Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Single Person & Family

architecture alongside densely populated residential areas. The cost of living in Hong Kong is significantly higher than in India. Groceries, accommodation, electricity, and recreational costs all add up to calculate the monthly cost of living in Hong Kong.

Your way of life determines your monthly expenses in Hong Kong. Keep reading to learn more about living expenses in Hong Kong.

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Average Cost of Living in Hong Kong
Factors Determining the Cost of Living
Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living
Hong Kong vs Other Metro Cities
Important Things to Know
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Hong Kong?

The average cost of living in Hong Kong varies widely but typically depends on lifestyle, accommodation, and personal expenses.

Check out the following table to learn more about the average cost of living in Hong Kong for bachelors, students, and families:

Area of Expense	Cost
Rent	12,700 HK$ - 39,700 HK$
Entertainment	1,000 HK$ - 3,200 HK$
Groceries	1,300 HK$ - 5,300 HK$
Transport	500 HK$ - 2,00 HK$
Utilities	2,175 HK$ - 2,600 HK$
Schooling of children	8,140 HK$ - 13,250 HK$

Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Bachelors

The average cost of living for a bachelor in Hong Kong generally consists of rent, heating, cooling, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses, which vary widely depending on locality and lifestyle choices. The following table elaborates on some of the essential expenses:

Area of Expense	Bachelors
Accommodation	12,700 HK$ - 18,100 HK$
Groceries	1,300 HK$ - 2,000 HK$
Transport	600 HK$ - 900 HK$
Utilities	2,175 HK$ - 2,600 HK$
Entertainment and Shopping	350 HK$ - 1000 HK$
Housemaid	Starts 98 HK$
Wi-Fi	186.55 HK$
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	500 HK$
Miscellaneous	200 HK$ - 500 HK$

Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Students

The cost of living for students in Hong Kong includes accommodation, groceries or food on campus, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. The average monthly expense for a student is around 13,400 HK$ to 16,000 HK$:

Area of Expense	Students
Rent (shared apartment)	6,400 HK$ - 9,100 HK$
Food (monthly)	1,300 HK$ - 1,800 HK$
Transportation (monthly)	500 HK$ - 700 HK$
Utilities (monthly)	2,175 HK$ - 2,600 HK$
WiFi	186.55 HK$
Miscellaneous	100 HK$ - 300 HK$
Bus Pass/Metro Pass	500 HK$

Cost of Living in Hong Kong for a Family

The cost of living for a family in Hong Kong is significantly higher than that of bachelors and students. The monthly expenses of a family living in Hong Kong would include rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and schooling expenses for children. Look at the table below to get an idea about the costs mentioned above:

Area of Expense	Families
Accommodation	26,500 HK$ - 39,700 HK$
Groceries & Food	4,000 HK$ - 5,300 HK$
Transport	1,500 HK$ - 1,800 HK$
Utilities	2,175 HK$ - 2,600 HK$
Entertainment & Shopping	1,000 HK$ - 3,000 HK$
Education & Daycare	8,140 HK$ - 13,250 HK$
Housemaid	Starting 98 HK$
WiFi	186.55 HK$
Miscellaneous	1,000 HK$ - 1,500 HK$

Cost of Living in Hong Kong for Couples

The cost of living for couples in Hong Kong consists of costs for accommodation, utilities, groceries, transportation, and recreational activities. Depending on every couple’s lifestyle, the cost of living would vary greatly. The table below highlights some costs:

Area of Expense	Couples
1 BHK apartment for rent	12,700 HK$ - 18,100 HK$
2 BHK apartment for rent	29,500 HK$ - 44,600 HK$
Electricity bill	2,175 HK$ - 2,600 HK$
Bus pass	500 HK$
Wi-Fi	186.55 HK$
Groceries	2,600 HK$ - 3,000 HK$
Meal for two	130 HK$ - 550 HK$
Housemaid	Starts at 98 HK$
Miscellaneous	500 HK$ - 1,200 HK$

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Hong Kong

There are various aspects on which the cost of living in Hong Kong depends. Here are a few of those aspects

1. Accommodation

Hong Kong is home to many people of various ages and societal strata. Despite being heavily populated, many people feel right at home in this city. From high-rise apartments to grand houses, Hong Kong offers plenty of choices for accommodation. The table below shows the prices of various types of accommodation in Hong Kong.

Classification of Rentals	Price Range
1 BHK	12,700 HK$ - 18,100 HK$
2 BHK	29,500 HK$ - 44,600 HK$
3 BHK	26,500 HK$ - 39,700 HK$

Furthermore, the approximate cost to buy and rent in the most affordable and posh areas in Hong Kong is mentioned in the following table

Location	Category	Rent Per Month	Buying Cost Per sq. ft
Sai Ying Pun	Affordable	Starting 27,000 HK$	Starting 25.86k HK$
Quarry Bay	Affordable	Starting 37,000 HK$	Starting 21.06k HK$
Western District	Affordable	Starting 33,000 HK$	Starting 25.59k HK$
Wan Chai	Affordable	Starting 35,000 HK$	Starting 24.39k HK$
Mid-Levels Central	Posh	Starting 73,000 HK$	Starting 31.44K HK$
Shouson Hill	Posh	Starting 93,000 HK$	Starting 47.62k HK$
Repulse Bay	Posh	Starting 98,000 HK$	Starting 35.71k HK$
The Peak	Posh	Starting 168,000 HK$	Starting 57.99k HK$
Deep Water Bay	Posh	Starting 105,000 HK$	Starting 66.74k HK$

2. Transportation

Hong Kong is very expensive because of the ratio between residential areas and the people living in the city. However, it is not the most expensive city in the world. Therefore, transport plays a vital role in determining the cost of living in Hong Kong for every individual.

Category	Approximate Cost
One-way ticket (public transport)	12.00 HK$
Monthly pass (public transport)	500 HK$
Price of diesel (as of 5th July 2024)	24.45 HK$ per litre
Price of petrol (as of 26th September 2024)	25.49 HK$ - 27.09 HK$ per litre
Rental bikes and scooters	25 HK$ - 30 HK$ per hour
Cabs (minimum cost)	10.50 HK$ for 1 km

3. Groceries

The cost of groceries can vary depending on your residential locality, personal preference, and household members. Here is a list of commonly used produce and food to help you understand monthly grocery costs in Hong Kong.

Grocery	Price
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	25.89 HK$
Fresh Bread (500g)	19.35 HK$
Rice (white), (1kg)	18.58 HK$
Eggs (regular) (1 dozen)	29.11 HK$
Local Cheese (1kg)	236.01 HK$
Chicken 1 kg (boneless)	76.77 HK$
Apples (1kg)	29.96 HK$
Banana (1kg)	21.56 HK$
Oranges (1kg)	29.82 HK$
Tomato (1kg)	28.23 HK$
Potato (1kg)	22.35 HK$
Onion (1kg)	21.58 HK$
Lettuce (1 head)	14.55 HK$

4. Utilities

The monthly cost for every apartment in Hong Kong is more than just the rent. Living in the apartment requires utilities like water, heating, cooling, and electricity. You would also need a Wi-Fi and mobile plan to communicate and work smoothly at home. Look at the list below for such prices.

Monthly Utilities	Price
Basic (heating, cooling, electricity, water) for a house	2,175 HK$
Prepaid mobile bill	151.74 HK$
Internet for cable, ADSL, unlimited data	186.55 HK$

5. Entertainment

A city filled with hard workers, Hong Kong has plenty of bars and restaurants for people to relax and unwind. All these add up to monthly expenses for the family.

Area of Expense	Approximate Cost
1 month gym membership	848.14 HK$
1 morning cappuccino	42.41 HK$
Tennis court rent for 1 hour	69.50 HK$
Cinema (1 seat)	100 HK$
Meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person)	65 HK$
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant	275 HK$
McMeal at McDonalds	48 HK$

6. Childcare

Childcare can be expensive. However, your locality or area of residence would be the determining factor for childcare and schooling expenses.

Schools and Childcare	Price
Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, monthly for 1 Child	8,124 HK$
Primary schools	8,124 HK$ - 13,250 HK$
International primary school, yearly for 1 child	174,607 HK$

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Hong Kong

Keep reading to know about some tips to reduce your cost of living in Hong Kong.

Studio apartments in Hong Kong start from 8,000 HK$. While these are pretty small, they can be perfect if you live alone. You can also rent a larger apartment and live with roommates to save some money on rent.
Food in Hong Kong is also reasonably priced, with a big emphasis on street food and local vendors. Local dishes are cheaper compared to Western food, so you can expand your palette and save money at the same time.
Although public schools in Hong Kong are free, private schools, often preferred by parents, are expensive. Such private schools charge tuition fees of up to 200,000 HK$. If you speak fluent Cantonese, you can enroll your child in public school to save money on education.
The transportation system in Hong Kong is exceptional and cheap. The daily commute is convenient, with frequent buses and metros.

Cost of Living in Hong Kong vs Other Metro Cities

Check out the table below for more details on how Hong Kong compares to other metropolitan cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou:

Area of Expense	Hong Kong	Beijing	Shanghai	Guangzhou
Accommodation	12,700 HK$ - 39,700 HK$	3,700 HK$ - 15,800 HK$	3,800 HK$ - 18,800 HK$	1,900 HK$ - 8,000 HK$
Utilities	2,175 HK$ - 2,600 HK$	396 HK$ - 560 HK$	388 HK$ - 586 HK$	474 HK$ - 663 HK$
Groceries	1,300 HK$ - 5,300 HK$	1,975 HK$ - 5,208 HK$	2,405 HK$ - 6,403 HK$	2,045 HK$ - 5,395 HK$
Transportation	500 HK$ - 2,000 HK$	843 HK$ - 2,209 HK$	913 HK$ - 2,381 HK$	546 HK$ - 1,538 HK$
Dining Out	200 HK$ - 1,500 HK$	200 HK$ - 1,200 HK$	250 HK$ - 1,500 HK$	100 HK$ - 800 HK$
Entertainment	1,000 HK$ - 3,200 HK$	800 HK$ - 2,500 HKS	800 HK$ - 2,300 HK$	500 HK$ - 1,500 HK$
Education	8,140 HK$ - 13,250 HK$	5,509 HK$ - 13,799 HK$	8,818 HK$ - 18,276 HK$	3,100 HK$ - 9,319 HK$
Healthcare	50 HK$ - 1,000 HK$	620 HK$ - 1,150 HK$	620 HK$ - 1,150 HK$	3,103 HK$
Overall Cost	26,065 HK$ - 68,550 HK$	14,043 HK$ - 42,426 HK$	17,994 HK$ - 51,396 HK$	11,768 HK$ - 30,318 HK$
Overall Verdict	Very High	High	High	Moderate

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Hong Kong

Some of the key points mentioned below will aid you further if you shift to Hong Kong.

Job Market and Economy

Due to the recession and a shrinking job market, companies have hired younger employees to train them for senior roles. A wide set of skills would be beneficial as companies look for well-rounded individuals who are well-suited for multiple roles.

Climate and Weather

Hong Kong has good weather throughout the year, thanks to its subtropical location. The city is surrounded by water on a few sides and has neighborhoods on islands, so typhoons and thunderstorms are pretty common. Most typhoons form between July and September.

Autumn in Hong Kong is pleasant, with sunny skies and warm evenings. Winter, on the other hand, is wet and cold due to the winter monsoon.

Accommodation Options

There are various types of accommodations available in Hong Kong, from luxurious townhouses to humble studio apartments. Depending on the people in your household and budget, you may choose the living arrangements that are best suited for you and your family. There are also inexpensive and affluent neighbourhoods, which will determine the cost of living accordingly.

Transportation Challenges

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. There are more people in Hong Kong than appropriate living spaces, which is one reason why marketplaces, offices, and the city centre are crowded throughout the day. Hong Kong has a reliable transportation system that is punctual and regular. Most working folks in the city opt to use public transport instead of commuting via private vehicles.

Language and Communication

Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. However, Cantonese is the most commonly spoken language, followed by Mandarin and English.

This is the primary cost of living in Hong Kong, with details regarding the average expenses for bachelors, couples, and even families.

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Hong Kong

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Is Hong Kong an expensive city to live in?

According to a survey by Mercer’s Cost of Living, Hong Kong is the most expensive city for international employees to live in.

Is 50,000 HK$ a good salary for employees living in Hong Kong?

Yes, 50,000 HK$ is considered a high income compared to the average salary of 20,000 HK$. A salary of 20,000 HK$ - 30,000 HK$ would ensure you live a comfortable life in Hong Kong.

What is the minimum monthly rent in Hong Kong?

Rent in Hong Kong starts from 12,700 HK$ for studio apartments outside the city centre. Apartments get more expensive as you move closer to the city centre and other popular neighbourhoods.

What is the minimum salary to survive in Hong Kong?

On average, a bachelor or student would need a minimum salary of 20,000 HK$ per month to survive in Hong Kong. This would include rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs.

What is considered a high salary in Hong Kong?

Employees or individuals earning 50,000 HK$ - 100,000 HK$ are considered to be earning high salaries in Hong Kong.

Is food expensive in Hong Kong?

Many apartments in Hong Kong don’t have kitchens, forcing individuals to eat out every day. Food, especially street food, is generally quite cheap in Hong Kong. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant would cost around 65 HK$ per person.

Why is Hong Kong so expensive?

Hong Kong is expensive mainly because there are few residential spaces compared to the number of people living in the city. The cost of goods, services, and healthcare is also high compared to other cities.

Is Hong Kong stressful to live in?

A survey conducted in April 2021 found that the residents of Hong Kong have high levels of stress. Their stress levels increased from 14% to 18% in less than six months.

Is it easy to find work in Hong Kong as a foreigner?

Finding work as a foreigner in Hong Kong can be challenging, as employers value local workers. Foreigners must have a valid visa and extensive work experience to find a job in Hong Kong.

How much money do you need to survive in Hong Kong?

A salary of 20,000 HK$ to 30,000 HK$ is enough for a bachelor to live in Hong Kong.

How much does it cost for an international student to live in Hong Kong?

An international student would need a budget of 16,500 HK$ to 25,100 HK$ to live in Hong Kong.