Cost of Living in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a very expensive city to live in and proportionately more so with a family, which will require larger accommodation, private healthcare and education. This is often offset by high wages and a company housing allowance.
Accommodation is by far the most expensive aspect of life in Hong Kong, followed by education and healthcare. These add up to make Hong Kong one of the more expensive cities in the world. However, the city is a traveller's hub, making for cheap flights. Public transportation is also great value.
Hong Kong tax rates are some of the lowest in the world and sales tax, capital gains tax and VAT are not charged. Salary (income) tax starts at 2% for earnings less than HKD35,000 per annum, escalating to 20% for salaries in excess of HKD105,000 per annum. Expats in Hong Kong for more than 60 days must pay salary tax, which is only charged on income derived within Hong Kong.
Cigarettes cost around HKD40 and beer is slightly more at about HKD50. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant is around HKD800, although a fast-food burger is closer to HKD30. See Word Travels for currency exchange rates.
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Accommodation (monthly rent in good area)
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Furnished 2 bedroom apartment
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HKD 10,000.00
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Room in shared apartment
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HKD 4,000.00
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Food and Drink
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1 litre milk
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HKD 17.00
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500g cheese
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HKD 30.00
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Bread
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HKD 12.00
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12 eggs
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HKD 13.00
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125g coffee
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HKD 25.00
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Tea bags (25)
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HKD 25.00
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1 litre Coca-Cola
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HKD 8.00
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1 litre mineral water
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HKD 10.00
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1kg minced beef
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HKD 150.00
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1kg chicken (whole)
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HKD 60.00
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Beer per can
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HKD 10.00
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Bottle of wine
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HKD 98.00
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Household
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2.5kg laundry detergent
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HKD 27.00
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500ml dishwashing liquid
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HKD 20.00
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250ml shower gel
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HKD 12.00
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200ml shampoo
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HKD 120.00
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Deodorant
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HKD 30.00
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Utilities
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Mobile/cell phone
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HKD 2,700.00
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Electricity costs - apartment (100sq.m)
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HKD 300.00
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Eating out and entertainment
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Three-course restaurant meal
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HKD 400.00
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Fast-food meal
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HKD 30.00
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Coffee in café
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HKD 28.00
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Beer in bar
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HKD 50.00
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City bus
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HKD 5.40
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Health
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Consultation – private doctor/GP
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HKD 500.00
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