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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Causeway Bay 2024
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Cost of Living in Causeway Bay

By Betsy Burlingame

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Causeway Bay helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: HKD 20,000 - 30,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 15,000 - 20,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: HKD 40,000 - 60,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 25,000 - 40,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: HKD 200,000 - 300,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: HKD 100,000 - 200,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: HKD 12
  • Monthly transport pass: HKD 500 - 700
  • Taxi starting tariff: HKD 24
  • Taxi 1km tariff: HKD 8.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): HKD 16 - 18
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): HKD 20 - 25
  • Bread (500g): HKD 12 - 20
  • Rice (1kg): HKD 15 - 25
  • Eggs (12): HKD 20 - 30
  • Chicken breast (1kg): HKD 50 - 80
  • Beef round (1kg): HKD 100 - 150
  • Apples (1kg): HKD 20 - 40
  • Tomatoes (1kg): HKD 15 - 30
  • Potatoes (1kg): HKD 10 - 20
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): HKD 8 - 15
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: HKD 50 - 100
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: HKD 300 - 600
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: HKD 35 - 50
  • Cappuccino: HKD 30 - 45
  • Beer (0.5-liter draught): HKD 40 - 70
  • Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 8 - 15
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: HKD 1,000 - 2,000 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): HKD 200 - 300 per month
  • Mobile tariff (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans): HKD 0.50 - 1.50
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: HKD 50,000 - 150,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: HKD 100,000 - 200,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: HKD 150,000 - 250,000 per year
  • High school tuition: HKD 200,000 - 350,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Causeway Bay

"Causeway Bay is one of the most expensive areas to live in the city. The cost of living is significantly high due to the prime location and the high demand for housing. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be extremely expensive. In addition to housing, other living costs such as groceries, dining, and transportation are also relatively high. Groceries can cost more than in other parts of the city due to the high-end supermarkets in the area. Dining out in Causeway Bay can also be pricey, especially in the many upscale restaurants located in the area. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you rely on taxis or private cars. However, the area is well-served by public transportation, which can be a more affordable option. Despite the high cost of living, many people are drawn to Causeway Bay for its vibrant lifestyle, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's also a popular location for expats and professionals working in the city," said one expat living in Causeway Bay.

Can I live in Causeway Bay on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Hong Kong for a while now, and I can tell you that living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Causeway Bay is quite challenging, but not impossible. You'll definitely have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that fits your budget. Causeway Bay is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Hong Kong, so you might want to consider looking for a flatshare or a small studio apartment in a nearby, more affordable area like Tai Hang or Tin Hau. These neighborhoods are still close to Causeway Bay, but the rent is generally cheaper.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out in Hong Kong can be quite expensive, especially in popular areas like Causeway Bay. To save money, you can try cooking at home more often or eating at local, budget-friendly restaurants. There are also many street food options and small eateries in the area that offer affordable meals. For entertainment, you might have to cut back on going to bars and clubs, as these can be quite pricey in Hong Kong. Instead, you can explore the many free or low-cost attractions and events that the city has to offer, such as hiking trails, parks, and cultural festivals.Transportation in Hong Kong is relatively affordable, but you can save even more by using public transport like buses and the MTR instead of taxis. You can also take advantage of the city's extensive network of pedestrian walkways and footbridges to walk to nearby destinations.Lastly, you'll need to be conscious of your spending on shopping and other miscellaneous expenses. Hong Kong is known for its shopping malls and markets, but these can be a major drain on your budget if you're not careful. Stick to buying only what you need and try to avoid impulse purchases. You can also save money by shopping at local markets and discount stores instead of high-end boutiques and department stores.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Causeway Bay is possible, but it requires some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your spending and exploring more affordable neighborhoods and options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Causeway Bay.

Can I live in Causeway Bay on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Hong Kong for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Causeway Bay, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a smaller apartment, as rent can be quite high in this area. You might want to consider sharing an apartment with roommates to save on rent. There are many Facebook groups and websites where you can find people looking for roommates in Hong Kong.In terms of neighborhoods, Causeway Bay itself is quite expensive, so you might want to look for apartments in nearby areas like Tin Hau, North Point, or even Quarry Bay. These areas are still close to Causeway Bay and have good public transportation options, but the rent is generally more affordable.Eating out can also be quite expensive in Hong Kong, especially in popular areas like Causeway Bay. To save money, you can cook at home or eat at local restaurants and street food stalls, which are usually cheaper than Western-style restaurants. There are also many supermarkets and wet markets where you can buy fresh produce and groceries at reasonable prices.Another way to save money is to use public transportation instead of taxis or ride-hailing services. Hong Kong has an excellent public transportation system, including the MTR, buses, and trams, which are all relatively affordable. You can also get an Octopus card, which allows you to easily pay for public transportation and even some stores and restaurants.Finally, you might have to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities, as these can be quite expensive in Hong Kong. Instead of going to high-end bars and clubs, you can explore the many free or low-cost attractions and events in the city, such as hiking trails, public parks, and cultural festivals.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Causeway Bay is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment," said one expat living in Causeway Bay.

Can I live in Causeway Bay on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Hong Kong for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Causeway Bay, but you'll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a smaller apartment, as rent can be quite high in this area. You might want to consider looking for a place in the nearby neighborhoods of Wan Chai or Tin Hau, which are slightly more affordable but still close to Causeway Bay.When it comes to dining out, you'll need to be more selective about where you eat. There are plenty of affordable local restaurants and street food options in the area, but you'll need to avoid the more expensive Western-style restaurants and bars if you want to stick to your budget. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Transportation in Hong Kong is relatively affordable, so you shouldn't have any issues getting around on your budget. The MTR, buses, and trams are all reasonably priced, and you can save even more by using an Octopus card for your daily commute.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Hong Kong. You can take advantage of the many parks, hiking trails, and beaches, or explore the city's numerous cultural attractions, such as museums and temples. If you're a fan of shopping, you'll find plenty of affordable options in the markets and smaller shops around Causeway Bay, but you'll need to avoid the high-end malls and designer boutiques if you want to stay within your budget.In terms of sacrifices, you'll need to be prepared to live in a smaller space and adjust your expectations when it comes to dining and entertainment options. However, if you're willing to embrace the local culture and lifestyle, you can definitely make it work on $5,000 a month in Causeway Bay," commented an expat living in Causeway Bay.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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