Job Discussion Forums

hip-hop boy78 · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 90 Location: Hip-hop land

What's the minimum amount of money one needs to earn to survive in Hong Kong? Would HK$20,000-25,000 per month be enough to cover rent, utilities and other miscellaneous expenses? I've read on this forum that most private language institutes pay between HK$16,000-25,000 per month. So if I came to Hong Kong would I be able to live fairly comfortably on such a wage or would I be scraping the bottom of the barrel?
I understand that this also depends on the kind of lifestyle one has but I'm quite good at saving and don't really feel the urge to go out drinking all the time, maybe once a week at the most.
Any input would be much appreciated!

bellabella · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hong Kong

if you only have yourself to support a salary of that level would be ample! local chinese get by on half that with a family to support.

Smoog · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 137 Location: Hong Kong

Depends on where you live. I'm in a nice flat on Lamma (550sq ft with a view!) and it costs me $4500 p/month. Add in my monthly ferry ticket, power, water, phone, octopus, internet etc and it's still under $6k. Say add another 4 for groceries and you have $10k p/month for essentials.
Of course living on the island, the rent's gonna be dearer - $10k and up. Of course you can always flatshare.

Going out doesn't have to be as horribly expensive as some make out. Most places have happy hours (usually 2 4 1 beers), and good quality cheap food abounds. $200-$300 can get you a good night out. $500 an excellent one and $1000 a totally unforgetable one (that is if you can remember anything of it!). Even restaurants here aren't that bad. Dinner for two at a decent restaurant with a bottle of wine should be under $500 ($300 if you don't drink). I compare that to NZ restaurants where even a mediocre one would have set me back close to ~$1000HK.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

How much does it cost to eat Chinese food in Hong Kong? I can eat in a Korean resturant in Korea for $3. Is there anything comparable to that in Hong Kong?

James Healy · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 3

I have a stepdaughter who earns $11,500 HK a month. She is a native. She spends about $2000 HK for the apartment she shares with her father and, until recently, paid $3000 HK a month for a student loan. It was very difficult for her when she was paying the loan, and my wife convinced me that we should pay for her. Without the loan, she is very confortable but not rich. For expats, the cost of living is probably higher, but I think $16,000 HK is good.