Cost Comparison 2025

Hong KongvsDublin

Hong Kong
Ireland

Overall

💰

-13.7%

Hong Kong is 13.7%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-29.1%

Housing is 29.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

+14.3%

Restaurants 14.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

-25.0%

Food shopping 25.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Dublin, Ireland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Hong Kong is more affordable than Dublin by approximately 13.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Hong Kong are higher than in Dublin by 41%. A one-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong's city center costs around HK$20,000, while the same in Dublin is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in Hong Kong offers significant savings compared to Dublin. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HK$60 in Hong Kong versus €15 in Dublin.

Public transportation in Hong Kong is more expensive, with monthly passes at HK$500 compared to €120 in Dublin.

Grocery shopping in Hong Kong is more expensive by approximately 33%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Hong Kong can expect to spend approximately HK$3,840 per month (excluding rent), while in Dublin, the same lifestyle would cost around €594. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about HK$13,440 monthly in Hong Kong versus €2,078 in Dublin. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dublin, Ireland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HK$20,000
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
HK$15,000
€1,700
3BR City Center
HK$45,000
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HK$60
€15
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HK$500
€80
Cappuccino
HK$40
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HK$50
€6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HK$25
€1
Bread (500g)
HK$15
€2
Eggs (12)
HK$25
€4
Cheese (1kg)
HK$150
€12

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HK$10
€3
Monthly Pass
HK$500
€120
Taxi Start
HK$27
€5
Gasoline (1L)
HK$20
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
HK$1,000
€160
Internet (60 Mbps)
HK$200
€50
Mobile Minute
HK$1
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Dublin to Hong Kong, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Hong Kong to Dublin requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Hong Kong

Cost of Living Index95
Rent Index110
Purchasing Power Index85

Dublin

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index78
Purchasing Power Index85

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hong Kong more expensive than Dublin?

No, Hong Kong is approximately 13.7% cheaper than Dublin. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Hong Kong compared to Dublin?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 88% of your Dublin salary when living in Hong Kong. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Dublin, you'd need about $43,981 in Hong Kong for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Hong Kong and Dublin?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 41%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Dublin offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Hong Kong provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Hong Kong if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Dublin for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Hong Kong vs Dublin?

In Hong Kong, a single person needs approximately HK$18,840 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about HK$43,440. In Dublin, these figures are €2,294 for singles and €4,978 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Hong Kong and Dublin in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Dublin to maintain your lifestyle from Hong Kong

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers