By Rory Boland
Hong Kong/Macau Travel Expert, about.com
Is Hong Kong expensive? It's one of the most common questions asked by potential visitors to the city, with the assumption that it is. Hong Kong certainly has the potential to cause a raid on your bank account. If you want to, it’s possible to spend more on life’s little luxuries in Hong Kong than anywhere else on earth - the five star Hong Kong hotels will certainly help empty your wallet.
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But
the city needn't be a pricey proposition. It's easier to save money
here than in most other world cities that's to cut price transport,
cheap food and attractions, sights and experiences that largely
free. Below, we look at the average price for goods and services.
Price of accommodation in Hong Kong
Sit
down. This will upset you. Hong Kong has some of the most squeezed real
estate in the world and busiest hotel markets in the world - it means
there are as many visitors as there are rooms and that pushes costs up.
Expect to pay HK$1,800 (US$230) and upwards for a five star and HK$600 (US$77) and up for a three star.
Stays in guesthouses and dorms start as low as HK$150 (US$20), although they are very low quality.
Price of transport in Hong Kong
Cheap,
cheap and cheap. Hong Kong has a fantastic public transport system
where prices are kept low to try and encourage people from using cars on
the traffic clogged streets. A Star ferry ticket to cross the harbour
is just HK$2.50 (US$0.30), while an MTR ride around downtown will costs
HK$10 (US$1.20)
Price of eating out in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
is not only a fantastic place to eat out but you don't need to spend
much to eat well. There are Cantonese restaurants on every street corner
and the classic combo of rice and char siu can go for as little as
HK$30 (US$4), although HK$60 (US$8) is a more likely price. Costs jump
if you want eat British or international food with a decent burger place
charging HK$100 (US$13) and a dinner at Gordon Ramsey's Bread Street Kitchen HK$200 (US$25)
Price of going out in Hong Kong
If you like a pint or three, Hong Kong has the potential to clean you out. A pint of local lager in Lan Kwai Fong
will set you back HK$60 ($8) and cocktails topping HK$100 (US$13). Away
from the bars, a movie ticket is about HK$60 (US$8) and a takeaway
coffee HK$30 (US$4). Incidentals can very quickly add up.
Cheap or expensive
Ultimately,
Hong Kong can be a relatively cheap holiday. Stick to the local
restaurants, walk the streets and markets and stay at a three star hotel
and you won't leave with an empty pocket. But choose steaks and pints
of imported beer and credit card bills will stack up quickly.
