[GreatDanes]

We are a couple from Denmark who are coming to study at The University of Hong Kong for a semester.

We have rented a 2 bed-room flat at Cheung Chau island for HKD 5.000 a month.

This was the cheapest we could get. However, we are a bit confused about the costs of living in HK. Our calculations are as follows (on a monthly basis):

Gas, electricity, air-con: 600 HKD
Fairy: 1.500 HKD
Bus/metro: 1.000 HKD
Food: 6.000 HKD

We are particularly unsure about the food budget. Our expectations are to eat breakfast at home (oat meal with milk) and eat lunch and dinner at food stalls or cheap restaurants. Basically, we are just interested in doing it cheap, but without gaining in weight

Could anyone please be of help. Remember the numbers stated are for two people.

[PDLM]

Yes - it is certainly possible to eat for two off that budget for a month, but you aren't going to be visiting many upscale restaurants, or consuming much alcohol.

If you get the ordinary ferry from Cheung Chau then a monthly ticket is $420 so you could save there.

But that is rather a long commute you've given yourself: probably 90 mins each way door-to-door which is going to leave you quite isolated from other people studying there, who often live within quite close proximity of the University.

[GreatDanes]

Originally Posted by PDLM

Yes - it is certainly possible to eat for two off that budget for a month, but you aren't going to be visiting many upscale restaurants, or consuming much alcohol.

If you get the ordinary ferry from Cheung Chau then a monthly ticket is $420 so you could save there.

But that is rather a long commute you've given yourself: probably 90 mins each way door-to-door which is going to leave you quite isolated from other people studying there, who often live within quite close proximity of the University.

Good to know with regards to the food. The alcohol is on a different budget

We will use the fast ferry in order to cut down on the journey. I have calculated that it should take no more than 50 mins. from our door to the uni. 5 min. with bicycle to the pier, 25-30 min to HK Island. Then 10-15 min. by bus to the uni. Is this totally off?

[PDLM]

If the ferry leaves the moment you board, and the bus comes the moment you arrive at the bus stop then maybe. But add 10 minutes at least on average, and the bus could be a lot slower in busy traffic.

[kirlex]

Your budget looks manageble. Just stay away from Lan Kwai Fong. Hong Kong is a city where you can live on any budget, it is all up to you. Some locals manage on 8K a month, others I know earn over 50K a month and are still aways broke!

[chillifontain]

Originally Posted by GreatDanes

We are a couple from Denmark who are coming to study at The University of Hong Kong for a semester.

We have rented a 2 bed-room flat at Cheung Chau island for HKD 5.000 a month.

This was the cheapest we could get. However, we are a bit confused about the costs of living in HK. Our calculations are as follows (on a monthly basis):

Gas, electricity, air-con: 600 HKD
Fairy: 1.500 HKD
Bus/metro: 1.000 HKD
Food: 6.000 HKD

We are particularly unsure about the food budget. Our expectations are to eat breakfast at home (oat meal with milk) and eat lunch and dinner at food stalls or cheap restaurants. Basically, we are just interested in doing it cheap, but without gaining in weight

Could anyone please be of help. Remember the numbers stated are for two people.

Hi,

I think you can find cheaper rent in Cheung Chau. It is where I'm living now. I have 2 bedrooms (700sq) for HK4000 a month. Contact me if you want to find out more.

[GreatDanes]

It was impossible for us to find any cheaper rent. Although, our apartment sounds the exact same as yours. We have rented through the agency "Seascape Peninsula", located on the remote South-East part of the island.

Where do you live?

And how long does it take with the fast ferry - approx. 30 min?

[tvrlover]

how is Cheung Chau island ? I was thinking of going and checking it out.

[GreatDanes]

How much would you put aside for fun e.g. going out, cinema etc.?

We have calculated 6.000 HKD pr. month for the two of us. That's 100 HKD a day pr. person.

Is this too little? It should be said that we are not the kind of people that spend more than 500 HKD a night when going out.

I am asking because I'm not aware of the habits of the foreign students? Are they going to expensive clubs or just hanging in the bars?

[chillifontain]

Originally Posted by GreatDanes

It was impossible for us to find any cheaper rent. Although, our apartment sounds the exact same as yours. We have rented through the agency "Seascape Peninsula", located on the remote South-East part of the island.

Where do you live?

And how long does it take with the fast ferry - approx. 30 min?

That's exactly I am living now!! I live in House A. When will you move in? Drop me an email on angelalam511@yahoo.com.hk

Yes fast one takes 30 mins.