The Cost of Living in Hong Kong: Monthly Budget Breakdown (Seriously)
okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i haven’t slept more than four hours straight in a week. i’m fueled by instant noodles and the desperate hope that someone will actually read this. i just got back from hong kong - a blur of neon, dumplings, and existential dread about how much everything costs. it’s… intense. seriously.
right, let’s get into the numbers. i’m not gonna sugarcoat it. this isn’t a postcard. it’s more like a slightly frantic spreadsheet. i’m a touring session drummer, so my expenses are… specific. let’s break it down. i’m aiming for a realistic, slightly broke budget.
*Rent: this is the big one, obviously. i ended up crashing in a tiny studio in Sheung Wan - seriously, you could do yoga in it. around $2,500 - $3,500 a month. it’s insane. a local told me (over a ridiculously overpriced cocktail) that you can find something a little cheaper in Sham Shui Po, but you’ll be sharing a bathroom with, like, five other people. not my vibe.
Food: okay, this is where i thrive. i’m a professional noodle-eater. $800 - $1200. mostly street food, dim sum, and the occasional splurge on fancy seafood. you can get a decent meal for $10-15. don’t even think about eating in the tourist traps. they’ll bleed you dry.
Transportation: the MTR is your best friend. it’s ridiculously efficient. a monthly travel card is around $100. taxis are a nightmare - expensive and always stuck in traffic. i mostly walked, which is good for my calves and my sanity.
Utilities: $200 - $300. electricity, water, internet. it adds up.
Entertainment: this is the category where i consistently fail. $500 - $800. concerts, bars, museums… it’s a lot. i tried to be responsible and went to a few free events, but let’s be honest, i mostly just wandered around and people-watched. check out this subreddit for local events: https://www.reddit.com/r/HongKongEvents/
Visas/Permits: this depends on your situation. i’m on a tourist visa, so i had to pay for an extension. factor in another $300 - $500 if you need one.
Miscellaneous: $300 - $500. toiletries, laundry, unexpected expenses. things always come up.
TOTAL: $4,800 - $6,800 per month. yeah. that’s a lot.
Pro-Tip (from a sleep-deprived drummer): Learn to love the dim sum. Seriously. It’s your lifeline. Also, download the Citymapper app - it’s a lifesaver for navigating the MTR.
Drunk Advice (from a slightly tipsy bartender): “Don’t try to impress anyone. Just blend in. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t order a fancy cocktail at a rooftop bar. You’ll regret it.”
Overheard Gossip (from a taxi driver): “The expats are getting squeezed. Rent’s going up, salaries aren’t. It’s getting harder to live here, even for the rich guys.”
Something a local warned me about: “The typhoon season is brutal. Seriously, stock up on supplies and stay inside.”
It’s a crazy place, hong kong. it’s like, a million different things happening at once. you can be in a peaceful temple one minute and dodging a scooter the next. it’s exhausting, but also… exhilarating. you can easily take a short flight to macau, which is a whole other level of chaotic luxury. or head north to guangzhou for some serious shopping.
Resources:
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ (for restaurants and attractions)
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/ (for local businesses)
Reddit - Hong Kong: https://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong/ (for local insights and discussions)
seriously, go. but be prepared to spend a lot of money. and maybe bring earplugs. the traffic is loud.
(p.s. i need a nap.)
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