[henryhg]

Is it doable to live in HK for $30k a month salary?

I have a job lead that pays around that amount, there will be no housing allowance since I will be considered as a local hire. Is it better if I negotiate to get a housing allowance?

The office is in new territory area, so I will probably find an apt in that area as well.

Also I am single, so the only big expenses would be eating out and the occasional shopping and drinking out on weekends.

Thanks for any input.

[backpacker]

more than enough based the lifestyle you are talking about..you can get a decent flat in NT for $7-8K

[Mattny81]

For sure it is doable. It really just depends on your level life style you are accustomed to, and weather you can live with living on a smaller budget. Rent out in new territories is decent.

[via]

30K per month is more than enough for a decent life style in HK as long as you are not into gambling or like to play it big in the Stock Exchange. As for living location and “office in new territory area” it depends on where you want to live. If you like pubs, bars and likes to party into the early hours then you may want to stay in HK Island, rent will be expensive (expect to pay 10K+ per month, Central, CWB and Wan chi area) and travel cost will add-up. If you don’t mind living away from the night life then you can choose to live in new territory (rent will be around 7-10Kper month).

[jaykay]

Pubs and bars are also available in the New Territories, including expat hang outs! Partying to the early hours, no problem at all. Obviously not as many expat orientated bars but nonetheless they are there and are good (cheap as well).

Rents in NT, all depends on where you live. There are places from less that $5K per month and as for upper limit well hundreds of thousands! $30K a month certainly doable and can give you a relatively comfortable life.

[gilleshk]

Considering that many workers in HK make less than 10K/month and even many university graduates don't even make 20K/month. I'd say you'll be able to survive...

In NT, you'll get a nice flat for less than 10K, food and normal expenses shouldn't run you over 10K/month, save 5K for taxes and that leaves 5K to do what you wish with...

[jimbo]

Pretty much spot on for most of the comments already.

Budget around $6-8k a month for an apartment, You will have plenty of choices in the NT for that sort of money.

If you're working in NT then the commute to work etc won't cost you much on the KCR/buses etc.

I would say nearer 10k a month on expendable income after taking into account your rent/monthly bills etc.

[newgal]

In NT, you'll get a nice flat for less than 10K, food and normal expenses shouldn't run you over 10K/month, save 5K for taxes and that leaves 5K to do what you wish with...[/quote]



5k for taxes? Are you sure?

[gilleshk]

Well to be exact it should be 4100/month if you make 30K/month

First 120 000 will be 8400 and then 17% of the 240 000 remaining.

Of course it may be a little less depending on deductions

[wtbhotia]

Originally Posted by gilleshk

Well to be exact it should be 4100/month if you make 30K/month

First 120 000 will be 8400 and then 17% of the 240 000 remaining.

Of course it may be a little less depending on deductions

first 100k is free, anything after that is taxed.