Salary and Cost of Living

Hi everyone,

My spouse and I are planning to move to Hong Kong for my job, and I’ve been offered a salary of 60,000 HKD/month before tax. We’re both in our 30s, have no kids, and I’ll be the sole earner for the foreseeable future. Will this salary allow us to live comfortably in HK, or will we be stretching our budget too thin?

Our Priorities:

1. Housing: We’d like a 2-bedroom apartment (or a spacious 1-bedroom) in a central or well-connected area. Open to suggestions!

2. Transport: We’ll rely on public transport (MTR, buses) but might occasionally use taxis.

3. Savings: We’d like to save at least 10,000 HKD/month for emergencies and future goals.

4. Lifestyle: Occasional dining out (2–3x/week), gym membership, and weekend activities (hiking, cultural events, etc.).

5. Healthcare: We’re covered for basics, but want to ensure we can afford any out-of-pocket medical costs (e.g., dental, specialists).

Our Concerns:

•Rent: Will 60,000 HKD/month cover a decent 2-bedroom in a good area, or should we look at smaller places or less central neighborhoods?

•Cost of Living: Are there hidden costs we’re not considering (e.g., utilities, internet, phone plans, or unexpected fees)?

•Savings: Can we realistically save 10,000 HKD/month on this salary, or will we be living paycheck to paycheck?

•Neighborhoods: Where should we live to balance affordability, convenience, and quality of life? We’ve heard Central is expensive, but are there up-and-coming areas with good transport links?

About Us:

•We’re not big partiers but enjoy socializing occasionally.

•We’d like to travel 1–2x/year (short trips to Southeast Asia or mainland China).

•We’re open to living in Kowloon or the New Territories if it means better value for money.

Thank you so much!