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London vs Hong Kong

Hong Kong runs about 15% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 615 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Happy Valley Racecourse at night
Hong Kong
$3,435/month · Hong Kong SAR
TypeZero · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Hong Kong monthly
$3,435
Index 54 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-15%
Hong Kong relative to London
Rent gap
$400
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonHong Kong
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Hong Kong $2,200. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Hong Kong $672. Cheaper in London.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Hong Kong $88. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Hong Kong $171. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Hong Kong $32. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Hong Kong $180. Cheaper in London.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Hong Kong $91. Cheaper in Hong Kong.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonHong Kong
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD3,435 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6354✓
Housing2,600 USD2,200 USD✓
Utilities267 USD171 USD✓
Food617 USD✓672 USD
Transport282 USD88 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓32 USD
Lifestyle169 USD✓180 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD7,155 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate28.6%14.1%✓
Left over each month1,902 USD3,720 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓3,000 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD2,200 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD4,600 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD✓22,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety66/10086/100✓
Healthcare84/10084/100
Air quality60/100✓52/100
Public transport92/10098/100✓
Walkability90/10092/100✓
English proficiency100/100✓72/100
Nightlife94/100✓84/100
Family friendliness72/10074/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps290 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C✓24°C
Summer high23°C✓31°C
Winter low3°C15°C✓
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h1,830 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm✓2400 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access90 min25 min✓
CurrencyGBPHKD
Time zoneEurope/LondonAsia/Hong_Kong

Hong Kong runs about 15% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 615 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in Hong KongConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Hong Kong cheaper?

Hong Kong runs about 15% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 615 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Hong Kong compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $7,155 in Hong Kong, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Hong Kong?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Hong Kong scores 86 and 84. London averages 12°C against 24°C in Hong Kong.