How expensive is Hong Kong? How much money do I need for Hong Kong?
How much does a trip to Hong Kong cost? Is Hong Kong cheap or expensive? The average Hong Kong trip cost is broken down by category here. All of these Hong Kong prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers to find the price of travel.
Accommodation Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Hong Kong is HK$599. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Hong Kong is HK$1,199. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
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The cost of a taxi ride in Hong Kong is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent HK$68 per person, per day, on local transportation in Hong Kong.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
HK$68
Typical prices for Transportation in Hong Kong are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Transportation prices in Hong Kong, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Intercity Transportation Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
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Transportation between cities and towns in Hong Kong costs an average of HK$902, based on spending from travelers. Naturally, prices vary by the length of the route, the type of transportation used, and the date.
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Intercity Transportation1
Travel between cities
HK$902
How much does it cost to go to Hong Kong? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Hong Kong will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
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While meal prices in Hong Kong can vary, the average cost of food in Hong Kong is HK$256 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Hong Kong should cost around HK$102 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Hong Kong is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food2
Meals for one day
HK$256
Typical prices for Food in Hong Kong are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Hong Kong, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Entertainment Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
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Entertainment and activities in Hong Kong typically cost an average of HK$742 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
HK$742
Typical prices for Entertainment in Hong Kong are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Hong Kong, but your costs will vary based on your travel style.
Tips and Handouts Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
Alcohol Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about HK$163 on alcoholic beverages in Hong Kong per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
HK$163
Water Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, people spend HK$20 on bottled water in Hong Kong per day. The public water in Hong Kong is considered safe to drink.
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Water2
Bottled water for one day
HK$20
Hong Kong On a Budget
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
Hong Kong is so much more than a tourist destination. It's a booming city that has something to offer everyone. There are some districts that are popular with tourists, but if you really want to see the true Hong Kong you should look beyond the tourist attractions. There are several popular neighborhoods to hang out in as a traveler. Downtown Hong Kong is where you'll find some of the city's best shopping. Lan Kwai Fong is the place to go to grab a drink at a bar or a nice meal in a restaurant. Soho has a lot of the city's top entertainment and Sheung Wan has some smaller shops that reflect the area's colonial past. If you're looking for department store shopping head to Causeway Bay. For the best view of the skyline walk along the Kowloon Waterfront. This will offer you the most quintessential look at the city's skyline.
Another popular activity in Hong Kong is horse racing. Between September and June you can check out the races twice weekly. Many people choose to gamble, but if you're not the betting type it's fun to go and watch the festivities as well. Some people can be rather outspoken and involved so it's a great opportunity to see Hong Kong's culture.
At A Glance
- Octopus cards are an efficient way to pay for public transportation around Hong Kong. They offer access to the entire public transportation system with just a swipe of your card. The cards are only truly efficient however if you plan to be in Hong Kong for at least a few months. Those who are passing through will likely do better if they pay as they go.
- There are ferries that connect most of the islands around Hong Kong. The most popular route for tourists is the Star Ferry which runs between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central Hong Kong. It offers spectacular views, particularly in the early morning or late at night.
- If you're interested in festivals there are some great ones in Hong Kong. Some of the more popular festivals in the city include Chinese (Lunar) New Year, Mid Autumn Festival, and Hungry Ghost Festival.
- Most people don't head to Hong Kong for the beaches, but if you really want to find one some of the better options are found around Repulse Bay, Shek O, and Hung Shing Yeh Beach.
- Prices in Hong Kong are very high if you're coming from elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Still, you might be able to find some decent deals in some of the many shopping centers that are all around the city. Most sell western style clothing and some of the knockoff labels can be purchased for a cheap price.
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hostel in China?
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Shanghai?
Top Tourist Attractions
Victoria Peak: Take the Peak Tram up to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning view of the city from Peak Tower. Like most places in Hong Kong, you'll not only find an observation deck at the top, but also a shopping mall. You can also grab a nice dinner and wander through some museums.
Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront: This area is popular with backpackers as it is where you'll find most of the budget accommodation. There are a few nicer hotels here as well. It's a great place to explore. You can wander along the pedestrian only promenade and check out the Hong Kong skyline as it lights up at night.
"Ladies' Market": Go shopping at this famous street market. It's the place to go to find cheap knock off items or low cost clothing. It's located in in Mong Kok and can be reached by MTR or by bus.
Popular Foods
Hong Kong is a food lovers' destination. Check out this
Hong Kong food guide for more info and suggestions. Most locals eat out frequently so you'll find no shortage of restaurants around the city. There are any number of food options available from Chinese to Western style restaurants. Most have their own unique Hong Kong flare.
Dim Sum: Dim sum is similar to tapas in that you are served a variety of small dishes. Servers circle the restaurant with carts full of items which diners can choose from. Dumplings, fried rice, and noodle dishes are often among the options available.
Siu Mei: This is a pork dish that is popular all over Hong Kong. The meat is typically roasted over an open fire or in a rotisserie oven. It's prepared with a honey sauce and often has a rich barbecue flavor.
Chinese Hot Pot: Boil yourself up a soup at your table with a traditional Chinese Hot Pot. It's usually prepared with a broth base. Diners cook the thinly sliced meat and vegetables at the table until it makes a soup type dish.
