
Software Engineer HK$489,928 ₪248,736
Product Manager HK$576,386 ₪292,631
Lawyer HK$576,386 ₪292,631
Data Scientist HK$547,566 ₪277,999
Marketing Manager HK$414,998 ₪210,694
Teacher HK$276,665 ₪140,463
Nurse HK$334,304 ₪169,726

Salary estimates are adjusted by each city's COLI relative to the New York baseline. Actual salaries vary by company, experience, and industry.

Neighborhoods

Hong Kong (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
The Peak1.50x (+50%)
Central1.40x (+40%)
Mid-Levels1.30x (+30%)
Repulse Bay1.30x (+30%)
Causeway Bay1.25x (+25%)

Tel Aviv (Top 5)

NeighborhoodMultiplier
Rothschild Blvd1.35x (+35%)
Neve Tzedek1.30x (+30%)
Herzliya Pituach1.28x (+28%)
Lev Ha'ir (City Centre)1.25x (+25%)
Old North1.20x (+20%)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hong Kong or Tel Aviv more expensive?

Tel Aviv is more expensive overall. Hong Kong has a COLI of 73.6 while Tel Aviv has a COLI of 81.3, making Hong Kong approximately 9% cheaper.

What salary in Tel Aviv equals HK$587,349 in Hong Kong?

To maintain the same standard of living as HK$587,349 in Hong Kong, you would need approximately ₪298,197 in Tel Aviv.

Is rent cheaper in Hong Kong or Tel Aviv?

Average one-bedroom rent in Hong Kong is $2,500/month compared to $1,800/month in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv has lower rent by approximately 28%.

Which city has lower taxes, Hong Kong or Tel Aviv?

Hong Kong has lower total deductions (13.0%) compared to Tel Aviv (28.5%), meaning you keep more of your gross salary in Hong Kong.

Explore Each City

Data Sources & Methodology

Cost of living indices (COLI) are benchmarked to New York City = 100 and derived from Numbeo and Expatistan crowd-sourced price surveys, cross-referenced with national statistics agencies. Rent data from Numbeo Property Prices.

Salary ranges are compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES), Glassdoor, and PayScale. Tax rates are approximate effective rates for mid-range earners based on OECD Taxing Wages and national tax authorities. Exchange rates from the European Central Bank. Neighborhood multipliers are estimated from local rental indices and property data.

Last updated: 2026-02-28. Data is refreshed periodically. All figures are estimates for informational purposes only.