Hong Kong Cost of Living Calculator
Housing
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Food
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Transportation
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Personal Expenses
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Communication
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Category | Cost Details |
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Housing | The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately HK$ 18,744.44. Rents for apartments smaller than 40 sq. m. were reported at an average of HK$ 461 per sq. m. per month. Overall, rental prices have been rising significantly, with predictions for 2023 indicating a rise of about 8 to 10% due to market demand. For example, the current average rental price stands at HK$ 35.26 per sq. ft, reflecting ongoing rental market trends in Hong Kong.13 |
Food | In Hong Kong, the cost of food varies across different categories. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 60 HKD, with prices ranging from 45 to 100 HKD. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is approximately 500 HKD, ranging from 300 to 950 HKD. Fast food combo meals (like McDonald’s) cost around 45 HKD. For groceries, prices include: 28.26 HKD for 12 eggs, 27 HKD for 1 liter of milk, and 52 HKD for 500 grams of boneless chicken breast. Bottled water costs about 8.8 HKD, and a domestic beer is around 60 HKD. These values indicate a diverse and relatively costly food market in Hong Kong.14 |
Transportation | Transportation costs in Hong Kong typically range from HK$450-480 per month for an average daily commute. Taxis start at HK$29 for the first 2 km, and then around HK$10.5 for each additional kilometer. Bus fares vary from HK$4.5 to HK$47 depending on distance, and a monthly MTR pass is about HK$500.15 |
Utilities | The average monthly utility costs in Hong Kong typically range from HKD 1,000 to HKD 2,000. Specifically, electricity costs can range from HKD 200 to HKD 700, with potential spikes during summer months. Water averages about HKD 250 quarterly, and gas can be around HKD 300 to HKD 400 every two months. Internet costs average between HKD 150 and HKD 500 monthly. Overall, budgeting around HKD 1,500 to HKD 2,000 for utilities should cover basic expenses.16 |
Leisure | Leisure activities in Hong Kong cover various costs: Gym memberships cost around HKD 500 to HKD 1,000 per month. Movie tickets range from HKD 150 to HKD 500. Rentals for outdoor leisure facilities cost about HKD 84 per hour, while squash courts in urban areas can cost around HKD 27 for 30 minutes. Badminton courts are approximately HKD 59 per hour. Overall, leisure activities present a diverse range of prices depending on the type of activity and facility used.17 |
Healthcare | Healthcare costs in Hong Kong are among the highest globally, primarily influenced by an estimated medical inflation rate of 8.4% for 2024. Public healthcare services are subsidized but involve minimal fees, while private hospital daily costs typically range from HKD 1,600 to 6,500 for a private room. Health insurance for a 30-year-old can range from HKD 2,000 to 25,000 annually, reflecting the expenses associated with chronic disease treatments prevalent in the city.18 |
I have generated a table summarizing key cost of living information for Hong Kong based on the search results provided. You may reference the table shown above for an overview of typical expenses in Hong Kong.Some additional insights about the cost of living in Hong Kong:
- Housing is generally the largest expense, with rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging around 17,000-18,000 HKD per month.
- Public transportation is relatively affordable and efficient, with a monthly pass costing about 500 HKD.
- Food costs can vary widely depending on whether you eat out or cook at home. Local food options tend to be more budget-friendly than Western restaurants.
- Utilities for a small apartment typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 HKD per month.
- Healthcare costs are reasonable for public services but can be expensive for private care. Many expats opt for health insurance.
- Overall, Hong Kong ranks as one of the most expensive cities globally, particularly due to housing costs. However, some everyday expenses like public transport and local food can be quite affordable.
- Salaries for expats tend to be high to compensate for the high cost of living, with an average around 148,000 USD annually according to one survey.