Singapore Beats Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, South Korea and More Asian Countries Where You Can Earn More and Spend Less, New Update is Here

Published on December 10, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Singapore has emerged as the undisputed leader in Asia, surpassing countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, South Korea, and more. If you’re looking to earn more and spend less, Singapore is the ultimate destination. With its unmatched financial stability, high salaries, and low cost of living, it outshines its neighbors in almost every aspect.

While countries like Qatar and Kuwait also offer no income tax and high purchasing power, Singapore’s unique combination of economic prosperity and affordability makes it the best choice for financial freedom. In fact, Singapore not only offers the highest monthly salaries, but it also ensures that your hard-earned money goes further, giving you the opportunity to save more.

As Travel And Tour World dive into this article, we’ll explore why Singapore is the top contender for those seeking to live financially stress-free, while countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong also stand strong in this competition. Read on to discover why!

In the fast-paced world of personal finance, the battle for financial freedom is intense, especially in Asia, where living costs, salaries, and inflation rates vary greatly. But recent data has revealed some stunning winners in the race for financial freedom — and it’s no surprise that Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait have claimed the top spots. In a comprehensive 2025 report, these three countries emerged as the best places to live and manage money without the constant stress of juggling high costs and low salaries.

According to the study, which measured salaries, living costs, and savings potential, Singapore stood out with its robust economy and stable financial environment. Other oil-rich Gulf states like Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia also rose to the top, boasting no income tax and high purchasing power. Even Hong Kong, known for its high costs, topped the list for wealth per adult. Let’s dive into why these Asian powerhouses are setting the benchmark for financial freedom.

Singapore: The Ultimate Destination for Financial Security

When it comes to managing money, Singapore reigns supreme in Asia. With an average monthly salary of $4,600 after taxes, Singapore residents enjoy one of the highest salaries in the region. Add to that the country’s remarkable financial discipline, with 41% of its national income saved each year, and it’s clear why Singapore tops the financial freedom charts.

But it’s not just about high salaries. Singapore’s cost of living is surprisingly low for such a prosperous country, with inflation kept at a steady 0.7%. The country’s efficient economic system ensures that prices stay stable, allowing residents to save and invest without worrying about rising living costs. With an average wealth of $383,000 per adult, Singapore offers its residents unparalleled financial freedom.

Not only do salaries go further here, but residents enjoy world-class banking services and a stable economy. The country’s remarkable financial freedom score of 100 reflects just how easy it is to earn, save, and live stress-free.

Qatar: No Income Tax and High Purchasing Power – The Financial Dream

Qatar, known for its oil wealth, comes second on the list for financial freedom. With no income tax and a high purchasing power index of 177.6, Qatar makes sure your paycheck goes further. On an average monthly salary of $3,600, workers enjoy the luxury of spending less on everyday essentials. Whether you’re purchasing groceries or making a major investment, your salary stretches nearly twice as far as in other countries.

The country’s economic system is also solid, with affordable living costs and a low inflation rate of 1.2%. This makes Qatar one of the most financially secure places to live. The average wealth per adult is $165,000, and with zero income tax, residents can save a significant portion of their income, further boosting their financial freedom.

Qatar’s remarkable financial freedom score of 97 is a testament to its ability to provide residents with both high earnings and low living costs. For anyone seeking the ultimate combination of financial freedom and luxury, Qatar is the place to be.

Kuwait: The High-Purchasing Power Powerhouse of Asia

Kuwait ranks third in the financial freedom race, boasting the highest purchasing power in Asia. With a salary of $3,200 per month, Kuwaitis enjoy purchasing power that is nearly double the global baseline. A dollar goes a long way here, and with no income tax, residents keep all of their earnings.

The cost of living in Kuwait is also lower than in many Western nations, and with inflation at 2.4%, the country maintains an affordable lifestyle. The average wealth per adult stands at $175,000, further proving that Kuwait is a financial haven.

The country’s economic system is built on oil wealth, and its residents enjoy some of the highest standards of living in the region. If you’re looking to earn well and save without financial strain, Kuwait is a clear winner.

Saudi Arabia: Affordable Living and Strong Financial Security

Saudi Arabia, with its average monthly salary of $2,200, ranks fourth in the financial freedom standings. What sets Saudi Arabia apart is its combination of affordable living costs and strong purchasing power. The cost of living is relatively low, and property prices are among the most affordable in the region, making homeownership within reach for many.

Like other Gulf states, Saudi Arabia does not impose income tax, meaning that workers can save more from their earnings. With a financial freedom score of 90, Saudi Arabia offers a solid foundation for residents to build wealth, invest, and enjoy financial stability.

Though the average wealth per adult is lower compared to its Gulf neighbors, Saudi Arabia still stands out for its low-cost lifestyle and strong purchasing power.

United Arab Emirates: Low Taxes and High Salaries Make UAE a Winner

The UAE rounds out the top five with an average monthly salary of $3,200 and a high purchasing power index of 131.6. Like its Gulf neighbors, the UAE has no income tax, allowing residents to keep all of their earnings. This financial freedom, combined with a low cost of living, makes the UAE an attractive destination for those looking to live comfortably without worrying about high expenses.

The country has a relatively low inflation rate of 1.2%, and household debt is well-controlled at 25% of GDP. These factors contribute to the UAE’s financial freedom score of 87. Whether you’re living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the UAE provides an ideal environment for saving and investing.

Hong Kong: Wealthy, Stable, and Financially Free

Despite its high cost of living, Hong Kong stands out for its impressive wealth per adult, averaging a staggering $551,000. This makes it the wealthiest city in Asia, with its residents enjoying some of the highest savings rates on the continent.

With an average monthly salary of $3,700 and a purchasing power index of 115.5, Hong Kong residents manage to save more than most people in the region. The inflation rate is also stable at just 1.1%, and with low taxes and excellent banking services, Hong Kong offers an enviable level of financial freedom.

Although the cost of living is high, the ability to save and the city’s strong economic system help boost Hong Kong’s financial security. With a financial freedom score of 84, it’s clear that Hong Kong offers a unique blend of wealth and stability.

Other Notable Mentions: Oman, Japan, South Korea, and Kazakhstan

Oman ranks seventh with a strong purchasing power index of 170.9 and an average salary of $2,300. Japan and South Korea, despite having lower salaries compared to the Gulf states, maintain relatively high financial freedom thanks to their stable economies and efficient banking systems. Kazakhstan, though not as wealthy as its neighbors, offers affordable living costs and an ability to save, with a financial freedom score of 72.

Where Financial Freedom Meets Opportunity

The 2025 financial freedom report underscores the power of high salaries, low taxes, and affordable living costs in fostering financial independence. Whether it’s Singapore’s robust economy, Qatar’s tax-free paradise, or Kuwait’s high purchasing power, these countries offer some of the best environments in Asia to earn, save, and invest without constant financial pressure.

As we look to the future, these countries will continue to attract individuals seeking a better balance between earning power and financial security. For those looking to secure their financial future, there has never been a better time to explore the financial freedom opportunities in Asia’s top financial capitals.