Moving to HK

Posted by RichardRHK (360 days ago)

Hi, I've just changed career (I'm 48, divorced, no ties) and, following three years at uni, am considering moving to HK. The job I am in the process of applying for pays about HK$17,400 per month; what standard of living can I expect for this salary? From what I've seen, I don't think I could survive the 12 month contract but I'd like confirmation before passing up this opportunity. Thanks.

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Posted by lungmeisaikung (360 days ago)

Hi > if you are frugal and to make the most of things on a small budget you may be able to eeke by here if you can find a share flat

Posted by RichardRHK (360 days ago)

Thanks, that's what I thought.

Posted by Philip1958 (359 days ago)

Hi, Richard
We are almost of the same situation(same age group, facing career change) but I am rather fortunate with close tie with my family. Your contract is not that bad to live peacefully and freely in HK (of course, this does not mean luxury life but can regard as better than middle class life) I think you will spend around 40% of your pay for rental(some family spend more than 50% in apartment). With the rest 10K, you can spend around 1K in Transportation, and for Eat and Clothings, you have 9K left which is around $300 a day on average(more than enough cause the Food and Clothings in HK is rather reasonable) and you can have savings if you spend less than that. You can contact me by email philip58@vip.163.com for living details in HK cause I have been here for more than 49 years(you know my age now).

Posted by ldsllvn (359 days ago)

we have been in HK for 6 mnths now (nothing like Philip of course!!) and I find it extremely expensive... To be honest I would struggle (really - really struggle) on $17,400 per month.. Richard, if you are planning on trying to save any money here, I dont think you will...

Posted by RichardRHK (359 days ago)

Thanks for the comments guys, I think I'll wait for another contract.

Posted by Claire (359 days ago)

BTW, you also have to pay 5% of your salary into the mandatory provident fund (maximum $1,000 per month, $12K per year). Employer deducts this a source. And utilities. And tax - in HK you get an annual tax bill and you also pay provisional tax on the next year's salary, although if you can prove you will not be working in the following tax year you can get a 'waiver'.

Just some other things to bear in mind when considering a contract.