Hong Kong
Profiled in Hong Kong · East Asia
A vertical city where trams rattle past skyscrapers, dim sum carts roll at dawn, and green hiking trails sit twenty minutes from the trading floor.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Rent is the budget killer here; food and transit stay reasonable.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Hong Kong
- Victoria PeakRide the historic Peak Tram up for the classic harbor and skyline view.
- Star FerryA cheap, breezy crossing of Victoria Harbour that has run since 1888.
- Tsim Sha Tsui PromenadeBest spot to watch the nightly Symphony of Lights show over the water.
- Tian Tan BuddhaThe giant bronze Big Buddha above Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
- Ngong Ping 360A long cable car gliding over mountains and sea to the Big Buddha.
- Wong Tai Sin TempleA busy, colorful Taoist temple where locals pray for good fortune.
- Man Mo TempleIncense-heavy temple in Sheung Wan honoring the gods of literature and war.
- Temple Street Night MarketStalls, fortune tellers and open-air seafood in Yau Ma Tei after dark.
- Dragon's BackA scenic ridge hike ending near the beach at Big Wave Bay.
- Central-Mid-Levels EscalatorThe world's longest outdoor covered escalator, cutting through SoHo's bars and cafes.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- MacauOne hour by ferry for casinos, egg tarts and Portuguese colonial streets.
- Lamma IslandCar-free island with easy hikes and famous seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan.
- Cheung ChauA laid-back old fishing village known for its spring bun festival.
- ShenzhenJust across the border for shopping, tech malls and a taste of mainland China.
- TaipeiA short flight away for night markets, hot springs and mountain temples.
Coffee
Best cafes
- % ArabicaThe Star Ferry pier branch pairs precise coffee with harbor views.
- The Coffee AcademicsA homegrown specialty roaster with cozy branches across the island.
- Cupping RoomAward-winning baristas and a serious flat white in Central.
- Elephant GroundsPopular local chain known for ice cream sandwiches and good espresso.
- Halfway CoffeeSheung Wan spot serving lattes in vintage porcelain teacups.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Lung King HeenThree-Michelin-star Cantonese fine dining at the Four Seasons.
- Tim Ho WanThe famous dim sum shop where baked pork buns started it all.
- Kam's Roast GooseA tiny Wan Chai institution for crackling roast goose and rice.
- Yung KeeLong-running Central restaurant beloved for its roast goose.
- Mott 32Stylish basement dining for Peking duck and modern Cantonese.
- Din Tai FungReliable, packed spot for soup dumplings done just right.
- Luk Yu Tea HouseAn old-school teahouse serving trolley dim sum since the 1930s.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Australia Dairy CompanyJordan legend for silky scrambled eggs, toast and steamed milk pudding.
- Lan Fong YuenThe birthplace of Hong Kong-style silk stocking milk tea.
- Kam Wah CafeMong Kok classic famous for its crisp pineapple buns.
- Mido CafeA historic Temple Street cha chaan teng frozen in the 1950s.
- Capital CafeModern Wan Chai diner known for truffle scrambled egg toast.
- The Flying PanAll-day, 24-hour Western breakfasts in the heart of SoHo.
- ClassifiedRelaxed neighborhood cafe for eggs, cheese and weekend brunch.
- Tsui WahThe late-night cha chaan teng chain for condensed milk toast and noodles.
- Brunch ClubSheung Wan favorite for pancakes, avocado toast and strong coffee.
Residency
Most newcomers arrive on an employer-sponsored work visa or through talent schemes like the Top Talent Pass or Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. After seven continuous years of residence you can apply for permanent residency.
Tax
Hong Kong taxes only locally sourced income at low rates, with salaries tax capped at a 15 percent standard rate. There is no capital gains tax, no VAT and no tax on foreign income.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Hong Kong residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Hong Kong tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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