Cost of Living in Lantau Island

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: HKD 12,000 - 20,000 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 8,000 - 15,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: HKD 25,000 - 45,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 15,000 - 30,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: HKD 100,000 - 150,000 Price per square meter outside city center: HKD 60,000 - 100,000
Transportation	One-way ticket on local transport: HKD 10 - 25 Monthly transport pass: HKD 500 - 1,000 Taxi starting tariff: HKD 24 Taxi 1km tariff: HKD 8.50 Gasoline (1 liter): HKD 16 - 18
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): HKD 20 - 30 Bread (500g): HKD 12 - 25 Rice (1kg): HKD 15 - 30 Eggs (12): HKD 20 - 35 Chicken breast (1kg): HKD 50 - 100 Beef round (1kg): HKD 100 - 200 Apples (1kg): HKD 20 - 40 Tomatoes (1kg): HKD 15 - 30 Potatoes (1kg): HKD 10 - 25 Water (1.5-liter bottle): HKD 5 - 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 - 60 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): HKD 40 - 70 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 40 - 70 Cappuccino: HKD 30 - 50 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 8 - 15 Water (0.33-liter bottle): HKD 5 - 10
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: HKD 1,000 - 2,000 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): HKD 200 - 400 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: HKD 50,000 - 120,000 per year Elementary School: HKD 80,000 - 180,000 per year Middle School: HKD 100,000 - 200,000 per year High School: HKD 120,000 - 250,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific area of Lantau Island and individual preferences.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lantau Island

"The cost of living in Lantau Island, is relatively high compared to other parts of the world. Housing is the most significant expense, with the cost of renting or buying property being quite steep. The price of groceries and dining out is also high due to the importation of many food items. Transportation costs can vary, but are generally reasonable, especially if using public transportation. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also a significant part of the monthly budget. Health care is of high quality but can be expensive if private services are used. Education, particularly international schooling, can also be a significant expense for those with children. Despite the high cost of living, many people choose to live on Lantau Island for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and slower pace of life compared to Hong Kong's bustling city center," said one expat living in Lantau Island.

Can I live in Lantau Island on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Lantau Island 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 place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Mui Wo, Tung Chung, or Tai O. These areas are more affordable compared to Discovery Bay or South Lantau, which are more expensive and cater to expats with higher budgets.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is living in a smaller space. Apartments in Lantau Island can be quite small, especially in the more affordable neighborhoods. You might have to settle for a studio or a one-bedroom apartment, and you'll need to be creative with your storage solutions.Another sacrifice is that you might have to cut back on dining out and entertainment expenses. Eating out in Hong Kong can be pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, you can cook at home and shop at local markets for fresh produce. There are also some affordable local restaurants and street food options if you're willing to explore.Transportation can also be a significant expense, especially if you need to commute to work on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. The MTR and buses are relatively affordable, but if you need to take the ferry or taxi frequently, it can add up. To save on transportation costs, consider getting an Octopus card, which offers discounts on public transportation.Lastly, you might have to cut back on leisure activities and travel. Hong Kong has many free or low-cost attractions, like hiking trails, beaches, and parks, but if you're used to frequent weekend getaways or expensive hobbies, you might need to adjust your lifestyle.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Lantau Island is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Lantau Island.

Can I live in Lantau Island on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Lantau Island for a few years 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. I'd recommend looking into areas like Tung Chung or Mui Wo, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Discovery Bay or South Lantau.In terms of transportation, you'll want to rely on public transport like buses and the MTR, as owning a car can be quite expensive in Hong Kong. You'll also need to be mindful of your spending on dining out and entertainment, as these can add up quickly. Cooking at home and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities around Lantau Island, like hiking and visiting the beaches, can help you save money.Another sacrifice you might have to make is living in a smaller apartment than you're used to. Space is at a premium in Hong Kong, so you'll likely need to adjust your expectations when it comes to the size of your living space. Additionally, you may need to share an apartment with roommates to make your budget work.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Lantau Island, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle," said one expat living in Lantau Island.

Can I live in Lantau Island on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Lantau Island for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of location and housing size to make it work.Firstly, I'd recommend looking for housing in more affordable neighborhoods like Tung Chung or Mui Wo. These areas are well-connected to the rest of Hong Kong and offer a good mix of modern amenities and natural beauty. You can find a decent-sized apartment for around $2,000 to $3,000 a month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.On the other hand, I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Discovery Bay or South Lantau, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher. Rent in these areas can easily go above $4,000 a month for a smaller apartment, which might not leave you with enough money for other necessities.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using public transport like buses and the MTR, which are quite affordable and efficient. Owning a car in Hong Kong can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend against it unless it's absolutely necessary for your work or lifestyle.For groceries and dining, you can save money by shopping at local markets and eating at more affordable restaurants or food stalls. There are plenty of options for cheap and delicious food in Lantau Island, so you won't have to sacrifice too much in terms of quality.One thing to keep in mind is that while Lantau Island offers a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle compared to other parts of Hong Kong, it can also be a bit more isolated. You might have to travel a bit further for certain amenities or entertainment options, but I've found that the trade-off is worth it for the peace and tranquility that the island offers.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Lantau Island is definitely achievable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and location. If you can strike the right balance, you'll be able to enjoy a great quality of life in this beautiful part of Hong Kong," commented an expat living in Lantau Island.