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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Sai Kung 2024
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Cost of Living in Sai Kung

By Betsy Burlingame

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Sai Kung 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 Rental prices in Sai Kung vary greatly depending on the size and location of the property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around HK$15,000 to HK$20,000 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can range from HK$30,000 to HK$50,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases Buying an apartment in Sai Kung is a significant investment. The price per square foot can range from HK$10,000 to HK$20,000, meaning a 1,000 square foot apartment could cost between HK$10 million and HK$20 million.
Transportation Public transportation in Sai Kung is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport can cost around HK$10 to HK$20. Monthly passes typically cost around HK$500 to HK$700. Taxis start at around HK$24, with an additional HK$8.50 for each kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Sai Kung can vary, but on average, you can expect to spend around HK$2,000 to HK$4,000 per month for a single person. This includes items like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other staples.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Sai Kung can cost around HK$50 to HK$100, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost around HK$300 to HK$500. A combo meal at a fast food restaurant is around HK$40.
Utilities Basic utilities for an apartment (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) can cost around HK$1,000 to HK$2,000 per month. Internet can cost around HK$200 to HK$300 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition in Sai Kung can be quite expensive. For preschool, you can expect to pay around HK$50,000 to HK$100,000 per year. For elementary school, the cost can range from HK$80,000 to HK$150,000 per year. Middle school and high school tuition can range from HK$100,000 to HK$200,000 per year.
Please note that these are average costs and actual prices may vary. It's also important to remember that the cost of living can be significantly higher for expats, especially if you're planning to send your children to international schools or if you're planning to live in a larger or more luxurious apartment. Additionally, while Sai Kung is generally less expensive than areas like Central or Wan Chai, it's still one of the more expensive places to live in Hong Kong.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sai Kung

"The cost of living in Sai Kung is relatively high compared to other parts of the world. Rent for a decent-sized apartment in a good location can be quite expensive. The cost of groceries and dining out is also high due to the high quality of food and service. Transportation costs are moderate, with efficient public transportation systems in place. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the monthly budget. Health care is generally expensive unless covered by insurance. Education, especially international schooling, can be a major expense for families. Despite the high cost of living, many people choose to live in Sai Kung for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and relaxed lifestyle," said one expat living in Sai Kung.

Can I live in Sai Kung on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sai Kung 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 and smart budgeting. Sai Kung is a beautiful area, known for its outdoor activities and seafood restaurants, but it's not the cheapest place to live in Hong Kong. Firstly, rent will be your biggest expense. You can find a small studio or a shared apartment in Sai Kung for around $800 to $1,000 a month. If you're willing to live a bit further out in areas like Tseung Kwan O or Hang Hau, you might find cheaper options. These areas are still quite convenient with good public transportation links to Sai Kung and the rest of Hong Kong. Food can be relatively affordable if you cook at home and shop at local markets. Eating out can be expensive, especially in Sai Kung town where there are many high-end seafood restaurants. But there are also plenty of local eateries where you can get a meal for less than $10. Public transportation in Hong Kong is efficient and affordable. You can get a monthly pass for around $60. However, if you plan to use taxis frequently, this can quickly eat into your budget. As for other expenses, you'll need to budget for utilities, internet, and mobile phone which can add up to around $100-$150 a month. Health insurance is another cost to consider if it's not covered by your employer. In terms of lifestyle, you might have to cut back on certain luxuries. For example, gym memberships and regular nights out can be expensive. But there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Sai Kung, like hiking, swimming, or just exploring the local markets and street food stalls. Living in more upscale neighborhoods like Clear Water Bay or Marina Cove would definitely be out of the question on a $1,500 budget. These areas are known for their luxury villas and high-end amenities, and the cost of living is significantly higher. In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Sai Kung is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. You'll need to live in a smaller apartment or a less central area, cook at home more often, and limit your discretionary spending. But in return, you get to live in one of the most beautiful and unique areas of Hong Kong," commented an expat living in Sai Kung.

Can I live in Sai Kung on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Sai Kung 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 lifestyle adjustments. Sai Kung is a beautiful area, known for its outdoor activities and seafood restaurants, but it's not the cheapest place to live in Hong Kong. The biggest expense you'll have is housing. Rent can vary greatly depending on the area and the type of accommodation. If you want to live in a modern apartment with all the amenities in the heart of Sai Kung town, you're looking at paying around $2,000 a month. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out in areas like Clear Water Bay or Tseung Kwan O, you can find cheaper options, around $1,500 a month for a decent-sized apartment. Food is another significant expense. Eating out in Sai Kung can be pricey, especially at the seafood restaurants. But there are also plenty of cheaper local eateries where you can get a meal for around $5. If you cook at home, groceries can be quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets instead of the more expensive supermarkets. Transportation costs can also add up, especially if you're commuting to the city center for work. The public transportation system in Hong Kong is excellent and relatively cheap, but if you're taking the MTR or buses every day, it can add up. As for other expenses, like utilities, internet, and mobile phone, they're relatively affordable. You can expect to pay around $100 a month for all of these. In terms of lifestyle, you might have to make some sacrifices. For example, if you're used to going out for drinks often, you might have to cut back as alcohol can be quite expensive in Hong Kong. Similarly, if you're a big shopper, you might have to limit your shopping sprees as clothes and electronics can be pricey. But despite these sacrifices, living in Sai Kung can be a great experience. The natural beauty of the area, the friendly community, and the slower pace of life compared to the city center are all big pluses. And if you're careful with your budget, you can definitely make it work on $3,000 a month," said one expat living in Sai Kung.

Can I live in Sai Kung on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Sai Kung 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. Sai Kung is a beautiful area, known for its outdoor activities and seafood restaurants, but it's not the cheapest place to live in Hong Kong. The biggest expense is definitely housing. Rent can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the apartment. In the heart of Sai Kung town, you can expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 for a decent-sized apartment. If you're willing to live a bit further out, in areas like Clear Water Bay or Tseung Kwan O, you can find cheaper options, maybe around $1,500 to $2,000. Then there's the cost of utilities, which can add up, especially if you're used to using air conditioning a lot. I'd budget around $200 for that. Internet and mobile phone plans are relatively cheap, around $50 a month. Food can be another big expense, especially if you're used to eating out a lot or buying imported groceries. Local markets are definitely the way to go for fresh produce and seafood. Eating out in Sai Kung can be pricey, especially at the seafood restaurants, but there are cheaper local eateries if you're willing to try them. I'd budget around $500 to $700 a month for food. Transportation is relatively cheap. The minibus to the city costs around $1.50 each way and taxis are also affordable. If you're planning to use public transportation, I'd budget around $100 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or cheap things to do in Sai Kung, like hiking, swimming, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery. But if you're used to going out to bars or clubs, that can add up. I'd budget around $200 a month for entertainment. So, all in all, I'd say it's possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Sai Kung, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending. You might have to make some sacrifices, like living a bit further out of town, eating at local eateries instead of fancy restaurants, and cutting back on expensive entertainment. But in return, you get to live in one of the most beautiful areas of Hong Kong, with plenty of outdoor activities and a laid-back lifestyle," commented an expat living in Sai Kung.

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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