Tools and checklists

Cost-of-living calculator

Monthly total, three scenarios, arrival costs and an emergency reserve.

RentHK$1,500 – HK$12,000HK$UtilitiesHK$0 – HK$1,200HK$TransportHK$250 – HK$900HK$FoodHK$2,500 – HK$8,000HK$Mobile phoneHK$80 – HK$300HK$InsuranceHK$150 – HK$800HK$Study expensesHK$200 – HK$1,000HK$LeisureHK$500 – HK$3,500HK$Family expensesAdd childcare, school and extra food hereHK$

Estimated monthly total

HK$14,100

Per year: HK$169,200

Scenarios

Low

HK$5,180

Shared hall, cook often

Medium

HK$14,100

Shared flat, mix of eating out

High

HK$27,700

Studio, eat out daily

One-time arrival costs

Rental deposit (usually 2 months)	HK$0–HK$24,000
First month's rent in advance	HK$0–HK$12,000
Agent commission (often half a month)	HK$0–HK$6,000
Bedding, kitchen and basics	HK$800–HK$4,000
SIM card, Octopus deposit and adapters	HK$200–HK$500
Temporary accommodation (10–14 nights)	HK$0–HK$12,000
Arrival costs, low to high	HK$1,000–HK$58,500

Suggested emergency reserve (3 months)

HK$42,300

Keep this aside for medical bills, a flat that falls through or a flight home.

Indicative estimates. Prices change and vary by lifestyle; confirm before you commit.