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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Clearwater 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 15,000 - 20,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 10,000 - 15,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: HKD 30,000 - 45,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 20,000 - 30,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: HKD 120,000 - 180,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: HKD 80,000 - 120,000
Transportation
  • One-way ticket on local transport: HKD 10 - 15
  • Monthly public transport pass: HKD 500 - 700
  • Taxi starting tariff: HKD 22 - 25
  • Taxi 1km tariff: HKD 8 - 10
  • Gasoline (1 liter): HKD 16 - 18
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): HKD 20 - 25
  • Bread (500g): HKD 12 - 20
  • Rice (1kg): HKD 10 - 20
  • Eggs (12): HKD 20 - 30
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): HKD 50 - 80
  • Beef round (1kg): HKD 100 - 150
  • Apples (1kg): HKD 20 - 30
  • Oranges (1kg): HKD 15 - 25
  • Tomato (1kg): HKD 15 - 25
  • Potato (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 - 500
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: HKD 35 - 50
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): HKD 40 - 60
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 40 - 60
  • Cappuccino: HKD 30 - 50
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 8 - 15
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 5 - 10
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
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: HKD 50,000 - 100,000 per year
  • Elementary School: HKD 100,000 - 200,000 per year
  • Middle School: HKD 150,000 - 250,000 per year
  • High School: HKD 200,000 - 350,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Clearwater Bay, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Clearwater Bay

"Clearwater Bay, is considered one of the more affluent areas in the city, and as such, the cost of living is relatively high. Housing is the most significant expense, with rental prices for apartments and houses being quite steep, especially for properties with a sea view or those located near the beach. The cost of groceries and dining out in Clearwater Bay is also higher than the average in Hong Kong. Imported goods, in particular, can be quite expensive. Transportation costs can vary. While public transportation like buses and minibuses are reasonably priced, owning a private vehicle can be costly due to high parking fees and fuel costs. Education costs are another significant expense for families living in Clearwater Bay. International schools in the area charge high tuition fees. Healthcare in Hong Kong is generally expensive, and Clearwater Bay is no exception. While public healthcare is subsidized, private healthcare can be quite costly. Overall, while the cost of living in Clearwater Bay is high, it offers a high standard of living with its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and high-quality amenities," said one expat living in Clearwater Bay.

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

"I've been living in Clearwater Bay for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Clearwater Bay itself can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider living in nearby areas like Tseung Kwan O or Sai Kung, which are more budget-friendly.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or even a shared flat to keep your rent within budget. You can expect to pay around $800 to $1,000 for a small studio or a room in a shared apartment in these areas. Make sure to look for apartments further away from the MTR stations, as they tend to be cheaper.For transportation, you'll need to rely on public transport like buses and the MTR, which are relatively affordable. A monthly pass for unlimited MTR travel within a specific area will cost you around $60 to $100, depending on the zones you need to cover. Buses are also quite cheap, with fares ranging from $1 to $3 per ride.Eating out can be expensive in Hong Kong, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home to save money. Local markets and supermarkets offer affordable groceries, and you can find fresh produce, meat, and seafood at reasonable prices. If you do eat out, stick to local eateries and street food, which are much cheaper than Western-style restaurants.When it comes to entertainment and leisure, you'll have to be selective about the activities you choose. There are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Hong Kong, like hiking, visiting beaches, and exploring parks. However, you'll need to limit your spending on things like movies, bars, and other paid attractions.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Clearwater Bay.

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

"I've been living in Clearwater Bay for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Clearwater Bay itself can be quite expensive, especially if you're looking for a place with modern amenities. I'd recommend looking into areas like Tseung Kwan O or Hang Hau, which are nearby and more budget-friendly. You can find decent apartments in these areas for around $1,500 to $2,000 a month.As for transportation, you'll want to rely on public transport like the MTR, buses, and minibuses, which are relatively cheap and efficient. Owning a car in Hong Kong can be quite expensive, so it's best to avoid that if you're on a tight budget. You'll also need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at restaurants can add up quickly, so try to cook at home more often and take advantage of the local markets for fresh produce. When you do go out, look for more affordable dining options like local cafes and street food stalls.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Hong Kong. You can explore the many beautiful hiking trails, beaches, and parks in the Clearwater Bay area, or take advantage of the numerous cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Just be mindful of your spending on things like shopping and nights out, as these can quickly eat into your budget.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Clearwater Bay is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. It's all about finding the right balance between enjoying the city and sticking to your budget," said one expat living in Clearwater Bay.

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

"I've been living in Clearwater Bay for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you'll need to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Clearwater Bay itself can be quite pricey, especially if you're looking for a place with modern amenities. I'd recommend looking into areas like Sai Kung or Tseung Kwan O, which are nearby and more budget-friendly. You can find decent apartments in these areas for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month.As for transportation, owning a car in Hong Kong can be quite expensive, so I'd suggest relying on public transportation instead. The MTR, buses, and minibuses are all relatively affordable and can get you around the city quite easily. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service like GoGoVan or Hertz on Demand.Eating out can also be a significant expense in Hong Kong, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, there are plenty of more affordable options available, like local street food, cafes, and smaller restaurants. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Another area where you might need to make sacrifices is entertainment. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Hong Kong, like hiking, visiting parks, and exploring street markets, you might need to cut back on more expensive pursuits like frequent nights out at bars or attending concerts and other events.In terms of healthcare, public hospitals in Hong Kong are quite affordable, but the quality of care can vary. If you're used to private healthcare, you might want to consider getting health insurance to cover the costs of private clinics and hospitals.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Clearwater Bay, Hong Kong is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, and being conscious of your spending on food and entertainment, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Clearwater 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.


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