Job Discussion Forums

Mikhai · Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Posts: 50 Location: South Korea

Good Day, I currently work for a University in Korea and make around 2.5 million a moneth. I have for a long time wanted to come to Hong Kong to work. I have recently been officered a position starting in August which pays $1500 USD per month with free shared accomodation. Is this a good salary of Hong Kong? From what I remember of Hong Kong to me it was considerably more expensive than Korea. However I Have never lived there. Could someone give some input on this?

Thanks

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

You sound like you would getting an average HK wage, and of note is the fact that you are getting shared accommodation, not single private accom, so would you be happy to share? I bet you don't share your Korean digs. Also, I imagine you will be teaching kids - that can be a comedown for people having gotten used to university teaching elsewhere.

Costs:
HK - clothes cheaper than Korea; food comparable in cost - although a much greater variety of food produce; travel comparable in cost; housing on average more expensive than Korea - and certainly smaller and more dirty; entertainment comparable to Korea in cost; less communication barriers in HK - invaluable.

Everest · Joined: 07 Jan 2006 Posts: 195 Location: Shenzhen

I worked in Korea (Wonju) and now live in China, near HK to which I travel regularly.

Hong Kong is much, MUCH more expensive.

It's that simple.

Mikhai · Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Posts: 50 Location: South Korea

So $12,000 HKD is about what most ESL Teachers make? Why is the pay so much less than Korea when apparently the cost of living so much more? How much does it cost to get a small studio? What conditions for rent do land lords usually put in contract? Two months down? I have been in Korea for a while and then the Philippines and now back in Korea. I would just like a change; I have always enjoyed Hong Kong. I just want to make sure I know what I am getting into in Hong Kong.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

The salary is actually quite low for HK. If accommodation is provided then you will be ok. but even on a quite frugal lifestyle you wont be saving much.

Joachim · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 311 Location: Brighton, UK

That is a part time salary, or else it's exceptionally low.

Don't consider it - I can't imagine how you would live here on that amount of money, it would be a constant struggle.

Hold out for something better.

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

I've been on similar salary conditions for 3 years now. I really disagree that HK is 'much much more expensive.' In most areas it is very comparable to Korean living costs. There are always ways to 'supplement' your salary, and the fact that your housing is provided, means that you can save a lot if you're willing to forgo purchasing that yacht you've always wanted or don't have kids who need to have their schooling fees paid (international schooling fees ARE exhorbitant!) 12000 is the same as average Korean salary in my book. Start at 12000, then work your way up imo.