How much does it REALLY cost to live in Hong Kong? | calculating average monthly expenses

Hello friends!
Did you know that Hong Kong consistently makes it onto the list of "most expensive cities to live in" year after year. But what does this mean to the average earner? Is it REALLY that expensive? How much do things like groceries and transport cost, and of course, what is the rent like?
I had all these questions before moving here, so I thought it'd be a good idea to share with y'all what you can expect to pay per month!
If you're thinking of moving to Hong Kong, I hope this video has some helpful information for you. If not, I hope it can quench any curiosities you may have about the place.
If you've lived here before, what have your experiences been like? How does it compare to your home city?
Stay safe and healthy!
Kat
Disclaimer
Expenses do differ month to month. Some people will spend less, whilst others will spend way more. Everything in this video is based on my own experiences, but feel free to share yours in the comments below if yours is different!
Instagram: Instagram: katusha.j?...
P.S. Here are some other videos in case you're interested
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See you soon!
#livinginhongkong #lifeinhongkong #hongkong

[@keniceeunice2644]

I buy food at wet market and another supermarket 759. U are same as me, choose the reasonable price to eat and use. One of a New Zealand guy told me if you buy local food they are not expensive.

[@katopedia]

Yeah! Eating out at restaurants and shopping at the pricier stores etc. can quickly add up to really high living expenses :/. It took me quite a bit of hunting around to find out where the more reasonably priced produce/items are, but once I found what worked for me and adjusted to what's available locally, it wasn't so bad!

[@f2parampa]

Thanks for the video! at least I have a little picture on how living in HK. I actually will having short term assignment from my company. All is provided, just wondering if I can cash out the accommodation budget, I’d like to find a litte reasonable place with a little bit of commuting is fine. family of 2 (+ 1 infant). do you have any recommendation of affordable housing? and any recommendation of the agent which I can get in touch?

[@larrylim]

Very useful video thanks heaps 🙏

[@katopedia]

So glad you found it helpful! Good luck with your move (if you're moving) :)).

[@cinaapekredhuanoon6215]

I got Rambler's Garden Hotel at 10k per mth. Sea port with island and sea across ceiling high window on 18th floor amazing view. 2 single beds, WiFi, tv, small fridge, small water heater, hot water attached bath. Daily clean trash service but sheets weekly change. Noisy mainland neighbours ah well..

[@katopedia]

That's amazing! Did you live there long term or short term?

[@loganqueenan4937]

The difference between Hong Kong and America, is Hong Kong gives you the option to live cheaper. In America you’re either living lavishly or you’re homeless, there’s not really a cheaper alternative or lower standard.

[@oo7276]

It's so expensive. I got a job offering as a spanish teacher for 13000HKD/month but according to what you said, I'd be living in inhumane conditions

[@elbertwang627]

As for the rent in your case, you might be eligible to apply for public housing services provided by the HK government, which would cost much less.

[@katopedia]

I think if you're okay with living further out you'd have wayyy more options! And what @elbertwang627 is suggesting sounds interesting - might be worth looking into 🤔 - I wonder if it's an option for foreigners (?)

[@Cecilia-]

that's like a 7 year wait@@elbertwang627

[@karinajames4367]

Is 23500 hld good enough for a teaching job?

[@Cecilia-]

@@karinajames4367 solid. Best if they also provide a stipend for housing cause taxes are super low in hk. So you'll pocket more here if you can get a housing stipend

[@sannvisal6633]

I’m not good for cooking at home. Living alone, if I buy food outside for eating 3 times per day, do you think how much should we spend per month?

[@katopedia]

Hmm if you're okay with eating local foods like pork/chicken over rice or fairwood, you can probably expect to need an average of 150 HKD per day for food (4500 HKD /month) If you want to eat international foods such as western cuisine, you may need to double that amount.

[@JohnB-kc3jx]

Hey Kat! Loved the video. Really helpful for thise moving to HK. How are the prices post pandemic with inflation looking now... 19000HKD in June 2023 would now be how much?

[@katopedia]

Hi John! Yay I'm glad you found it helpful. I didn't want to give incorrect information, so I asked a couple friends who are currently in HK. Based on what they're saying, things have indeed increased in price. An easy example they brought up was restaurant menu items, which have gone up 10 to 15%. To tackle any rent increases, I think people have opted to stick within the same budget but move a bit further out. Salaries don't seem to have increased much though 😅...if at all.

[@JohnB-kc3jx]

@@katopedia thank you! Love your channel, keep up your amazing work 👏❤️

[@katopedia]

Thank you!! 😊😊😊

[@utkarsharaikar816]

Thanks for the informative video! Just wanted to understand if Hong Kong has good food options for vegetarians.

[@katopedia]

Hi! This is a really good question. When I visited briefly many years ago I thought it would be a really hard place to be a vegetarian. But then when living there I actually decided to trying being vegan and...it wasn't too hard! However, you definitely need to do research to know where all the vegetarian restaurants are (there are a decent amount). There are usually a few spots near temples or universities. I think it might be difficult to find purely vegetarian options at local non-vegetarian restaurants if they don't speak English though, since they may end up using meat broth as a base for their dishes (even when the dishes don't have meat). (Though if you're cooking at home then it's super easy haha.)

[@katopedia]

There's a vegetarian chain called Po Lin Yuen which a lot of the elderly go to to pick up lunch - I went there a lot during my vegan phase. 😂

[@Dave.-.]

10k is already so much money. I have been to a smaller city in the north east of china (chengde) recently and a teacher told me, she gets about 7k and its above average there. Isnt the average income in Shanghai also only about 1000$? CNY

[@katopedia]

Yeah, it is isn't it :/. Sadly it seems average rent/cost of living in HK is a lot higher than in many Mainland Chinese cities :((.

[@ahlong1770]

Hey, so I just got offered a job that pays around 50 grand HKD a month. The rent there is about 27 grand HKD, and it comes with a kitchen and a washer and dryer. I don't eat out much, but I really need a kitchen. Half of my salary is gonna go to rent though. Not sure whether i want to take that offer. Job is at the airport.

[@katopedia]

Congratulations on the job offer! I think usually people recommend for rent to be at around a third of the salary, so based on that the 27k HKD unit might be a bit pricey. I think most units in HK come with a washer/dryer (except the much cheaper ones). If you don't mind a smaller kitchen, I remember there were units closer to 20k HKD on HK island, but I don't know the airport area as well. I would expect that on the Kowloon side there should be units with washer/dryer and a kitchen for a less than 27k 🤔. Though of course it depends on size too. It may take a bit of digging around. Hope it works out for you!

[@shamic86]

I got a job offer in aviation with 20 k hkd with accommodation provided Is that enough for two? Thank you

[@katopedia]

If accommodation is already paid for, then I think it is possible. Though you'd probably want to budget carefully to avoid overspending (especially since you want to put aside some money for taxes).

[@SimonCU]

Do you need health and dental insurance like in US? Are all doctor visits via private (paid) or government (free)?

[@katopedia]

HK has both options! If you have a full-time job then you might get offered private health insurance which helps with avoiding waiting times etc. However, there is free healthcare available! From what I understand you'd need to go to the hospital and get a waiting ticket for whichever Dr you're going to see. I'm not 100% sure that's how it works though because I usually went to the private services that were covered by my insurance.

[@SimonCU]

@@katopedia thanks for your reply. How much approx is health insurance per a month?

[@katopedia]

@@SimonCU it actually varies a lot. (www.internations.org/hong-kong-expats/guide/healthcare#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20for%20a,of%20your%20personal%20insurance%20plan. ) I was really lucky because it was part of an employment package. If you're being hired from abroad you could potentially negotiate with your employer about it!

[@HildaRealtor]

You don't really need dental or health insurance. Normal doctor visits are very affordable. However, if you have bigger health issues which requires hospital visit, then you can either get a waiting ticket in public hospitals or go to a private hospital. Private hospitals are expensive, but compare to US, it is still very affordable. For instance, ambulances are free, where in US, it will cost you roughly $2k a ride. Last time I visited the emergency room in an ambulance, I think I paid $20 US total ( a few years ago).

[@michaeljo13]

Hello 👋 Kat, I really want to move to Hong Kong because of a girl I love. This video has helped me to understand a little about the monthly expenses, for which i appreciate your efforts. Could you also help me if there could be a video about Flights, Airport routes or anything related. You know what I mean for someone who could be a first time traveller😅. Something about Hong Kong Culture related activities.

[@katopedia]

Hello! For flights I usually go with Cathay Pacific - their service in general has been very good in the past. It would depend on where you're flying from though! For travel from the HKG airport - if you're going to HK Island, there's an airport Express train that conveniently takes you to IFC which is located at Central station (this is an MTR stop). Otherwise, if you have more than 1 person traveling/if you can afford it, a taxi is also very convenient! Be careful to get into the right line for the taxi though, since not all taxis go to both HK Island and Kowloon. As for activities - depending on where you're coming from, you might be able to find some expat FB groups or join hobbyist groups on apps like Meetup! You can find quite a lot to do there :).

[@xtzewka4107]

Very nice video, I really liked it. Thank you

[@katopedia]

Very glad you liked it! Thanks for watching 😊

[@Dvlzpower]

Is 11500 HKD including (Wifi, Electricity, Water) a good deal for 20k salary ?

[@katopedia]

Hm I think it's a bit on the expensive side, but doable. I've definitely heard of people spending around 50% of their salary on rent...which is quite scary to think about. (Usually it's recommended to have rent at around 30% of the individual's salary.) Having said that, it's totally understandable to want a place of your own and paying a little extra for that is worth it for some. 11500 is probably what a comfortable studio around Sheung Wan would cost. If you're willing to commute in from a bit further out, the rent prices do get more reasonable! I'm not sure where you'd be commuting to and from daily, but if you don't want to be too far from central I've heard really good things about Tin Hau!

[@kitsky0123]

wifi maybe included(but always not), but electricity & Water definitely depend on how much you used. The room has a separate bill to count them.

[@kitsky0123]

10K just can rent around 200-250 sq.feet's house and not in the expensive area. Finally, 19K just for 1 person living cost in HK. You know, the median monthly income for women is $18,000 in Q2 2022 in HK. Do you understand what I mean? 😮‍💨

[@katopedia]

Yeah, it's definitely quite tough and the imbalance in pay:rent is...far from ideal... And it's so true that a lot of the apartments are very small :(

[@randelljackman6708]

thats crazy my country and the hong kong dollar is basically 1:1 and rent is 10,000 !!! if the used 10,000 in rent money at my home land i can rent a entire house per money

[@katopedia]

Oh wow really!! That's amazing :0 yeah HK rent is quite pricey :s

[@PartyPlayzYT]

I lived in Hong Kong my apartment is not small not big is pretty good though.

[@katopedia]

That's great!! Do you mind me asking what area you were in?

[@NYCSAIYAN]

I enjoyed the narrating, almost felt like ASMR? (Ironic, ik). But was just a nice and calm video!

[@katopedia]

Glad you enjoyed it! I really like narrating so that's good to hear :D. My friends and I joked about me trying ASMR haha - who knows...😂

[@katiemarie3]

was kind of worried but honestly seems pretty similar compared to Canada

[@katopedia]

Oh really! Which city in Canada?

[@fueled218]

How hard is it for a professional from the UK (with 3 star HKID) to get a job in Hong Kong, if they are looking to relocate?

[@katopedia]

I think it depends on what industry you're switching from and to. I believe it's not too hard, but I'd definitely recommend messaging people in HK (on platforms like LinkedIn) who are working in the teams & companies you're interested in. That way they can share insights specific to your industry and also let you know of any job openings around them. The networks are usually smaller in general, so many will know of how the other companies in the same sector are doing. As a side note, I've also heard it's a lot better to secure the job before moving! - maybe because you have more negotiating power(?) Hope that helps! :))

[@katopedia]

(P.S. I'm not sure how the 3 star part would affect it - it might make you a more attractive candidate for jobs that require trips to the mainland(?))

[@HildaRealtor]

​@fueled218 I have a friend who has duo citizenship ( France and HK) found a job relocating to HK. At contract signing, the company found out she has HK passport, they insist to hire her as a local which cut her salary significantly.

[@danielsnook5029]

Can you turn the volume up on the music? I can barely hear you.🤣

[@katopedia]

Ah you mean the music is too loud? Oops! Will watch for that next time - thanks for pointing it out!

[@MdManik-cy6te]

Maybe costly living Hong Kong... how much salary in Hong Kong for a foreigner

[@katopedia]

Hmm this varies a lot. From my experience it depends on 2 factors-> 1. Whether you were hired or poached from abroad, and 2. What industry you're in. For point 1, usually if you're hired from abroad because the company noticed your talents and wants to transfer you to their HK offices, then you would usually be given a really attractive package to entice you to move your life over to HK. In most cases if you're the one reaching out and applying for jobs, you will probably have a similar salary offer to locals. It's worth keeping in mind that if you need a visa in order to work in HK, they may pay you a little less because they know you need them to sponsor your visa. (I've heard of offers between 13k hkd to 19k hkd /month). For point 2, based on what I've heard, finance and US law pay really well there, but other industries (even tech) will pay a lot less than, say, the US. However(!) It's also worth keeping in mind that HK has pretty low income tax.

[@samjvraja8504]

Can I get free education for my kids in Hong Kong? With only English medium?

[@katopedia]

Hmmm this is an interesting question. Let me ask around in case you're still looking for an answer!

[@samjvraja8504]

​@@katopediaYes, please

[@HildaRealtor]

free education till F3, then you have to pay, but it's very affordable.

[@katopedia]

Hi! I asked around and this is what I managed to gather--> schools have three types of schools (in terms of funding): Public, Sponsored , and Private. Public and sponsored are basically free. There are also two types of schools in HK (in terms of language): Chinese and English E.g. Marymount which is an English Sponsored School, no tuition needed, but you still learn Chinese. Only thing is all subjects besides Chinese will be taught in English, and unlike international schools most teachers are still local. I'd recommend reaching out to the schools you are considering just to make sure, since my friends went to school a while back, so things may have changed since then! Hope this helps!

[@samjvraja8504]

@@katopedia Thank you so much....really this helps....Appreciate for your efforts to find a reply 😊

[@danielm3976]

you were 131 dollars off my numbers ($2,569 per month) living here in California. I can make it in Hong Kong...! 😃

[@katopedia]

wow that's so close! Yes, you definitely can :)).

[@linfengye217]

6:21 I hope you don't use fabric softners as body wash

[@katopedia]

OMG GOOD CATCH

[@user-di2on5gl2d]

Not compared to NYC,USA

[@katopedia]

Oooo I wonder if y'all would be interested in seeing how much it costs to live in NY 🤔

[@aprilmarinakes4681]

Easily affordable compared to what I'm paying in Maryland, USA

[@katopedia]

Woah really! I didn't realise it was that expensive there :0

[@aprilmarinakes4681]

@Katopedia I pay between $5500-$6500 USD a month for mortgage, property taxes, utilities, cable, phone, and groceries (doesn't include other expenses like gas, insurance, daycare, etc). Utilities fluctuate and are more expensive in the summer and winter. Average rent for a decent rental is about $2800-$3500 USD, and if purchasing, most homes in the area start around $800k USD. Groceries right now are ridiculous...eggs are $8 average, and a small pack of chicken is almost $20...crazy thing is I don't live in what's considered an "expensive" area.

[@imeatingnemo4412]

​@katopedia yeah here in California it'd be 4k month for just rent

[@vimel923]

I know these comments are old but I have to chime in and agree! I live right on the border of Maryland and DC, raised here my whole life and I was thinking about moving abroad. I was afraid hongkong would be astronomical but it’s almost exactly the same prices I pay here in MD!🥹🥹🥹

[@itz_angel8618]

Im living there for culinary classes there but is it best to be exchange student there instead?

[@katopedia]

Hmm I think it depends on your purpose for being there. Are you there just to try out living in Hong Kong out of curiosity? Or is there a particular chef you want to learn from?

[@itz_angel8618]

@@katopedia Being a chef there and living there

[@katopedia]

Hm, it's probably worth talking to a few people who work in that field. They'll have a better idea of what's the best path basedon what your goal is. I'm guessing mentorship is quite important(?) Maybe reaching out and talking to them could also help with seeing which chefs could become potential mentors too. I'm really excited for you!!

[@ParvinderSingh-dl3rp]

wow. I want to experience it too. can somebody invite me there. 😅, with a job. I wish I could find one. 🤪

[@katopedia]

I get what you mean! There are so many places I would LOVE to live in too 🙈 but work visas (and job offers)...are not always available 😭 As for HK - it's definitely a place that will always be quite special to me. Hope you get to visit some day! 😊

[@gibraltarchan9750]

THINK U ARE QUITE SILLY TO SHOP GROCERY IN SUPERMARKET WHICH NORMALLY ABOUT 20% HIGHER THAN THE WET MARKET PRICES.U ARE MISLEADING THE VIEWERS

[@katopedia]

You're right that wet market prices are cheaper! I think for visitors/newcomers it probably takes some time to get used to. They do offer lots of different kinds of produce though! I usually shopped at the grocery stores because I had so many nearby and I'd also be able to find some other things (e.g. some foreign imports) there too. It's all in one place so it saved me time! But this is definitely only my experience with living there 😊

[@HildaRealtor]

wet market can be really overwhelming for foreigners, the smell, the wet and slippery floor, the yelling, and language barrier, it is a huge culture shock, let alone price gouging.

[@pradiprai1837]

my cost of livin’ in hk 30k ,each month

[@katopedia]

That's a very reasonable number to be honest, do you mind sharing where most of it goes? Is it rent?

[@jl1876]

k town

[@katopedia]

Yes it is!!

[@kwu6456]

HK is so expensive that many hongkongers can only afford a few Japan trips a year and keep saying that Japan is cheap

[@katopedia]

Oh wow :s it must be really tough for young families with kids 🤔

[@linfengye217]

Why film discretly. Get one of those tiktok camera stands and just own it.

[@katopedia]

can you believe it, I got shut down a few times at the grocery stores...it's good PR for them! hahaha

[@linfengye217]

@@katopedia wellcome probably be like. Yo this lady is a spy from ParknShop

[@katopedia]

@ruler06 the competition is real 😎

[@smoothemusic4386]

Sss ssss sss sss good god

[@jasonreviews]

2k usd a month you must have a really good job or something. LOLs.

[@katopedia]

I think it's actually fairly average! Because HK Living expenses are quite high 😭

[@jasonreviews]

@@katopedia i see why so many HK people live in Canada, US, Aus, and NZ now. similar. I think a good migration spot will be vietnam. Vietnam lots of cantonese.

[@katopedia]

@@jasonreviews oo maybe! That's interesting, didn't know that!

[@siukankay]

err... you don't need a really good job or something to get 2k usd a month, indeed. USD$ 2400 (approx) is the monthly median income in 2022 Hong Kong (officially)

[@HildaRealtor]

@@jasonreviews the ultra rich moved to western countries due to "1997". The not so rich moved to Taiwan, Japan and the poor move to Vietnam, Thailand etc.

[@stefan2796]

Free Hong Kong, Free Tibet, Free Xinjiang, No more covid lock downs!

[@katopedia]

😭🙈💪