Austin vs Hong Kong: cost of living for digital nomads
Austin, United States and Hong Kong, Hong Kong, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Austin is about 22% cheaper than Hong Kong for a month of nomad living ($2,950 vs $3,790).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,500 in Austin against $2,200 in Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Austin is temperate; Hong Kong is tropical.
Austin wins 5 of the measured lines; Hong Kong wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Austin or Hong Kong?
Austin is cheaper: about $2,950/month against $3,790/month in Hong Kong, roughly 22% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Austin or Hong Kong?
Hong Kong scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Austin.
Which has faster internet, Austin or Hong Kong?
Austin and Hong Kong have about the same typical internet speed, 250 Mbps.
| Line | Austin | Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,950 | $3,790 |
| Rent | $1,500 | $2,200 |
| Food | $620 | $650 |
| Transport | $90 | $80 |
| Coworking | $200 | $260 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 250 | 250 |
| Climate | temperate | tropical |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Austin September 11, 2026, Hong Kong September 11, 2026.