As cities around the world continue to grow, the cost of living in urban centres is skyrocketing, making it increasingly difficult for average citizens to keep up.
From unaffordable housing to expensive meals, these high costs are a reality for many, leading to a widening gap between the rich and the poor.
6 days experience in Hong Kong : Grateful to be a M’sian
This issue isn’t unique to any one place—it’s happening globally. However, a recent viral post by a Malaysian traveller shines a spotlight on the stark contrast between Malaysia and one of the most notoriously expensive cities in the world: Hong Kong.
The traveller, who spent six days in Hong Kong, shared their eye-opening experience on X, explaining how the trip left them feeling grateful for the relative affordability of life in Malaysia.
Their story reveals just how costly life in Hong Kong can be and how the financial struggles of its citizens are often overshadowed by the city’s glamorous image.
Monthly rental fees close to HK$1 million (RM550,000)
The Malaysian traveller recounted their experience of dining at a high-end restaurant in Harbour City on Saturday, 7th September.
While enjoying dinner with a Hong Kong friend, the conversation quickly turned to the shocking cost of living in the city. Their friend shared that restaurants with a sea view in prime areas like Harbour City are saddled with monthly rental fees close to HK$1 million (~RM550,000).
Even those not facing the sea deal with six-figure rents in Hong Kong dollars. The friend explained, “When you’re paying for food in Hong Kong, a large part of that cost is covering rent.” This conversation sparked the traveler’s curiosity, leading them to dive deeper into just how expensive daily life in the city really is.
400 Sq Ft apartment: RM11k – RM16k
One of the most eye-opening aspects of Hong Kong’s financial landscape is the cost of housing. According to the traveller, renting even a small apartment outside the city centre—less than 400 square feet—can cost between HK$20,000 and HK$30,000 (RM11,000 – RM16,600) per month.
To put this into perspective, the median salary in Hong Kong during the first quarter of the year was HK$29,715 (~RM16,200).
This means that for many residents, rent alone can eat up most, if not all, of their monthly income, leaving little room for other expenses.
Fresh graduates, in particular, are often unable to afford even the tiniest living spaces, making it difficult for them to establish a foothold in the city.
The richest 0.001% control over 50% of the country’s income
The post highlighted the severe wealth gap in Hong Kong, where the richest 0.001% control more than 50% of the country’s total income.
This staggering figure is much higher than what’s seen in other countries, such as the U.S. and China, and is ten times higher than in France.
The extreme concentration of wealth has pushed the middle class to seek better opportunities abroad, while those who remain face the harsh reality of living in tiny micro-apartments, sometimes as small as 60 square feet.
Many families live their entire lives in these cramped spaces, struggling to make ends meet.
The traveller also questioned whether the city’s low taxes on the wealthy contribute to this widening inequality.
According to HSBC, individuals earning over HK$200,000 per month are taxed at only 17%, significantly lower than Malaysia’s top tax rate of 30%.
This has led many to wonder if more balanced taxation could help address Hong Kong’s severe wealth disparity.
The high cost of eating out in Hong Kong
Beyond housing, the cost of daily living in Hong Kong is a constant burden. Simple meals like roasted goose rice or beef noodles typically cost around HK$60-80 (~RM30-50).
The traveller remarked that dining at cafés comes with an even higher price tag. For example, a meal for two—including one pasta, one dessert, and two drinks—can easily cost HK$450 (~RM250).
‘We should take some time to appreciate where we are‘
After spending six days in Hong Kong, the traveller reflected on the relative affordability of life in Malaysia. While rental prices and housing costs in Malaysia can be high, they are nothing compared to Hong Kong’s astronomical expenses. Food, too, is much cheaper in Malaysia.
Despite Malaysia’s own challenges, the writer urges fellow Malaysians to take a moment to appreciate the positives of living at home while still working on improving the nation.
“Of course, we have many systemic issues that need to be addressed. But we should take some time to appreciate where we are and work on how to make things better moving forward,” the post concludes.
