Budget & Costs
What does Hong Kong cost?
Hong Kong is a city of two price classes: The international side (hotels, rooftop bars, fine dining) is on par with London, while the local side (Cha Chaan Tengs, street markets, MTR) is surprisingly affordable. The key: Eat and live like the locals, and Hong Kong becomes affordable.
Typical Prices (Guidelines 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (HKD / EUR) |
|---|---|
| Dim Sum (per person, simple) | 60–120 HKD / 7–14 € |
| Cha Chaan Teng Meal | 40–70 HKD / 5–8 € |
| Street Food (Noodles, Wonton) | 30–50 HKD / 4–6 € |
| Restaurant (Mid-Range) | 150–300 HKD / 18–35 € |
| Beer in a Bar | 50–80 HKD / 6–9 € |
| Cocktail (Rooftop) | 120–180 HKD / 14–21 € |
| Hostel (Dormitory) | 150–300 HKD / 18–35 € |
| Hotel (Mid-Range, Double Room) | 700–1,500 HKD / 80–175 € |
| Star Ferry | 2.70 HKD / 0.30 € |
| MTR (Single Ride) | 5–30 HKD / 0.60–3.50 € |
| Peak Tram | 62 HKD / 7 € (Return) |
| Ngong Ping 360 (Round Trip) | 250 HKD / 29 € |
| Octopus Card (Deposit) | 50 HKD / 6 € |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (300–500 HKD / 35–60 € per day)
Hostels in Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui (the Chungking Mansions are legendary — chaotic, cheap, multicultural), street food and Cha Chaan Tengs, MTR and bus instead of taxi, free attractions (Star Ferry, night markets, temples, hiking trails). Hong Kong has surprisingly many free experiences — the skyline view costs nothing, and the best food is the cheapest.
Mid-Range (800–1,500 HKD / 95–175 € per day)
Boutique hotels in Sheung Wan or TST, a mix of Dim Sum restaurants and local eateries, the main attractions (Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360), occasionally a rooftop bar. The most comfortable way to experience Hong Kong. Tip: Hotels in Kowloon are often cheaper than on Hong Kong Island — and the view of the skyline is better.
Comfort / Luxury (2,000–5,000+ HKD / 235–590+ € per day)
The Peninsula (the grand dame of Hong Kong hotels), Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton (ICC Tower, 102nd–118th floor!), Michelin-starred Dim Sum, rooftop cocktails at the Ozone Bar (the highest bar in the world), private junk tour in the harbor, and helicopter flights over the skyline. Hong Kong's luxury segment is legendary — here, luxury has a long tradition.
Tipp
The Hong Kong hack: Have breakfast and lunch in Cha Chaan Tengs (Cantonese cafés) — the set lunch costs 40–60 HKD for soup, main course, and drink. In the evening: Dim Sum in a local restaurant (not the touristy ones!) for 80–120 HKD. This way, you can cover all three meals with 150–200 HKD (18–24 €) per day.
Money-Saving Tips
Hong Kong doesn't have to be expensive. The best strategies:
- Octopus Card: The rechargeable chip card (50 HKD deposit) works on the MTR, buses, ferries, at 7-Eleven, in supermarkets, and even in some restaurants. It saves 10% on MTR rides compared to single tickets and generally makes life easier.
- Cha Chaan Tengs: Hong Kong's "Ding-Dong" cafés (Cantonese everyday cafés) serve set meals with soup, main course, and milk tea for 40–60 HKD. More authentic than any tourist restaurant.
- Star Ferry instead of MTR: The crossing between TST and Central costs only 2.70 HKD — the MTR for the same route is 11 HKD. And the Star Ferry offers a better view.
- Free Attractions: Victoria Harbour Waterfront, Symphony of Lights (daily at 8 PM, free), Man Mo Temple, Nan Lian Garden (a beautiful Tang Dynasty garden in Diamond Hill), Hong Kong Park, hiking trails (all free).
- Happy Valley Racecourse: Wednesday evenings (season Sep–Jul) the horse racing track is the meeting point for locals and expats. Admission: 10 HKD. The atmosphere is electrifying — and drink prices are more reasonable than in the bars.
- Free Port Advantage: No VAT, no import duties — electronics, clothing, and luxury goods are often cheaper than in Europe. Compare prices before buying!
- Kowloon instead of Hong Kong Island: Hotels in TST or Mong Kok are often 30–40% cheaper than in Central — and the MTR takes you across the harbor in 5 minutes.
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