Overview of the Pros and cons of Living in Hong Kong

The Food

Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise, with an incredible range of delicious dishes available on every street corner. From traditional Cantonese cuisine to international favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Aside from that, the city is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. This way, you’re never far from a great meal.

The Weather

Hong Kong has a perfect climate, with warm summers and mild winters. You can always find somewhere to escape the heat or the cold, and there’s no need for winter clothes. Also, it never rains for long, so you can enjoy the city in all-weather without being stuck in a downpour.

The Transport

Hong Kong has one of the best transport networks in the world, with everything from sky trains to ferries easily accessible. With plenty of options to get around town, including taxis and minibusses for when you need to get somewhere quickly, you’ll never be stuck for a way to get around.

The Culture

Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world living and working together. This means there’s always something new to experience, whether it’s a traditional festival or a new restaurant. You’ll never be bored here. This also extends to the city’s vibrant nightlife, which is second to none.

Cons

EXPENSIVE

Hong Kong is an expensive city to live in. Housing is especially pricey, and it can be difficult to find affordable accommodation. Utilities and transportation costs are also high, so it can be challenging to make ends meet. This way of life is not for the faint of heart! So, if you’re considering moving here, expect to pay handsomely for your housing.

NOISE AND LITTER

Hong Kong is a boisterous city, and it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. The streets are also quite cluttered, and it’s not uncommon to see people throwing their trash on the ground. This can be frustrating and stressful for newcomers, but some locals tend to think the infrastructure will never manage all of the trash produced by such a big city.

NO PERSONAL SPACE

Hong Kong is exceptionally densely populated (with 7,034 people per square kilometer), and there’s no personal space in public places like MTRs and markets. This is inconvenient, but it’s just the way of life for many people living in Hong Kong. And while some people enjoy this closeness with strangers, others find it a nuisance.

CROWDS

Hong Kong can be overwhelming due to its enormous population and lack of personal space in public places. It’s easy to feel lost in the crowds, which can be highly frustrating. In addition, it can be difficult to get around because of all the people. If you’re not a fan of crowds, Hong Kong might not be the best place for you.

STRICT RULES

Hong Kong is known for its strict rules and regulations. This can be a bit of a culture shock for newcomers, who are not used to such stringent laws. Everything from jaywalking to eating on the subway is illegal in Hong Kong, so it’s essential to be aware of these rules before moving here. Otherwise, you might end up getting fined.

Best Areas and Suburbs in Hong Kong

So, what are the best areas and suburbs in Hong Kong? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a bustling city life with all the amenities and excitement that comes with it, then downtown or Central might be your best bet. If you’re after something more relaxed and family-friendly, then the suburbs might be better. To help you out, here are some of the best areas and suburbs in Hong Kong.

Wan Chai and Causeway Bay

These two neighborhoods are constantly buzzing with energy, thanks to the huge number of malls, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. If you’re looking for a lively neighborhood with plenty of things to do, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are the places for you. In fact, they’re among the best places to live in Hong Kong for millennials.

Kowloon

Kowloon is a great place to live if you’re looking for affordable housing and a huge variety of restaurants, markets, and shops. The nightlife is also quite lively, making it a great choice for young people or retirees. However, for families, Kowloon might be a little too mad and busy. But for everyone else, it’s one of the best places to live in Hong Kong.

Sheung Wan

Sheung Wan is the perfect place for people looking for a quiet area with easy access to nature. The hike up to Victoria Peak is quite popular among locals, so you’ll never run out of things to do if you prefer the outdoor life. Despite that, Sheung Wan is also home to plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great choice for people who want the best of both worlds.

Tai Po

Tai Po is a great place to raise a family – it’s quiet and safe, with plenty of parks and playgrounds for the kids. It’s also home to a large number of Chinese temples, so if you’re interested in the local culture, this is a great choice. In addition to that, Tai Wo and Kam Tin are among the best places to live in Hong Kong for nature lovers – there’s nothing quite like waking up to fresh mountain air.

Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is an expat-friendly neighborhood with a large number of Western amenities, making it a great choice for people who want to feel at home in Hong Kong. The beaches here are also quite beautiful, making it a popular spot for retirees and people looking for a relaxing place to live.

Tung Chung

Tung Chung is a new town that’s still being developed, so it has all the modern conveniences you could want while still maintaining a small-town feel. The area is also home to several theme parks and attractions, making it a great place for people who love to explore. Tung Chung is quickly becoming one of the best places to live in Hong Kong, so if you’re thinking about moving here, don’t wait too long!

Sai Kung

Sai Kung is a rural town located on the east coast of Hong Kong. If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Sai Kung is the place for you. It is home to some of the best hikes in all of Hong Kong, so it’s worth considering if nature is your thing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Hong Kong

Is it expensive to live in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is an expensive city for everything, including housing (rental or buying), transportation, food, and entertainment. Be prepared to easily spend more than 3500 HKD on rent per month (even for a small studio apartment) and over 1000 HKD on food each month if you want to eat out regularly.

Can I find a job in Hong Kong?

It’s definitely not impossible to find a job in Hong Kong, especially if you have transferable skills or are bilingual. However, keep in mind that the competition is stiff and that many jobs require at least five years of prior experience. Besides, salaries in Hong Kong are not as high as they are in other developed countries.

Do I need a visa to live in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a part of China, so most people – except for those from certain countries – require a visa to stay here long-term. You can find out more about the specific visa requirements on the Immigration Department’s website. This way, you can ensure that you’re prepared to live here for as long as you wish.

Conclusion

Hong Kong is a fantastic place to live! It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with plenty of things to do and see. If you’re thinking of making a move, it’s quite essential to understand all that it takes to live here. Nonetheless, you can refer to this platform for more information about living in Hong Kong as an expat.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

If you’re an expat looking for a new place to call home, Hong Kong should definitely be on your list. The city is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan in the world. Besides, it offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to get ahead in their careers.

But before you make a move, there are a few things you should know about living in Hong Kong. For starters, the cost of living can be quite high. You’ll likely need to make at least C$5,000 per month to cover your basic expenses. And if you want to live in a nice neighborhood or enjoy some of the finer things in life, you’ll need even more.

But don’t let that scare you off. Hong Kong is a great place to live, and the cost of living can be worth it if you’re able to find a good job. In addition, the city’s excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around. There are also plenty of expat-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. If you’re looking for a more international vibe, Wan Chai and Sheung Wan are two great options.

Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter, Sai Kung and Discovery Bay are both great choices. No matter what neighborhood you choose, you’ll be able to find plenty of expat-friendly restaurants, bars, and other amenities. It would help if you also considered buying an apartment or other property in Hong Kong instead of renting.

The city’s real estate market is scorching right now, and prices are only going up. If you’re able to buy rather than rent, you’ll be able to build up equity that could eventually help pay for retirement or your children’s education. Today, we have a lot of things to tell you! Read further to know what we have.

Interesting Facts about Living in Hong Kong as an Expat

As the world’s most densely populated city, Hong Kong is a fascinating island not far from mainland China. The culture shock of arriving as an expat for the first time might be enormous, but making friends with locals and settling into life there can be extremely rewarding. That said, here are some interesting facts about living in Hong Kong as an expat.

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

This might be a surprising statement to make about Hong Kong, but the reality isn’t so far off. Religious belief is an important part of life for many people who live here, and there are plenty of temples and churches to be found. Hong Kongers are also very tidy, and you’ll seldom see a piece of litter on the ground. Besides, the air quality is so good that you don’t have to worry about breathing in any pollution.

You Can Never Stop Learning

With Cantonese, Mandarin, and English all being official languages in Hong Kong, there’s no excuse not to learn at least one of them. The locals are very proud of their culture and language and are always willing to help foreigners learn more about them.

However, you don’t have to rely on the locals to learn more about Hong Kong – there are plenty of expat meet-ups and social events where you can make friends and learn more about living in the city.

Food Glorious Food

Hong Kong is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll never get bored of eating out here. Be sure to try some local specialties such as dim sum, roast pork, and chicken rice. Besides, the cheap prices make eating out a budget-friendly option.

Taxes Are Low

One of the main reasons why expats move to Hong Kong is because of the lower taxes. The tax rate for individuals is only 15%, which is lower than in other developed countries. This makes it a great place to stay if you want to keep more of your salary for yourself. Meanwhile, businesses can take advantage of the low tax rate for profits and the 0% tax rate on dividends.

There’s Always Something to Do

Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re into shopping, clubbing, hiking, or just soaking up the incredible views, you’ll never be bored in Hong Kong. The city is also home to some of the best museums and art galleries in Asia. In fact, it’s been said that there’s something for everyone in Hong Kong.

The Cost Of Living Is High

Although the cost of living in Hong Kong is high, it’s still cheaper than in other developed cities such as London or New York. If you’re willing to live a simple lifestyle, then you can easily manage on a budget of $1,500 per month. However, if you want to live in a more swanky part of town, then it will cost you much more than that!

You’ll Never Be Lonely

Hong Kong has great nightlife and plenty of expats, so you won’t ever feel lonely here! There are also lots of meet-up groups and social events that you can take part in to help you build a support network. Moreover, Hong Kongers are very friendly so if you do become lonely, it won’t be long before someone comes to your rescue.

The Public Transport System Rocks

Hong Kong has the envy-of-the-world’s best public transport system, hands down. To start with, you have to consider that Hong Kong is made up of over 200 islands. So it is not the most accessible place in the world to get around without a decent form of public transport. The MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is cheap, efficient, and covers almost the whole of Hong Kong. There is also an extensive bus network, ferries, minibusses, and trams.

It’s Not As Expensive As You Think

Hong Kong is often a costly city to live in, but this really depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Expats living in Hong Kong generally find that they can live quite comfortably on around US$2000 per month (excluding accommodation).

Of course, if you want to live like a king, then you can easily spend more than this, but it is possible to live within your means if you are careful.

So Many Luxury Shopping Malls

Hong Kong has some of the nicest and most luxurious shopping malls globally, including Times Square, Harbour City, The IFC Mall, and Pacific Place. There is no point in mentioning this as a fact, as Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading retail hubs.