Hong Kong Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

$241

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

$20

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

$23

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$3,424

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Hong Kong Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

Hong Kong's cost of living remains high, with utilities and connectivity expenses consuming a significant portion of income, particularly for expats and remote workers. Despite rising salaries, the pace of cost increases in essential services like internet and utilities outpaces income growth, challenging affordability. Investors should carefully assess these elements when considering property investments or relocations in Hong Kong.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities in Hong Kong cost approximately $272/month, accounting for 10-15% of the average salary.
•Internet services average $40/month, with mobile plans around $25/month for moderate data usage.
•Average monthly salary is approximately $3,000, with utilities and connectivity expenses consuming 12-20% of income.
•High-speed internet delivers 200 Mbps, suitable for digital nomads, but at a premium compared to regional averages.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Since 1960, utility costs have risen by approximately 300%, while average salaries have increased by 200%.
•Internet costs have decreased by nearly 50% over the last two decades, but remain high compared to global averages.
•The rise in mobile data costs has stabilized over the past decade, showing minor increases only in premium data plans.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget $350-$400/month for utilities and connectivity to ensure coverage without overspending.
•Despite high costs, Hong Kong remains attractive for digital nomads due to reliable high-speed internet.
•Investors should consider the high cost of living as a potential risk factor for attracting long-term tenants.
•Assess the potential for salary growth in targeted industries to gauge future affordability for residents.

Market Context

Compared to other major financial hubs like Singapore and Tokyo, Hong Kong's utilities and connectivity expenses are higher, impacting overall affordability. The city remains competitive for high-income earners but presents challenges for middle-income brackets.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.