Posted by
Beermoney
11 yrs ago
Buddha I don't want to say you cant live on 14.5k, because someone will comment, that's easy to do. I will say that I know a young guy who came to HK on a similar salary and is still here, but was not really enjoying living on the money.
I would advise you to get photos of the apartment on offer as some companies don't mind putting you in 120 square feet. Check the location as well as thsi may be important to you. Don't assume anything!
Re the prices on items.
This supermarket link will let you search the prices on food items and basic needs.
http://shop.wellcome.com.hk/jsp/sys/Sf_render.jsp?hf_s_id=WD11&hf_srv_id=Pv_fcu_home&hs_resol=1024
Restaurant Prices ( the delivery service will give your an idea)
http://www.sohodelivery.com.hk/restaurant.asp
Pint of beer is $40-$100 depending on location and Happy hour or not
Movie ticket is about $90
A Big Mac meal is about $33
Buses(citybus), trains (MTR)and trams are very cheap.
Do your research and make an informed choice so you don't get screwed along the way.
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Ed
11 yrs ago
You'll be able to squeeze by on that but it will be tough to save...
But then if the point of coming to HK is to pursue adventure and opportunity then why not give it a go...
HK is an absolutely amazing place where anything can happen... once you are on the ground who knows what other job options will come up...
Lots of people land in HK with no job and no visa... so you are already a big step ahead of them...
I originally came over on as PE teacher at an International School on not much more cash than that and without housing... I wasn't overly keen on teaching but that was a means to an ends that allowed me to stay until I was able to pursue other career interests...
It often comes down to suburbia vs adventure... your call.
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I am looking to save around 5000 HKD. Do you think this is reasonable after bills, transport, food, bit of entertainment?
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Oski
11 yrs ago
Yes, it can be done, but it will be tight.
to save 5,000, you would have only 9,500 to spend for food, utilities, phone, internet, transport, etc.
It would mean shop at local wet markets for groceries, and cook for yourself. (or a steady diet of very cheap Chinese takeouts.)
you can push food bill down to about 3k
utility, phones, etc will run just under 2k
Transportation is hard to estimate, depends your work/living location. lets say that costs 1k
so you got about 3k left to cover clothing, and occasional cost overruns. (there are always cost overruns when budget is cut this tight.)
So possible, but very tight.
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Wouldn't pay my drinks bill. Takes all types, though.
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It would be tough...
You say you like socialising, so 14,500 is your base, luckily rent which is the biggest expense is covered, and we are coming into Winter so you aren't going to be using the Air Con like you would in Summer which will save some cash.
Food, you can shop at the Wetmarket but by the time you have bought all the separate ingredients you could probably have paid less for a similar meal on one of the many options - which is often the basics of Rice, Vegetable and some form of Meat.
If you go socialising, you don't want to be someone who waits for somebody else to buy the drinks, but as a lot of people do you could join the 7/11 club for your pre-partying drinks, but if you want a big night out, your tab will run into the 1000's
Depending on where you live, travel will be a few dollars (ferry and tram) or more if you need taxi's though still not that expensive.
There are always things that you need to buy, be is clothes, electronic equipment etc and you will likely want some form of internet..
All in all, 14,500 is doable, but living in HK, Socialising, Saving 5000 a month to pay off debts and then travelling to China is probably not doable... plus if you don't spend some money on exploring the city you will end up being miserable.
On the bright side people here move jobs every 5 minutes, so you could always get something that pays more once settled, although you will need a decent jump if you want to offset the fact you aren't paying rent as that will likely set you back a fair bit, unless you go and live somewhere like Lamma!
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it all depends what standard you want to live. of course you can live with $15K per month, and also make some saving if you eat cup noodles every day, take the bus (or walk), don't entertain, don't go out at night, etc... don't spend or spend the minimum.
saying that, 1 single dinner for 4-6 could cost over $15K.
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gdep
11 yrs ago
Here is the breakdown on a daily basis
Breakfast $30 - $40 including coffee - Standard Pret
Lunch $70-$120 - Most places in Central (2-3 sets)
Dinner&Drinks $150-$200 - Most places in Central (2-3 sets)
low to high $250-$450
Avg $350
Assume you would do this for ~30 days.. you are spending 10K..
Electricity, water, internet, mobile - 1K
MTR, occassional taxi - 1K
Savings 2.5K
If you manage your daily expense smartly.. ( 2 for 1 dinners, amex deals etc).. may be you save 1K more
be a bit local, eat at home occasionally and most time breakfasts at home.. another 1-2K..
Not easy .. your credit card bill will go pretty fast..
btw, think what's your alternative .. if its sitting at home .. then do take the job.. and try to be a bit local..
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nzjag
11 yrs ago
what are you lunatics talking about - my salary is 15k and i pay my own dam rent. i live in wanchai as well
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how much is your rent nzjag? you have much money left over for a social life/saving?
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HK$14,500 is a reasonable salary for a local in HK who either normally lives with his/her parents or has public housing. If accomadation is included, it's okay but you'll need to be very careful with food. Just out of interest, where are you from and what is your job?
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HK$14,500 is a reasonable salary for a local in HK who either normally lives with his/her parents or has public housing. If accomadation is included, it's okay but you'll need to be very careful with food. Just out of interest, where are you from and what is your job?
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I'm from New Zealand and was presented a junior systems analyst position for either the Hong Kong or Shanghai branch of a technology corporation. While Hong Kong was my first choice it seems my adjusted salary will go further in Shanghai.. I only just graduated so I feel as though this is a great opportunity regardless of the questionable salary.
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You still have to pay tax, and provisional tax on top, is that for your account or the employer takes care of that?
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doggy
11 yrs ago
Breakfast $30 - $40 including coffee - Standard Pret
Lunch $70-$120 - Most places in Central (2-3 sets)
Dinner&Drinks $150-$200 - Most places in Central (2-3 sets)
low to high $250-$450
Avg $350
$350 a day - for food! Are you guys high?
There is this little thing called 'shopping'. $14500 will be fine if your housing if paid for but don't expect highlife at Mid-Levels every night. Just spend what you need, cook at home and a couple of nights out a week and you'll be fine.
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gdep
11 yrs ago
dreambuddha,
i guess shanghai experience will be more valuable in the long run.. rather than HK.. HK IT sector is not that great to be in..
Also Shanghai is way cheaper to live ..
doggy,
i was quoting at the high end lifestyle.. (some ppl from banking industry i know live with the above budget) you can live within $100/day in HK easily as well..
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I grew up in HK and see people manage to live on 9K a month with saving as long as you don't blow it all on drinks in bars! 14.5K is way more than enough to live a humble life in HK since you don't even have to pay rent unless you have a credit card bill to pay.
I totally agree with gdep you can live within $100/day been there done it myself it's not that hard as long as yo don't let your banker colleagues to get you to go to expensive places all the time!
Good luck.
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Put 5K on a side, you still have 9.5K to spend, sum of basic phone bill and internet connection should not be more than a total of $800 unless you're using premium plans.
That leaves you 8.7K to spend means you have $290 to spend everyday.
Transportation doesn't cost much lets say not more than $20, breakfast at home cost you $10-$15 a day. As for lunch even in Central area there're some local Chinese restaurant called "Cha Chan Teng" everywhere a lunch set won't cost more than $70. Take away lunch boxes from Chinese restaurants are even cheaper they are normally around $40. Either get Chinese restaurant take away for dinner or you can cook at home which is even cheaper. After transportation and meals each day you'll still have around $150 left to have a pint or two somewhere. If not you can get cheap drinks from 7/11 or Parknshop.
All the best
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You can also use municipal swimming pools and gyms which are good value.HK$17 for a swim in a 50m pool.
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190k
11 yrs ago
ignore gdep go for it. HK is the land of opportunities and those who want to make it. Don't get caught up in the evening drinking scene and you will be fine. Families of four live on that and they pay rent just depends on the life style you want
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You will End up spending extra 5000 , so 19000 is minimum withoiut going out on fridays and all!!!
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