[jenncking]

I am planning on moving to HK with my company in Mid August as an expat. The package hasn't been put together yet and I am curious on what the real cost of living is. How much for a furnished apt? How much are beers at a bar?
Also, can you get a furnished apartment that isn't serviced? I am not excited about someone coming to clean up after me everyday. Does anyone recommend a neighborhood? I have heard Happy Valley and Midlevel are good sports for being in your late 20s and single. Thoughts?

[KnowItAll]

>> How much are beers at a bar?

Depends on where you drink and how posh you want to be about it.
HK$15-40 at happy hour and $30-50 after happy hour.

>> How much for a furnished apt?

Really depends on what you can negotiate and the size. Would recommend you take a look at http://www.gohome.com.hk. If you're in for the long haul, would recommend you buy your own funiture. Most apartments come with basic appliances (Fridge, stove etc)

[jenncking]

Why do you recommend buying new furniture and everything for only two years. Wouldn't the pain of finding it all at once and then selling it when I come back not be worth it?

[KnowItAll]

You will have to deal with your landlord's taste in furniture.

Seriously, you can negotiate with most landlords and tell them you need furniture. Some of them will be willing to add furniture to the flat, for fixed cost per month.

Do you know for sure that you're going back in 2 years.... a lot of us arrived in HK on a 2 year stint and are well into 10+

[marco69]

Hi there,
I am a bit confuse, if somebody who gonna to stay in hk for two years or less, the better go for furnished apartment ?
Thanks