Cost of Living in Hong Kong 2026 — Rent, Food, Tax & BudgetAll figures are shown in EUR for comparability. The local currency of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
Monthly Living Costs in Hong Kong
Average prices from our cost dataset, re-checked on a rolling basis:
1BR Rent
per month, city average
3BR Rent
per month, city average
Groceries
per month, single person
Transport
per month, public transit pass
Utilities
per month, basic apartment
Meal Out
typical price per meal
Monthly budget (single person): €2,380 (1-bedroom rent + groceries + transport + utilities)
Monthly budget (couple): €2,810 (shared 1-bedroom rent, two of everything else)
These are national averages — actual costs vary by city and lifestyle.
How Expensive Is Hong Kong Overall?
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index (market data; higher = more expensive) | 73.6 |
| Rent index | 63.1 |
| Groceries index | 75.1 |
| Restaurant price index | 51.1 |
| Local purchasing-power index (higher = stronger) | 91.6 |
| Price level index (World Bank, 2024; US = 100) | 71.9 |
| Property price-to-income ratio | 30.9 |
Taxes in Hong Kong
Headline tax figures that shape your take-home pay:
| Tax | Rate / amount |
|---|---|
| Effective income tax at €90k gross | 13.5% |
| Net monthly pay at €90k gross | €6,488 |
| VAT / sales tax | 0% |
| Top personal income-tax rate | 16% |
Worked example: on a €90,000 gross salary, net pay is about €6,488 per month. After rent and essentials (€2,380), roughly €4,108 per month is left for savings and discretionary spending.
How Hong Kong Compares to Its Neighbours
| Country | 1BR Rent | Groceries | Transport | Cost index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | €1,800 | €350 | €80 | 73.6 |
| China | €650 | €180 | €25 | 50.9 |
| Japan | €850 | €280 | €65 | 62.5 |
| South Korea | €650 | €210 | €52 | 57.6 |
Quality of Life Metrics
Beyond cost, these factors shape everyday life in Hong Kong:
Safety index
Healthcare index
Internet speed
English proficiency
Life expectancy
Expat satisfaction
What It Costs to Get In: Visas & Residence
We track 21 residence and visa routes for Hong Kong — see the full Hong Kong visa programme list.
Lowest documented income requirement among tracked routes: €2,500 per month — New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (investor route). Requirements change; always confirm on the official page before applying.
Our engine estimates a minimum financial viability of €2,380 per month to sustain a move to Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hong Kong expensive?
Hong Kong has a cost-of-living index of 73.6 (higher = more expensive). A 1-bedroom apartment averages €1,800 per month and a single person spends about €2,380 per month on rent plus essentials.
How much money do I need per month in Hong Kong?
About €2,380 per month covers rent and essentials for a single person (1-bedroom rent + groceries + transport + utilities). A couple sharing a 1-bedroom apartment needs about €2,810 per month.
What is the average rent in Hong Kong?
A 1-bedroom apartment averages €1,800 per month and a 3-bedroom apartment averages €3,200 per month in Hong Kong. Prices vary significantly between city centres and smaller towns.
Which residence route has the lowest income requirement for Hong Kong?
Among the 21 Hong Kong residence routes we track, the lowest documented income requirement is €2,500 per month (New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme). Requirements change; always confirm on the official page before applying.
Ready for the next step? See the full Hong Kong country profile and the Hong Kong emigration guide.
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