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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Discovery Bay, understanding the the cost of living in Discovery Bay helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals Rental prices in Discovery Bay vary greatly depending on the size and location of the property. A one-bedroom apartment can cost between HK$15,000 to HK$20,000 per month. A three-bedroom apartment can range from HK$30,000 to HK$50,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases Buying an apartment in Discovery Bay is a significant investment. A one-bedroom apartment can cost between HK$6 million to HK$8 million. A three-bedroom apartment can range from HK$10 million to HK$20 million.
Transportation Discovery Bay is a car-free zone, so residents rely on public transportation. A monthly pass for the Discovery Bay Bus costs around HK$400. A single ferry ride to Central costs HK$40, but a monthly pass can be purchased for HK$1,800.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Discovery Bay can be quite high compared to other parts of Hong Kong. A monthly grocery bill for a family of four can range from HK$4,000 to HK$6,000.
Restaurants Discovery Bay has a wide range of restaurants, from affordable to high-end. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around HK$100, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around HK$500.
Utilities Monthly utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around HK$1,500. Internet can cost around HK$200 per month.
Private School Tuition Discovery Bay International School is a popular choice for expat families. Tuition fees vary by grade level. For the 2021/2022 school year, annual tuition for preschool is HK$115,800, for elementary school is HK$164,800, for middle school is HK$185,400, and for high school is HK$206,000.
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary based on various factors. It's also important to consider additional costs such as health insurance, leisure activities, and personal expenses when calculating the cost of living in Discovery Bay.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Discovery Bay

"The cost of living in Discovery Bay is considered to be quite high compared to other areas. Housing is the most significant expense, with rental prices for apartments being particularly steep. The cost of groceries and dining out is also higher than in many other parts of Hong Kong, due to the area's remote location and the fact that it caters to a largely expatriate population. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if one needs to commute to the city center for work or school. However, the area offers a high quality of life with its clean environment, recreational facilities, and international community, which many residents feel justifies the higher cost of living," said one expat living in Discovery Bay.

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

"I've been living in Discovery Bay for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some sacrifices. The cost of living in Hong Kong is quite high, especially when it comes to housing. Discovery Bay is a bit cheaper than the city center, but it's still not cheap. A small one-bedroom apartment can easily cost you around $1,000 a month. If you're willing to share an apartment or live in a studio, you can bring that cost down to around $700-$800. That leaves you with $700-$800 for all your other expenses. Groceries are also quite expensive here. Expect to spend around $300 a month if you cook at home most of the time. Eating out is not cheap either, a meal at a modest restaurant can cost around $15. Public transportation is relatively affordable. A monthly pass for the ferry and bus will cost you around $100. As for the neighborhoods, Discovery Bay is a good choice for expats. It's a bit more relaxed than the city center, has a nice beach, and a good international community. Other affordable neighborhoods to consider are Tung Chung and Lantau Island. They are both close to Discovery Bay and have a lower cost of living. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay are quite expensive and I would not recommend them if you're trying to live on a budget. In terms of sacrifices, you'll probably have to give up on some luxuries. Eating out, going to bars, and other entertainment can quickly eat up your budget. You'll also have to be careful with your utility bills, as they can be quite high. In conclusion, living in Discovery Bay on $1,500 a month is possible, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. If you're willing to live in a smaller apartment, cook at home, and limit your entertainment expenses, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Discovery Bay.

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

"I've been living in Discovery Bay for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is possible, but it will require some careful budgeting and sacrifices. The biggest expense you'll face is housing. Discovery Bay is a popular area for expats and the rent reflects that. A small, one-bedroom apartment can easily cost you around $2,000 a month. If you want to save on rent, you might want to consider living in a less expensive neighborhood like Tung Chung or Sunny Bay. They're a bit further out but still within commuting distance to Discovery Bay. Food is another major expense. Eating out in Hong Kong can be pricey, especially in expat-heavy areas like Discovery Bay. However, you can save a lot by cooking at home. Local markets like the one in Tung Chung are a great place to buy fresh produce at a reasonable price. Transportation is relatively affordable. The ferry from Discovery Bay to Central costs around $8 one way, and the bus system is also quite cheap. However, if you're planning to use the ferry daily, the costs can add up. As for other expenses, utilities and internet are quite reasonable, but you might have to cut back on entertainment and leisure activities. Going out for drinks, attending concerts or events, and even gym memberships can be quite expensive in Hong Kong. In terms of healthcare, while public healthcare is quite affordable, the waiting times can be long. Many expats opt for private healthcare which can be quite expensive. So, while it's possible to live on $3,000 a month in Discovery Bay, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. You might have to make sacrifices like living in a smaller apartment, cooking at home more often, and cutting back on entertainment. But with careful budgeting, it's definitely doable," said one expat living in Discovery Bay.

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

"I've been living in Discovery Bay for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living in Hong Kong is high, especially when it comes to housing. Discovery Bay is a popular area for expats due to its relaxed lifestyle and community feel, but it's also one of the more expensive areas. A two-bedroom apartment here can easily cost you around $2,500 per month. If you're looking to save on rent, you might want to consider areas like Tung Chung or Lantau Island, which are a bit more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. Food is another major expense. Eating out in Hong Kong can be pricey, especially in expat-heavy areas like Discovery Bay. However, local markets and grocery stores offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, so cooking at home can help you save a lot. Public transportation in Hong Kong is efficient and relatively cheap, so you can save a lot by not owning a car. Healthcare is another factor to consider. While Hong Kong has excellent healthcare facilities, the cost can be high, especially for private healthcare. Make sure you have a good health insurance plan that covers you in Hong Kong. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Hong Kong, from hiking and beach trips to exploring local markets and cultural sites. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up certain luxuries like eating out regularly, having a large living space, or owning a car. But in return, you get to live in a vibrant city with a rich culture and plenty of things to see and do. Overall, living on $5,000 a month in Discovery Bay is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some lifestyle adjustments. It's all about finding the right balance between your income and your expenses, and making the most of what Hong Kong has to offer," commented an expat living in Discovery Bay.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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Cigna Global Health

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