Cost of Living in Hong Kong

The cost of living in Hong Kong consistently ranks among the world’s highest, and frankly, it can be eye-watering. The property market bears much of the blame – it’s completely overvalued, meaning your hunt for decent accommodation will come with serious sticker shock.

Most produce and commodities are imported, which means you’ll tend to see that the necessities of life are generally pricier in Hong Kong than in other cities. Nevertheless, the typically high salaries earned by expats tend to offset these costs, and many find their quality of life is higher than it was back home.

Cost of accommodation in Hong Kong

Accommodation costs in Hong Kong are notoriously expensive, and depending on your needs, you can expect a high percentage of your salary to be spent on an (often tiny) apartment. The older Chinese-style apartments are more reasonably priced, but they don’t afford the space that you may be used to.

The demand for housing in Hong Kong far outstrips the supply, and as one of the most densely populated territories in the world, this contributes to astronomical accommodation costs. The initial cost of renting, which includes a two-month security deposit, also plays a role in the high cost of accommodation in Hong Kong. Utilities like water, electricity, and gas are typically excluded from rent and are an additional monthly expense you’ll need to budget for.

Housing and Utilities in Hong Kong

Cost of transport in Hong Kong

The cost of transport in Hong Kong is refreshingly reasonable thanks to the city’s excellently cheap, clean, and reliable public transport system. By contrast, owning and maintaining a car in Hong Kong is pricey. Most people find that they don’t need one if they live centrally; plus, the cost – and high risk of bumping into erratic taxi drivers – is generally not worth it.

If you use public transport regularly, you’ll benefit from purchasing a reloadable Octopus Card. This card can be used to access all four modes of public transport in the city-state (ferry, bus, tram, and rail). It also offers discounts and interchange benefits when switching between MTR and designated bus or minibus routes, making it the perfect cost-saving measure for budget-conscious residents.

Public Transport in Hong Kong

Cost of groceries and shopping in Hong Kong

Thanks to its proximity to mainland China, Hong Kong has many things available cheaply. Household supplies, clothes and other bits and pieces are made in nearby mainland regions and transported easily to Hong Kong. Mainland China also provides much of Hong Kong’s fresh food and grocery items through increasingly efficient supply chains, and if you’re happy to go local in terms of produce origin, the weekly shop can be easy on the wallet.

Most Westerners prefer not to buy local produce, especially with the occasional story of questionable farming practices and food additive scandals hitting the papers. If you buy imported goods, you can expect to pay double for many fresh and grocery items (especially meat), so grocery shopping costs will quickly increase.

There is no shortage of Western items on international supermarket shelves: Tim Tams and Vegemite for the Australian market, Graham crackers and ranch dressing for US expats, and Tiptree Jam and Marmite for the Brits. Not to mention the Japanese supermarkets, Thai food shops, and Filipino speciality shops stocking culinary assets from home.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Hong Kong

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Hong Kong varies dramatically depending on your preferences and chosen venues. Alcohol is fairly pricey in Hong Kong. If you’re looking to enjoy a regular night out in the city-state, be prepared to pay handsomely at some high-end bars and clubs. There are ways to save a few bucks while enjoying a night out; you can try out some spots frequented by locals and visit the bars away from the tourist areas.

Since food in Hong Kong is generally affordable, eating out in the city-state is also fairly reasonable. As in most Asian cities, Hong Kong has a strong street food culture, which can be cheap and tasty. If you’re looking for the finer things at a higher price, you’ll also have plenty of options.

Art lovers and history buffs will be delighted to find that some museums, galleries, and festivals offer free entry during certain times of the year. There are also plenty of low-cost or free green spaces, such as Hong Kong Park and hiking and cycling trails, that you can visit to fill up your spare time. The city’s professional networking scene often centres around these cultural venues and outdoor spaces, making them excellent for both recreation and business connections.

Cost of education in Hong Kong

Education costs in Hong Kong vary significantly between public and private options. Education is free in Hong Kong’s state-run schools. Most expat parents prefer to send their children to one of the region’s private international schools that follow a foreign curriculum, such as those of the US and the UK. These schools can be extremely expensive, with annual fees reaching substantial amounts, and you should ensure your salary or package will cover school expenses before signing a permanent contract. Many schools also have waiting lists, so early application is advisable.

These schools are costly, but they offer you the ease of moving around the world without disrupting your children’s education. These schools also often offer exceptional teaching standards and facilities, and a wider range of extracurricular activities. It’s worth noting that around two-thirds of students in Hong Kong also participate in additional tutoring outside school, which represents another education-related expense to consider.

International Schools In Hong Kong

Cost of healthcare in Hong Kong

The cost of healthcare in Hong Kong is a tale of two systems with vastly different price points. Healthcare is free if you use the public system, which is excellent but heavily oversubscribed. If you want to use public facilities, you’ll need your Hong Kong ID card to access public hospitals. The biggest downside to public healthcare is the long waiting times associated with the system, with non-urgent cases sometimes waiting months or even years for specialist care. Dental care is also not covered under the public system except in emergencies.

Hong Kong has some of the world’s highest healthcare costs in the private sector, ranking second globally after the United States. Most people organise a private insurance plan through their employer. The cost of this will vary depending on the level of coverage you choose, your age, and lifestyle habits. Increasingly, some Hong Kong residents are using cross-regional healthcare options, particularly for dental care, where treatment in mainland China can be significantly more affordable.

Healthcare in Hong Kong

Cost of living in Hong Kong chart

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for June 2025.