Officially known as the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China” (Hong Kong SAR-HKSAR), Hong Kong is one of the richest and most developed countries in the world. The country is situated in the Pearl River Delta of South China and is made up of several territories and 236 islands. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated and safest countries in the world and is in the top five of countries chosen by expats.
If you are considering moving to Hong Kong, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in this part of the world.
Quick Hong Kong Facts:
- Population: 7,635,156 (2022 est.)
- Official Language:Chinese/Cantonese is the official language of Hong Kong followed by English.
- GDP Per Capita: US$49,661.55
- Rolls Royce: In Hong Kong, owning a Rolls Royce is considered the best status symbol which is why there are more Rolls Royce’s per capita than any other city
- Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD/$). As of late 2022 $1 HKD is $0.13 USD, £0.11, €0.13, $1.17 CAD, and $0.20 AUD.
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Hong Kong
Here are some sample container shipping rates to Hong Kong from other countries.
2. Hong Kong Housing Costs
Hong Kong is the 13th most expensive place in the world to live after New York, Geneva, London, Tokyo et al. Despite being one of the most expensive places, Hong Kong attracts people from across the world due to its high standard of living, security and great jobs.
Monthly Rental Prices in Hong Kong
- 1-bedroom apartment in City Centre: HKD13,000 – HKD25,000.
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: HKD9,500 -HKD16,000
- 3-bedroom apartment in City Centre: HKD25,000 – HKD60,000
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre: HKD17,000 -HKD40,000
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: HKD193,750.39 – HKD322,917.31
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: HKD130,000.00 – HKD215,278.21
Source: NUMBEO
Hong Kong Housing Cost Comparison
This is how rents in Hong Kong compare with other cities around the globe.
United Kingdom is 56.22% cheaper than Hong Kong.
United States is 28.36 cheaper than Hong Kong.
Australia is 39.38% cheaper than Hong Kong.
Canada is 22.54% cheaper than Hong Kong.
Singapore is 4.29% more expensive than Hong Kong.
France is 63.50% cheaper than Hong Kong.
UAE is 47.88% cheaper than Hong Kong.
Spain is 69.19% cheaper than Hong Kong.
Source: NUMBEO
How to Save on Housing Costs
- Share an apartment or house. Sharing an apartment with a room or flatmate is one of the best options to save on housing. Have a look at the following websites to find an apartment or a house to share in Hong Kong – Hong Kong Flatmate, Roomgo, Flatshare in Hong Kong, and Asiaxpat.
- Different areas – different prices. Hong Kong is the most densely populated city in the world and accommodation is at a premium. Wan Chai, Mid-Levels, North Point, Repulse Bay, The Peak, Happy Valley, West Kowloon, Kowloon Tong and Lantau Island offer some of the most comfortable and affordable housing in Hong Kong for expats.
3. Hong Kong Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Hong Kong has some of the world’s finest restaurants and caters for all nationalities. Hong Kong’s restaurant prices compare favourably with other first world countries, but their grocery prices are high due to most of their food being imported.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: HKD45.00 – HKD90.00
- Domestic beer: HKD30.00 – HKD80.00
- Coke/Pepsi: HKD6.50 – HKD20.00
- 1L of milk: HKD16.00 – HKD28.00
- Loaf of Bread: HKD11.00 – HKD50.00
- 12 Eggs: HKD18.00 – HKD36.00
- 1kg Chicken Fillets: HKD30.00 – HKD110.00
- 1kg Beef: HKD90.00 – HKD350.00
- 1kg Apples: HKD15.00 – HKD66.14
- 1kg White Rice: HKD10.00 – HKD25.00
Source: NUMBEO
Below is how food prices and restaurants compare with other major cities in the world.
- UK restaurants are 19.74% more expensive and groceries are 43.50% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
- United States restaurants are 28.94% more expensive and groceries are 11.02% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
- Australian restaurants are 12.97% more expensive and groceries are 16.37% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
- Canadian restaurants are 34% more expensive and groceries are 10.23% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
- French restaurants are 17.43% more expensive and groceries are 05% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
- UAE restaurants are 4.76% more expensive and groceries are 40.68% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
- Spanish restaurants are 92% Cheaper than and groceries are 53.03% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
Source: NUMBEO
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries
- Know your supermarkets: Hong Kong has many independently owned grocery stores as well as supermarket chains. Though most supermarkets, as well as grocery stores are expensive there are a few places where they give discounts. Go to places for cheaper groceries like iherb, USelect, the Store HK, Prizemart, 759 Store, and Japan Home (JHC).
- Find Cheap Eats:Hong Kong’s restaurants are not the cheapest place to eat but if you hunt around you’ll find specials, especially on weekdays. Have a look at the following sites for suggestions – Tai O Cheap Eats, Wanderlog, Cheap Eats in Hong Kong, Best Cheap Eats, and Michelin Recommended Cheap Eats.
4. Hong Kong Alcohol Costs
The fact that Hong Kong was a British colony for 99 years has definitely influenced its drinking culture. Cocktails and gin feature prominently on bar menus in Hong Kong. You can buy alcohol in supermarkets, grocers and even 7/11 stores.
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: HKD30.00 – HKD80.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: HKD40.00 – HKD80.00
- Pint (0.5L) domestic beer at a supermarket: HKD8.00 – HKD25.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: HKD20.00 – HKD40.00
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: HKD80.00 – HKD250.00
Source: NUMBEO
How to drink for less in Hong Kong
- One of the best deals for cheaper beers is buying “buckets” that come with 6 bottles of beer in an ice filled bucket.
- Many pubs, bars and restaurants have after-work happy hours that offer drinks at a cheaper price. Keep an eye on the locals and see where they go to drink. Try places like Hart and Mongkok for cheaper drinks and have a look at Sassy’s Guide, Honeycombers, and Best Happy Hours.
5. Hong Kong Transportation Fares
Hong Kong’s public transport system is excellent. There are buses, trams, minibuses, MTR (Mass Transit Railway) for getting around on land and ferries for the seafarers. Buying an Octopus card covers you for all public transport in Hong Kong.
Here are some example ticket costs.
- One-way ticket (local transport – HKD8.00 – HKD22.00
- Monthly Pass, (regular price) – HKD400.00 – HKD650.00
- Taxi start (normal tariff) – HKD24.00 – HKD27.00
- Taxi 1km (normal tariff) – HKD8.50 – HKD25.00
Source: NUMBEO
How to save money on public transport
- Buying a rechargeable Octopus card is one of the best ways to save money on public transport in Hong Kong.
- Travelling single in Hong Kong usually costs more. If you can find a few fellow passengers to the same destination, then book a group ticket which will be cheaper compared to a single ticket.
6. Cost of Internet in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is among the fastest cities in the world for internet download and upload speed. However, mobile internet speed fell compared to other countries in Hong Kong. There are basically two types of tariff plans in Hong Kong namely fixed usage and unlimited access. Unlimited access is popular in Hong Kong which usually comes with a monthly fee depending upon the bandwidth speed.
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The climate in Hong Kong is sub-tropical. November and December are considered the best months to visit Hong Kong as the temperature drops a little and there are cool breezes. So, this period is regarded as the best in Hong Kong. The country has four distinct seasons, a warm spring, a wet, hot, muggy summer, warm and sunny autumn, and dry and chilly winter.
For eight months of the year the average temperature is 25C, with the hottest recorded temperature being 36.9C. The average winter temperature is 17C, with the coldest temperature recorded being 2.6C. The average annual rainfall in Hong Kong ranges from 1400 millimetres (Ping Chau) to 3000 millimetres (Tai Mo Shan) and almost 80% of rain occurs Between May and September.
Below are some clothing prices, along with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans (Levi’s 501 or Similar): HKD300.00 – HKD1,000.00
- Summer Dress: HKD199.00 – HKD500.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): HKD400.00 – HKD900.00
- Business Shoes: HKD600.00 – HKD1,990.00
- Gym membership HKD291.67 – HKD1,000.00
- Movie (cinema) ticket: HKD80.00 – HKD120.00
- Visit to doctor (15 mins): HKD381
- Shampoo:HKD51
- Toilet rolls (pack of 4):HKD15
- Deodorant:HKD44
Source: NUMBEO and Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Hong Kong
You need to be a Hong Kong resident in order to buy a car. Very few expats buy cars mainly because of the traffic congestion and inability to find a parking spot. If you do decide to buy a car, go for a second hand one to avoid paying first-registration tax which is a massive 40% – 60% of the value of the car. You will need a Certificate of Clearance, a Certificate of Roadworthiness and a Notice of Transfer. Once you’ve put all those together, it’s time for a visit to the licencing department to complete the process.
You can drive on your home country’s licence, together with an International Driving Licence for twelve months, after which you’ll need to get a Hong Kong driving licence.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Hong Kong:
- Volkswagen Golf:HKD250,000.00 – HKD300,000.00
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of gas (petrol):HKD50-23.59
- Other fees (if any):The monthly cost of running a car in Hong Kong is approximately HKD4,000.
Source: NUMBEO, Registration of Cars, Guidelines, DL, DLRenewal,
Ways to save money driving in Hong Kong
- Car sharing or pooling is one of the best ways to save money driving in Hong Kong. Try Carpool Hong Kong, Ride Sharing Apps, Car Share, and Carshare HK.
- Taxis are often a cheaper option, especially for short distances and if you are parking the car all day. Try Uberand for Lyft, Ola, and Didi go to – Ride Guru.
Need your car/vehicle moved to Hong Kong? Then read our guide to Car Transport & Vehicle Shipping
9. Taxes in Hong Kong
You’ll pay between 2% and 17% tax on your income, depending on what you earn. For more details refer Experts for Expats. Note, there’s no VAT on goods and services in Hong Kong.
10. Flight Costs from Hong Kong
If you do make the move to Hong Kong, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of late 2022:
- London: HKD 5,447
- Paris: HKD5.409
- New York: HKD6,218
- Los Angeles: HKD5,357
- Toronto: HKD5,538
- Dubai: HKD3,469
- Sydney: HKD7,070
- Melbourne: HKD5,919
- Cape Town: HKD8,819
Other Hong Kong Relocation Tips
The above costs and prices should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Hong Kong. However, perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Relocating to Hong Kong Alone
Moving is always stressful but moving to another country alone adds another level. The hustle and bustle of Hong Kong and its large cosmopolitan population will soon see you happy and settled. Below are a few tips for you for settling in Hong Kong.
- Meetups:Have a look at the wide range of activity groups on Meetup. You’ll soon find people who enjoy what you enjoy and you can always try something new.
- Attend local events:Hong Kong is an interesting place with diverse cultures. There is always something going on in Hong Kong and many activities are fee. Have a look at the following sites for inspiration – Discover Hong Kong, Timeout, The HKHUB, Event in Hong Kong, and Upcoming Events.
12. Moving to Hong Kong with a Family
Hong Kong will ensure that your family is never short of things to do. You can visit the aquariums, theme parks including Disneyland, museums, theatre, historical sites, beautiful gardens and so much more.
- New parents (or parents-to-be):Join Hong Kong Moms, and SassyMamaHK for advice, courses and ways to meet other parents or parents-to-be.
- Live in a family-friendly area: Wan Chai, Repulse Bay, North Point, Happy Valley, West Kowloon, Jardine’s Lookout are considered some of the best family-friendly areas in Hong Kong.
- Find things to do with the kids:Hong Kong has many activities which will keep the kiddies happy. Have a look at the following website for suggestions – TripAdvisor, Lajollamom, Thrilophillia, Edarabia, and The Honeycombers.
13. Moving to Hong Kong for Work
Moving to a new countryfor work is one of the most common reasons people choose to move. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.
Hong Kong is a big tourist destination and is always looking for experienced people to work in hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and tourism in general. Other sectors in need of qualified and experienced personnel include construction, finance, banking, IT, education, healthcare and medicine.
Consider the below few things when moving for work:
- Salary: The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea, how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. Glassdoor and Payscale will give you an good idea of what your earning capacity will be in Hong Kong.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Miami, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Globalization Partners, Hong Kong Work, Internations, HK Indeed, and MonsterHK. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews.
14. Moving to Hong Kong from Australia
Hong Kong is currently hosting more than 100,000 Australian expat, many of these now have dual citizenship. If you are thinking of moving from Australia to Hong Kong, here are a few things to consider.
- Size comparison:Australia is 6,987 times bigger than Hong Kong. Plus, the population of Australia is 25,739,000 whereas the population of Hong Kong is 7,431,000.
- Join expat groups:Connect with fellow Australians in Hong Kong through Meetup, InterNations, and Facebook.
15. Moving to Hong Kong from Canada
At the last count 3,090 Canadians live in Hong Kong. If you think you’d like to join them, here are a few things to consider.
- Size:Canada is 9,011 times bigger than Hong Kong. Its population is 38,246,000 whereas Kong Kong’s population is 7,413,000.
- Expat groups:Connect with fellow Canadians which might help you in the process of your moving. Link up through sites such as InterNations and Meetup.
16. Moving to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom
There are currently 33,733 people from the UK living in Hong Kong. So, if you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:
- Size: The United Kingdom is 220 times bigger than Hong Kong. The population of the UK is 67,327,000 whereas Hong Kong’s population 7,413,000.
- Expat groups:If you want to get together with fellow Brits, then go to InterNations and Meetup.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Hong Kong you can start by comparing moving quotes here.
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