Cost Comparison 2025

Hong KongvsRiyadh

Hong Kong
Saudi Arabia

Overall

💰

-42.1%

Hong Kong is 42.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-68.2%

Housing is 68.2% lower

Dining

🍽️

-28.6%

Restaurants 28.6% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-48.0%

Food shopping 48.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Hong Kong is more affordable than Riyadh by approximately 42.1%. 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 Riyadh by 214%. A one-bedroom apartment in Hong Kong's city center costs around HK$20,000, while the same in Riyadh is approximately SAR 3,000.

Dining out in Hong Kong is notably more expensive compared to Riyadh. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs HK$60 in Hong Kong versus SAR 25 in Riyadh.

Public transportation in Hong Kong is more expensive, with monthly passes at HK$500 compared to SAR 140 in Riyadh.

Grocery shopping in Hong Kong is more expensive by approximately 92%. 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 Riyadh, the same lifestyle would cost around SAR 1,307. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about HK$13,440 monthly in Hong Kong versus SAR 4,575 in Riyadh. 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
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
HK$20,000
SAR 3,000
1BR Outside Center
HK$15,000
SAR 2,000
3BR City Center
HK$45,000
SAR 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
HK$60
SAR 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
HK$500
SAR 150
Cappuccino
HK$40
SAR 15
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
HK$50
SAR 0

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
HK$25
SAR 6
Bread (500g)
HK$15
SAR 3
Eggs (12)
HK$25
SAR 8
Cheese (1kg)
HK$150
SAR 35

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
HK$10
SAR 3
Monthly Pass
HK$500
SAR 140
Taxi Start
HK$27
SAR 10
Gasoline (1L)
HK$20
SAR 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
HK$1,000
SAR 150
Internet (60 Mbps)
HK$200
SAR 300
Mobile Minute
HK$1
SAR 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Riyadh 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 Riyadh 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

Riyadh

Cost of Living Index55
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hong Kong more expensive than Riyadh?

No, Hong Kong is approximately 42.1% cheaper than Riyadh. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 70% of your Riyadh salary when living in Hong Kong. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Riyadh, you'd need about $35,185 in Hong Kong for a comparable lifestyle.

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

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 214%, 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?

Riyadh 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 Riyadh for better value.

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

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 Riyadh, these figures are SAR 3,307 for singles and SAR 8,575 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Hong Kong and Riyadh in 2025 shows significant 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 Riyadh to maintain your lifestyle from Hong Kong

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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