Hong Kong is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Hong Kong?
You should plan to spend around $196 (HK$1,523) per day on your vacation in Hong Kong. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $54 (HK$422) on meals
- $8.78 (HK$68) on local transportation
- $154 (HK$1,199) on hotels
A one week trip to Hong Kong for two people costs, on average, $2,743 (HK$21,322). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,371
HK$10,661
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,743
HK$21,322
-
One Month
Per person
$5,877
HK$45,690
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,743
HK$21,322
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,485
HK$42,644
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,754
HK$91,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hong Kong cost?
A one week trip to Hong Kong usually costs around $1,371 (HK$10,661) for one person and $2,743 (HK$21,322) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hong Kong on average costs around $2,743 (HK$21,322) for one person and $5,485 (HK$42,644) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hong Kong will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Hong Kong on average costs around $5,877 (HK$45,690) for one person and $11,754 (HK$91,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Hong Kong expensive to visit?
Hong Kong is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Asia, Hong Kong is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Asia for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Hong Kong is more expensive than most.
No matter your travel style or budget, Hong Kong has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Budget-conscious travelers will find affordable hotels, but there are also luxury hotels for those seeking more opulence, as well as mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Hong Kong offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $79 (HK$610) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $196 (HK$1,523) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $485 (HK$3,770) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Hong Kong.
For more details, see Is Hong Kong Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Hong Kong?
The average Hong Kong trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hong Kong travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hong Kong cost?
Hong Kong on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$32
(HK$249)
|
$77
(HK$599)
|
$172
(HK$1,338)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3.21
(HK$25)
|
$8.78
(HK$68)
|
$26
(HK$202)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(HK$173)
|
$54
(HK$422)
|
$126
(HK$982)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$35
(HK$271)
|
$95
(HK$742)
|
$283
(HK$2,203)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-13
(HK$34-101)
|
$10-31
(HK$81-244)
|
$24-71
(HK$183-549)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Hong Kong can cost just $79 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
Fortunately, Hong Kong is home to numerous hostels, and you'll find the largest number in the city center. For visitors of all kinds, food is an important aspect of Hong Kong, but those on a budget often eat street food or whip up meals in their hostels, potentially missing out on the culinary experiences available.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $196 per person each day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Hong Kong, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Hong Kong where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Hotel Stage in Hong Kong or 99 Bonham in Hong Kong for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Hong Kong here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $485. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like the major cities and resort areas.
Accommodation Budget in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hong Kong for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $154 (HK$1,199). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $77 (HK$599) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $8.78 (HK$68) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hong Kong. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hong Kong is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.78
HK$68
Hong Kong boasts a fantastic train system that connects you to nearly every corner of the country. With reasonable prices and comfortable, speedy rides, it's a great option. For areas not accessible by train, long-distance and regional buses are available.
If your goal is to save money, then public transit is the most economical way to get around. Many locations have trustworthy public transit systems, with some of the best in Hong Kong. Additionally, many travelers prefer to walk around, allowing them to explore local neighborhoods and the culture. If you're a fan of walking, you'll find Hong Kong particularly rewarding.
In busy Hong Kong, it's much simpler to avoid driving, given the heavy traffic and congestion. Parking fees can be steep, making a car rental less appealing. Instead, consider using public transportation or walking to get around and keep your costs down.
If you plan on driving in one of the bigger cities, be sure to check with your hotel about parking ahead of time. You may be required to pay for parking either at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. In some cases, parking further out of town could be cheaper.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Hong Kong, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Hong Kong can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hong Kong is $54 (HK$422) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$54
HK$422
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hong Kong is about $54 (HK$422) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $22 to $126 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hong Kong are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $27
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Hong Kong is a food lovers' destination. Check out this Hong Kong food guide for more info and suggestions. Most locals eat out frequently so you'll find no shortage of restaurants around the city. There are any number of food options available from Chinese to Western style restaurants. Most have their own unique Hong Kong flare.
Dim Sum: Dim sum is similar to tapas in that you are served a variety of small dishes. Servers circle the restaurant with carts full of items which diners can choose from. Dumplings, fried rice, and noodle dishes are often among the options available.
Siu Mei: This is a pork dish that is popular all over Hong Kong. The meat is typically roasted over an open fire or in a rotisserie oven. It's prepared with a honey sauce and often has a rich barbecue flavor.
Chinese Hot Pot: Boil yourself up a soup at your table with a traditional Chinese Hot Pot. It's usually prepared with a broth base. Diners cook the thinly sliced meat and vegetables at the table until it makes a soup type dish.
When dining out with children, look for eateries that have a childrens' menu. It can save you a lot of money since these meals are typically more affordable. Some restaurants might not show the kids' options on the menu, so don't hesitate to ask your waiter first.
Many hotels come with breakfast included in the price, but some add it as an extra fee. The quality and cost of breakfast can change depending on the hotel. Knowing what to expect can assist you in deciding whether the hotel buffet is a worthwhile expense or if a nearby bakery or café would be a better choice.
Make sure to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks at every opportunity. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Food and meal prices in Hong Kong, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hong Kong typically cost an average of $95 (HK$742) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$95
HK$742
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Hong Kong, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
Nightlife Budget in Hong Kong
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $21 (HK$163) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hong Kong per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$21
HK$163
While enjoying the nightlife is often one of the most fun activities while traveling, cutting back on drinking can actually help reduce your travel budget in a big way.
Traveling in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.
Hong Kong is so much more than a tourist destination. It's a booming city that has something to offer everyone. There are some districts that are popular with tourists, but if you really want to see the true Hong Kong you should look beyond the tourist attractions. There are several popular neighborhoods to hang out in as a traveler. Downtown Hong Kong is where you'll find some of the city's best shopping. Lan Kwai Fong is the place to go to grab a drink at a bar or a nice meal in a restaurant. Soho has a lot of the city's top entertainment and Sheung Wan has some smaller shops that reflect the area's colonial past. If you're looking for department store shopping head to Causeway Bay. For the best view of the skyline walk along the Kowloon Waterfront. This will offer you the most quintessential look at the city's skyline.
Another popular activity in Hong Kong is horse racing. Between September and June you can check out the races twice weekly. Many people choose to gamble, but if you're not the betting type it's fun to go and watch the festivities as well. Some people can be rather outspoken and involved so it's a great opportunity to see Hong Kong's culture.
At A Glance
- Octopus cards are an efficient way to pay for public transportation around Hong Kong. They offer access to the entire public transportation system with just a swipe of your card. The cards are only truly efficient however if you plan to be in Hong Kong for at least a few months. Those who are passing through will likely do better if they pay as they go.
- There are ferries that connect most of the islands around Hong Kong. The most popular route for tourists is the Star Ferry which runs between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central Hong Kong. It offers spectacular views, particularly in the early morning or late at night.
- If you're interested in festivals there are some great ones in Hong Kong. Some of the more popular festivals in the city include Chinese (Lunar) New Year, Mid Autumn Festival, and Hungry Ghost Festival.
- Most people don't head to Hong Kong for the beaches, but if you really want to find one some of the better options are found around Repulse Bay, Shek O, and Hung Shing Yeh Beach.
- Prices in Hong Kong are very high if you're coming from elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Still, you might be able to find some decent deals in some of the many shopping centers that are all around the city. Most sell western style clothing and some of the knockoff labels can be purchased for a cheap price.
Related
Looking for a
hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
Top Tourist Attractions
Victoria Peak: Take the Peak Tram up to the top of Victoria Peak for a stunning view of the city from Peak Tower. Like most places in Hong Kong, you'll not only find an observation deck at the top, but also a shopping mall. You can also grab a nice dinner and wander through some museums.
Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront: This area is popular with backpackers as it is where you'll find most of the budget accommodation. There are a few nicer hotels here as well. It's a great place to explore. You can wander along the pedestrian only promenade and check out the Hong Kong skyline as it lights up at night.
"Ladies' Market": Go shopping at this famous street market. It's the place to go to find cheap knock off items or low cost clothing. It's located in in Mong Kok and can be reached by MTR or by bus.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.