Skyline of Hong Kong
Cost of Living: 130 7,498,000

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

A dynamic global financial center where East meets West, known for its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and world-class shopping and dining.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Hong Kong is a city in HK with a population of 7,498,000. A dynamic global financial center where East meets West, known for its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and world-class shopping and dining. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7a growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews older, with a median age of 46.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 130

Very High vs Hong Kong Avg (100)

Housing Index 180

Very Expensive

Median Income HK$360,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.5%

Job market health

Hong Kong vs Hong Kong Average

Cost of Living
Hong Kong: 130
Hong Kong Avg: 100
Housing Index
Hong Kong: 180
Hong Kong Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Hong Kong: 15%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 15.0%
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: HK$360,000
  • Unemployment: 4.5%
  • Population: 7,498,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 170/year
  • Summer High: 91°F
  • Winter Low: 58°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7a

Housing

  • Median Home: HK$12,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: HK$16000/mo

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Cost of Living

Hong Kong's cost of living index is 130 (Hong Kong average = 100).

CategoryHong KongNational AverageDifference
Overall130100+30.0%
Housing180100+80.0%

Data source: Census and Statistics Department / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home PriceHK$12,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)HK$16000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)HK$20,000/mo
Price per Sq FtHK$8,000

Data source: Rating and Valuation Department / Midland Realty, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

HK$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
HK$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Hong Kong:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
ElectricityHK$400
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)HK$233Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
WaterHK$100Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)HK$200Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total UtilitiesHK$933Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: CLP Power, HK Electric, PCCW 2025

Remote Work Score

Hong Kong scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 130
Rent
— HK$16000
Sunny Days
— 170
Tax
— 15%
Unemployment
— 4.5%
Climate
— 91°F / 58°F
Safety
— 0.3 homicides/100k
Population
— 7,498,000
Internet Speed
— 300 Mbps

Climate

Hong Kong has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January78°F58°F2.5"
April76°F73°F2.8"
July91°F66°F1.5"
October71°F76°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7a

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Hong Kong faces the following natural hazards:

Typhoon Extreme Risk

Frequently affected by typhoons.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Landslide Moderate Risk

Hilly terrain with rain-induced landslides.

Flood Moderate Risk

Coastal and flash flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 15%
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year September to July
Term System Semester — Fall (Sep-Jan), Spring (Feb-Jul)
Summer Break July to August (7 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

Follows a mix of British and Chinese calendar traditions.

Universities & Higher Education

10
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Hong Kong is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Chinese
92.0%
Filipino
2.0%
Other
6.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
30.0%
High school graduate
30.0%
Less than high school
20.0%
Some college
20.0%

Religion

Buddhist/Taoist (syncretic)
50.0%
Christian
12.0%
Other
8.0%
Unaffiliated
30.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: Census and Statistics Department (2021)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hong Kong, Hong Kong?

The cost of living index in Hong Kong is 130, which is Higher the Hong Kong national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Hong Kong?

The median home price in Hong Kong is HK$12,000,000. The housing index is 180.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong is approximately HK$16000/mo.

Does Hong Kong, HK have income tax?

Hong Kong is in HK, which has an income tax rate of 15%.

What is the climate like in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong enjoys approximately 170 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 58°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Census and Statistics Department / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Rating and Valuation Department / Midland Realty, 2026
  • Income & Employment: Census and Statistics Department Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities CLP Power, HK Electric, PCCW 2025

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.