Cost of Living in Sai Ying Pun

Betsy Burlingame

Understanding the the cost of living in Sai Ying Pun 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 16,000 – 22,000 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 12,000 – 18,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: HKD 30,000 – 45,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: HKD 25,000 – 35,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: HKD 150,000 – 200,000 Price per square meter outside city center: HKD 100,000 – 150,000
Transportation	One-way ticket on local transport: HKD 9 – 12 Monthly transport pass: HKD 500 – 700 Taxi starting tariff: HKD 24 – 30 Taxi 1km tariff: HKD 8 – 10 Gasoline (1 liter): HKD 16 – 20
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): HKD 20 – 25 Bread (500g): HKD 12 – 20 Rice (1kg): HKD 15 – 25 Eggs (12): HKD 20 – 30 Chicken breasts (1kg): HKD 50 – 80 Beef round (1kg): HKD 100 – 150 Apples (1kg): HKD 20 – 40 Tomatoes (1kg): HKD 15 – 30 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 – 600 McMeal at McDonald’s: HKD 35 – 45 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 6 – 12
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 – 300 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: HKD 50,000 – 100,000 per year Elementary school tuition: HKD 100,000 – 200,000 per year Middle school tuition: HKD 150,000 – 250,000 per year High school tuition: HKD 200,000 – 300,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Sai Ying Pun

“Sai Ying Pun is considered one of the more expensive areas to live in Hong Kong. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite high. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also relatively high compared to other cities. Groceries in Sai Ying Pun can be expensive, with items such as bread, milk, and eggs costing more than in other parts of the world. Eating out at restaurants can also be costly, especially at mid-range to high-end establishments. Public transportation in Sai Ying Pun is efficient and relatively affordable, but owning a car can be expensive due to high costs of petrol and parking. Healthcare in Hong Kong is of high quality, but it can be expensive if you do not have insurance. Overall, while the cost of living in Sai Ying Pun is high, it is reflective of the high standard of living and the amenities available in this vibrant and bustling part of Hong Kong,” said one expat living in Sai Ying Pun.

Can I live in Sai Ying Pun on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Hong Kong for a few years now, and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month in Sai Ying Pun is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and smart budgeting. The first thing you’ll need to consider is housing. Rent in Sai Ying Pun can be quite expensive, especially if you’re looking for a place with modern amenities. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to save on rent. When it comes to food, eating out in Hong Kong can be pricey, especially in more upscale restaurants. However, there are plenty of affordable local eateries and street food options in Sai Ying Pun that can help you save on food expenses. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. Transportation in Hong Kong is relatively affordable, and Sai Ying Pun is well-connected by public transport, including the MTR, buses, and trams. You can save money by using an Octopus card and taking advantage of discounts on public transport. As for entertainment and socializing, you might have to cut back on expensive activities like going to bars and clubs, as these can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, you can explore the many free or low-cost attractions in Hong Kong, such as hiking trails, parks, and cultural events. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, you might want to consider areas like Sham Shui Po or Mong Kok, which are known for their lower living costs. On the other hand, you should probably avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Central, Admiralty, and Wan Chai, as living there on a $1,500 budget would be quite challenging. Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Sai Ying Pun is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and smart budgeting. By being mindful of your spending and taking advantage of the affordable options available, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Sai Ying Pun.

Can I live in Sai Ying Pun on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Hong Kong for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Sai Ying Pun, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a smaller apartment, as rent can be quite high in this area. You might want to consider sharing an apartment with roommates to save on rent. I’ve found that the best way to find affordable housing is to look for local listings on websites like 28Hse or Spacious.In terms of transportation, the MTR is quite affordable and efficient, so you won’t have to worry too much about that. However, you might have to cut back on taxis, as they can be quite expensive in Hong Kong. I usually use the MTR or buses to get around, and it works out just fine.Eating out can also be quite expensive, especially if you’re used to Western-style restaurants. I’ve found that eating at local eateries and food stalls is not only more affordable but also a great way to experience the local culture. You can find some great local dishes for just a few dollars. Of course, you can still treat yourself to a nice meal every once in a while, but it’s best to cook at home most of the time to save money.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Hong Kong. You can explore the many parks, hiking trails, and beaches, or visit some of the city’s many museums and cultural sites. There are also plenty of affordable bars and clubs in the area, so you won’t have to miss out on the nightlife.If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, you might want to consider areas like Sham Shui Po or Tai Wai. These areas are a bit further away from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options and a more local experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more upscale neighborhoods, you might want to avoid areas like Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui, as these areas tend to be more expensive.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Sai Ying Pun is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability,” said one expat living in Sai Ying Pun.

Can I live in Sai Ying Pun on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Sai Ying Pun for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a smaller apartment, as the rent can be quite high in this area. You might want to consider looking for a place in the nearby neighborhoods of Kennedy Town or Shek Tong Tsui, which are slightly more affordable.When it comes to dining out, you’ll need to be mindful of your budget. There are plenty of local eateries and street food options that are delicious and affordable, but you might have to cut back on dining at high-end restaurants. You can also save money by cooking at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.Transportation is relatively affordable in Hong Kong, especially if you use public transportation like the MTR, buses, and trams. Taxis can be more expensive, so try to limit your use of them. If you’re looking to save even more, consider walking or cycling to nearby destinations.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Hong Kong. You can visit parks, go hiking, or explore the city’s many cultural attractions. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like frequent nights out at bars and clubs, or attending high-priced events and concerts.In terms of shopping, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Hong Kong has a wide range of shopping options, from high-end luxury stores to more affordable local markets. Stick to the latter if you’re on a tight budget, and try to avoid impulse purchases.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Sai Ying Pun is possible, but you’ll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By being mindful of your budget and taking advantage of the more affordable options Hong Kong has to offer, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Sai Ying Pun.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Additional Information:

Visit our Sai Ying Pun Index for a Full List