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Could You Afford to Live in Hong Kong? 🇭🇰
Is Hong Kong Expensive? Cost of Living Comparison with ShenZ
Is Hong Kong really as expensive as everyone says?
Everyone told us the same thing before visiting Hong Kong...
"It's ridiculously expensive."
So we decided to find out ourselves.
In this vlog, we explore Hong Kong for the first time staying there, compare prices with nearby Shenzhen, check out...
Is Hong Kong really as expensive as everyone said? Everyone told us the same thing before visiting Hong Kong... 'It's ridiculously expensive.' So we decided to find out ourselves. In this vlog, we explore Hong Kong for the first time staying there, compare prices with nearby Shenzhen, check out the cost of accommodation, try some local food, and see whether life in one of Asia's most famous cities is really as expensive as people say. From tiny apartments and sky-high rents to surprisingly affordable meals and hidden value around the city, Hong Kong turned out to be very different from what I expected. Has Hong Kong changed? And could you actually afford to live here? 📍 Hong Kong 🍜 Local food prices 🏠 Apartment & room costs 🇭🇰 Hong Kong vs Shenzhen 💰 Cost of living reality check
Pat and Giulia put the myth of Hong Kong's sky-high costs to the test. From tiny apartments and street food bargains to a head-to-head comparison with Shenzhen, they uncover surprising value. This vlog asks the real question: is Hong Kong affordable or just overhyped? A candid, eye-opening look at one of Asia's most expensive reputations.
Is Hong Kong really as expensive as everyone said? Everyone told us the same thing before visiting Hong Kong... 'It's ridiculously expensive.' So we decided to find out ourselves. In this vlog, we explore Hong Kong for the first time staying there, compare prices with nearby Shenzhen, check out the cost of accommodation, try some local food, and see whether life in one of Asia's most famous cities is really as expensive as people say. From tiny apartments and sky-high rents to surprisingly affordable meals and hidden value around the city, Hong Kong turned out to be very different from what I expected. Has Hong Kong changed? And could you actually afford to live here? 📍 Hong Kong 🍜 Local food prices 🏠 Apartment & room costs 🇭🇰 Hong Kong vs Shenzhen 💰 Cost of living reality check
Pat & Giulia challenge the common belief that Hong Kong is prohibitively expensive. They explore the cost of living, comparing it with nearby Shenzhen. Their hotel room, a tiny £40-a-night box with mould issues, highlights the sky-high property costs. Yet they discover affordable local cafeterias where a full breakfast of coffee, egg sandwich, and pineapple bun costs just £7. A spontaneous Taiwanese dinner turns out to be the cheapest meal yet. They meet a Pakistani-born Hong Konger who explains the city's diversity and strong passport. Shopping for international brands like Birkenstocks is cheaper in Hong Kong than in mainland China due to tax differences. They also find that while food is generally pricier than the mainland, street food and takeaway options offer good value. The key driver of high prices is property, not quality. They advise visitors to come to Hong Kong first for better deals on accommodation, and to use eSIMs like Simify to avoid expensive data roaming. Overall, they conclude Hong Kong is misunderstood — it's expensive in some ways but offers hidden value, and it's safer and more vibrant than London. The city's eating-out culture and safety make it a worthwhile destination for smart travelers.
Pat & Giulia challenge the myth that Hong Kong is unaffordable. They discover that while property costs are sky-high, savvy travelers can find cheap eats, bargain shopping, and even affordable hotel rooms. From a £7 breakfast to a spontaneous Taiwanese dinner that was the cheapest meal yet, Hong Kong surprises with hidden value. The city is safer and more vibrant than London, and it's all about knowing where to look.
Pat & Giulia explore Hong Kong's cost of living, finding surprising affordability in food and shopping despite high property prices, with insights on saving and
Hong Kong Cost of Living: Affordable or Expensive? 2026
10:28 If you're visiting Hong Kong, come here first before mainland China. Accommodation deals are often better, and you can adjust to the higher prices gradually.
14:00 One Chai is one of the best areas to stay for a low-budget experience. Avoid the touristy and rough Chun King Mansion area for a more authentic feel.
18:32 International brands like Birkenstocks and Apple products are cheaper in Hong Kong than in mainland China due to tax differences. Great for shopping.
15:36 To save on data while traveling, use an eSIM like Simify. Avoid expensive daily roaming charges from your home provider, which can be £3 per day.
21:18 Don't be afraid of Hong Kong's high prices. Look for local cafeterias and Taiwanese-style eateries for affordable meals. A light dinner for two can be under £10.
10:28 If you're visiting Hong Kong, come here first before mainland China. Accommodation deals are often better, and you can adjust to the higher prices gradually.
14:00 One Chai is one of the best areas to stay for a low-budget experience. Avoid the touristy and rough Chun King Mansion area for a more authentic feel.
18:32 International brands like Birkenstocks and Apple products are cheaper in Hong Kong than in mainland China due to tax differences. Great for shopping.
15:36 To save on data while traveling, use an eSIM like Simify. Avoid expensive daily roaming charges from your home provider, which can be £3 per day.
21:18 Don't be afraid of Hong Kong's high prices. Look for local cafeterias and Taiwanese-style eateries for affordable meals. A light dinner for two can be under £10.
0:01 Introduction to Hong Kong
0:11 Second time in Hong Kong
1:47 Meeting a Pakistani Hong Konger
5:41 Hotel room cost and size
8:21 Lockhart Road market
10:28 Advice: come to HK first
14:00 Best areas to stay
15:36 Sponsor: Simify eSIM
17:00 Affordable breakfast cost
18:32 Shopping for brands cheaper
0:01 Introduction to Hong Kong
0:11 Second time in Hong Kong
1:47 Meeting a Pakistani Hong Konger
5:41 Hotel room cost and size
8:21 Lockhart Road market
10:28 Advice: come to HK first
14:00 Best areas to stay
15:36 Sponsor: Simify eSIM
17:00 Affordable breakfast cost
18:32 Shopping for brands cheaper
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Because of property prices — the rent is so high that it drives up the cost of everything else, from food to hotels.
Can you actually afford to live in Hong Kong?
Yes, if you're smart about it. You can find affordable meals at local cafeterias for around £7, and shopping for international brands is cheaper than in mainland China.
Is Hong Kong really as expensive as everyone says?
It's a mixed bag. Hotels are pricey and small, but dining and shopping can be surprisingly good value if you know where to go.
