Hong Kong · Hong Kong SAR

How Much Does Hong Kong Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips

Hong Kong is a high-contrast destination where extreme luxury exists alongside humble, budget-friendly traditions. Visitors should anticipate a daily budget range of $96 / HK$747 for solo budget travelers up to $638 / HK$4,983 for those seeking a luxury experience. While real estate costs make accommodation a major expense, the city offers some of the world's most affordable high-quality public transport and street food. Costs are generally comparable to other global financial hubs like New York or London, though local dining and transit provide significant relief for the wallet. Navigating the city effectively requires an understanding of tiered pricing, from cheap harbor crossings to premium peak-day attractions.

Is Hong Kong expensive to visit?

Hong Kong is a moderately expensive city where travelers should expect to spend between $96 / HK$747 and $638 / HK$4,983 per day depending on their travel style.

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) (1 $ ≈ 7.81 $)

On This Page

Daily Budget

How much to budget per person per day in Hong Kong

Budget

$96

per person /day

Mid-Range

$268

per person /day

Luxury

$638

per person /day

Trip Costs by Duration

Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$287	$804	$1,913
5-Day Trip	$478	$1,339	$3,188
7-Day Trip	$670	$1,875	$4,464

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$230	$612	$1,530
5-Day Trip	$383	$1,020	$2,551
7-Day Trip	$536	$1,429	$3,571

Trip Costs by Duration	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
3-Day Trip	$192	$536	$1,339
5-Day Trip	$319	$893	$2,232
7-Day Trip	$446	$1,250	$3,125

per person — Excludes international flights

Budget Buffer

Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses

A 15% budget buffer is advisable to cover the common 10% service charge at restaurants and the ~$1.88 / HK$15 tea and snack fees in dim sum houses. This also covers the mandatory ~$0.13 / HK$1.01 plastic bag levy and the ~$0.77 / HK$5.98 per-piece luggage fee often charged by taxis.

How Does It Compare?

See how Hong Kong stacks up against other popular destinations

Tokyo Hong Kong's mid-range daily cost of $268 / HK$2,093 is very similar to Tokyo, though Hong Kong offers cheaper public transit while Tokyo often provides slightly more spacious mid-range hotel rooms.

Singapore At $204 / HK$1,594 per person for a mid-range couple, Hong Kong is slightly more expensive than Singapore, largely due to the higher volatility of accommodation prices during peak seasons.

London While both are global financial centers, Hong Kong's budget tier of $96 / HK$747 is more attainable than London's, thanks to $7.65 / HK$60 local meals and the $0.82 / HK$6.44 Star Ferry.

What Things Cost

Real prices for common tourist expenses in Hong Kong

Food & Drink (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical price for a noodle soup or rice plate at a local cha chaan teng (~$7.65 / HK$60).	$7.65 HK$60	Typical price for a noodle soup or rice plate at a local cha chaan teng (~$7.65 / HK$60).
Cappuccino (Regular) Western-style coffee is relatively expensive in Hong Kong at ~$5.47 / HK$43.	$5.48 HK$43	Western-style coffee is relatively expensive in Hong Kong at ~$5.47 / HK$43.
Local Beer (0.5L Draught) Expect to pay ~$7.06 / HK$55, though prices double in trendy Lan Kwai Fong bars.	$7.01 HK$55	Expect to pay ~$7.06 / HK$55, though prices double in trendy Lan Kwai Fong bars.

Transport (4)

Item	Price	Notes
Airport Express Single (Hong Kong Station) Using Octopus card reduces this to ~$13 / HK$105 (105 HKD).	$15 HK$115	Using Octopus card reduces this to ~$13 / HK$105 (105 HKD).
Urban Taxi Flag-fall (First 2km) Base rate is ~$3.7 / HK$29. Each additional 200m is ~$0.27 / HK$2.12 until $12 / HK$93 (93.50 HKD) is reached.	$3.7 HK$29	Base rate is ~$3.7 / HK$29. Each additional 200m is ~$0.27 / HK$2.12 until $12 / HK$93 (93.50 HKD) is reached.
Star Ferry (Upper Deck Weekend) The most scenic ~$0.82 / HK$6.44 you'll spend in the city. Weekdays are slightly cheaper at ~$0.64 / HK$4.97.	$0.82 HK$6.44	The most scenic ~$0.82 / HK$6.44 you'll spend in the city. Weekdays are slightly cheaper at ~$0.64 / HK$4.97.
Peak Tram Sky Pass (Return) Includes access to the 428-meter viewing terrace for ~$19 / HK$147.	$19 HK$148	Includes access to the 428-meter viewing terrace for ~$19 / HK$147.

Accommodation (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Budget Guesthouse (International Inn) Prices for a basic room in Tsim Sha Tsui. Expect ~$53 / HK$414 per night for a tiny but central space.	$53 HK$416	Prices for a basic room in Tsim Sha Tsui. Expect ~$53 / HK$414 per night for a tiny but central space.
Mid-Range Hotel (Hopewell Hotel) Quality mid-range stay in Wan Chai. Rates typically around $147 / HK$1,150 depending on the season.	$147 HK$1,152	Quality mid-range stay in Wan Chai. Rates typically around $147 / HK$1,150 depending on the season.
Luxury Hotel (Grand Hyatt Hong Kong) Five-star harbor view stay. Converts to approximately $347 / HK$2,713 per night.	$348 HK$2,719	Five-star harbor view stay. Converts to approximately $347 / HK$2,713 per night.

Activities (3)

Item	Price	Notes
Hong Kong Disneyland 1-Day Ticket (Tier 4) Tier 4 applies to peak days like public holidays. Standard days (Tier 1) are ~$82 / HK$637 (639 HKD).	$112 HK$876	Tier 4 applies to peak days like public holidays. Standard days (Tier 1) are ~$82 / HK$637 (639 HKD).
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (Crystal Cabin Return) The glass-bottom cabin costs ~$50 / HK$394. Standard cabins are ~$34 / HK$269 (270 HKD).	$50 HK$394	The glass-bottom cabin costs ~$50 / HK$394. Standard cabins are ~$34 / HK$269 (270 HKD).
M+ Museum Standard Admission General admission to one of the world's largest modern art museums (~$24 / HK$189).	$24 HK$189	General admission to one of the world's largest modern art museums (~$24 / HK$189).

Connectivity (1)

Item	Price	Notes
CSL Tourist SIM (8-Day) Includes 5GB data and local calls for ~$11 / HK$87. Available at the airport.	$11 HK$88	Includes 5GB data and local calls for ~$11 / HK$87. Available at the airport.

Food & Dining

What to eat and what it costs

Dining ranges from local noodle shops and 'cha chaan tengs' where a meal costs ~$7.65 / HK$60, to upscale restaurants that apply a mandatory 10% service charge. While local tea and snacks are affordable, Western comforts carry a premium, with a regular cappuccino averaging $5.48 / HK$43 and a local draught beer priced around $7.01 / HK$55.

Cheap Eats

Where locals eat — real places, real prices

Tim Ho Wan

$5.1–$15 / HK$40–HK$120

Sham Shui Po · Local chain

The BBQ pork buns are legendary and cost only ~$4.12 / HK$32 for three.

Australia Dairy Company

$6.38–$10 / HK$50–HK$80

Jordan · Local chain

Famous for the fastest service and best scrambled eggs (~$7.42 / HK$58 for a full set).

Yat Lok Roast Goose

$8.93–$32 / HK$70–HK$249

Central · Local chain

Michelin-starred goose for roughly ~$14 / HK$108. Expect long queues.

Mak's Noodle

$6.38–$11 / HK$50–HK$90

Central · Local chain

Portions are small but refined. A bowl of wonton noodles is ~$7 / HK$55.

TamJai Yunnan Mixian

$5.74–$9.57 / HK$45–HK$75

Various · Local chain

Reliable, spicy rice noodles where you can customize toppings for under ~$8.24 / HK$64.

Majestic Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Getting Around

Transport costs and the smartest ways to move

Public transit is world-class and remarkably affordable, with the iconic Star Ferry costing only $0.82 / HK$6.44 and short taxi rides starting at a base rate of $3.7 / HK$29. The Airport Express provides a fast link for $15 / HK$115, though using an Octopus card reduces this to ~$13 / HK$105.

Airport Express Single (Hong Kong Station) $15 HK$115

Urban Taxi Flag-fall (First 2km) $3.7 HK$29

Star Ferry (Upper Deck Weekend) $0.82 HK$6.44

Peak Tram Sky Pass (Return) $19 HK$148

Accommodation Overview

Space is at a premium, with budget guesthouses like the International Inn in Tsim Sha Tsui costing ~$53 / HK$416 for very compact rooms. Mid-range travelers can find quality stays like the Hopewell Hotel for ~$147 / HK$1,152, while five-star harbor-view luxury at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong reaches approximately $348 / HK$2,719 per night.

Budget Guesthouse (International Inn) $53 HK$416

Mid-Range Hotel (Hopewell Hotel) $147 HK$1,152

Luxury Hotel (Grand Hyatt Hong Kong) $348 HK$2,719

Accommodation Budget in Hong Kong

Budget

$59 /night

Typical Range: $53 – $65

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Mid-Range

$153 /night

Typical Range: $129 – $177

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$353 /night

Typical Range: $300 – $406

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Money-Saving Tips

Insider tricks to stretch your budget further

1 Purchase an Octopus Card immediately at the airport to save on the Airport Express, lowering the fare from $15 / HK$115 to $13 / HK$105.
2 Ride the double-decker 'Ding Ding' trams on Hong Kong Island for one of the cheapest sightseeing experiences in the city.
3 Eat at Tim Ho Wan in Sham Shui Po for Michelin-starred dim sum that remains exceptionally budget-friendly.
4 Use the Star Ferry for cross-harbor transit for only $0.82 / HK$6.44 instead of expensive private harbor cruises.
5 Visit the Temple Street Night Market for inexpensive street food like claypot rice and spicy crab.
6 Opt for a CSL Tourist SIM for $11 / HK$88 at the airport to avoid high international roaming data charges.
7 Visit the Peak by taking a public bus instead of the $19 / HK$148 Peak Tram if the lines are long or the budget is tight.
8 Take advantage of the Central-Mid-Levels Escalators to explore SoHo and save on uphill taxi fares.
9 Eat at 'cha chaan tengs' like Australia Dairy Company in Jordan where a filling meal costs roughly $7.65 / HK$60.
10 Look for 'Happy Hour' deals in Wan Chai where beer prices are significantly lower than the $7.01 / HK$55 average found in high-end bars.

Hidden Costs

Surprise expenses that catch tourists off guard

Hidden Costs
Item	Amount	Notes
Service Charge Most sit-down restaurants add a mandatory 10% service charge to the bill.	10%	Most sit-down restaurants add a mandatory 10% service charge to the bill.
Plastic Bag Levy Retailers are legally required to charge at least ~$0.13 / HK$1.01 per plastic bag.	$0.13 / HK$1.01/use	Retailers are legally required to charge at least ~$0.13 / HK$1.01 per plastic bag.
Tea/Snack Charge (Cover Charge) Traditional dim sum places charge for tea and a 'snack' (nuts/pickles) placed on the table (~$1.88 / HK$15).	$1.92 / HK$15 per person	Traditional dim sum places charge for tea and a 'snack' (nuts/pickles) placed on the table (~$1.88 / HK$15).
Taxi Luggage Fee Each piece of luggage in the trunk costs ~$0.77 / HK$5.98.	$0.77 / HK$5.98/piece	Each piece of luggage in the trunk costs ~$0.77 / HK$5.98.

Common Scams & Ripoffs

Watch out for these tourist traps

⚠ Bespoke Tailor Scams: Touts in Tsim Sha Tsui may offer 'cheap' high-quality suits that result in poor materials or unfinished products after a deposit is paid.
⚠ Dried Goods Weight Confusion: Some traditional medicine shops in Mong Kok display prices per 'tael' or 'mace' rather than 'catty,' leading tourists to pay significantly more than expected for herbs or tea.
⚠ The 'Art Student' Scam: Individuals may approach tourists near the harbor or in Central, inviting them to a 'private gallery' where they are pressured into buying overpriced, mass-produced paintings.
⚠ Unmetered Taxis: Occasionally, drivers near nightlife districts like Lan Kwai Fong may refuse the meter; always insist on the $3.7 / HK$29 base rate to avoid being overcharged.

Seasonal Pricing

When prices rise and fall throughout the year

Peak Season

Oct, Nov, Dec

+30-50%

Cheapest

Jun, Jul, Aug

-20-30%

Best Value

Mar, Apr

October and November offer the best weather and highest prices. June to August is hot, humid, and typhoon-prone, but offers hotel deals of ~$47–$71 / HK$368–HK$552 off per night.

Events to Watch

● Chinese New Year (Late Jan/Feb): +100% hotel rates
● Golden Week (Oct 1-7): Extreme crowds, higher prices

Spectacular Victoria Harbour with Hong Kong skyline at golden sunset, Hong Kong

Free Things to Do

The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing

1 Watch the Symphony of Lights nightly at 20:00 from the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront.
2 Stroll through the Nan Lian Garden in Diamond Hill, a beautifully landscaped Tang-style garden.
3 Explore the Chi Lin Nunnery, a large wooden temple complex located next to Nan Lian Garden.
4 Visit the Edward Youde Aviary within Hong Kong Park to see over 600 birds.
5 Hike the Dragon's Back trail for panoramic views of southern Hong Kong Island and the coastline.
6 Wander through the flower, bird, and goldfish markets in Mong Kok to experience local culture for $0.
7 Visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, where standard exhibitions are free to the public.
8 Explore the historic Tai Kwun Center for Heritage and Arts (free entry, though some special exhibitions may charge).
9 Walk up the 268 steps to the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island for free.
10 Visit the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest centers of its kind in the world.
11 Walk the Avenue of Stars to see handprints of famous celebrities and enjoy harbor views.
12 Explore the street art and murals of Old Town Central and the Sheung Wan district.

Worth the Splurge

Premium experiences that justify the price tag

Helicopter Flight over Hong Kong

The ultimate view of the world's most dramatic skyline for ~$371 / HK$2,897 per person.

$370 HK$2,890

Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula

A colonial-era tradition in the 'Grand Dame' of hotels (~$70 / HK$548).

$70 HK$548

Disneyland Premier Access (8 Attractions)

Saves hours of waiting for ~$70 / HK$547, especially worth it on weekends.

$70 HK$547

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in Hong Kong

View All Activities

Day Trip Costs

Popular day trips from Hong Kong and what they cost

Macau SAR

Getting Around

$45 / HK$349 by High-speed ferry

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$108 / HK$847

Lamma Island

Getting Around

$6.64 / HK$52 by Ferry

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$45 / HK$349

Day Trip Costs
Destinations	Getting Around	Entry	Total Cost
Macau SAR	$45 / HK$349 by High-speed ferry	Free	$108 / HK$847
Lamma Island	$6.64 / HK$52 by Ferry	Free	$45 / HK$349

Payment & Money

How to pay and what to know about money

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)

1 $ ≈ 7.81 $

Cash Needed

Yes

Card Acceptance

Widely accepted in malls and hotels, but essential for street food, taxis, and wet markets.

Tipping

10% service charge is usually included in restaurants. Small change or ~$1.18–$2.35 / HK$9.2–HK$18 is appreciated in hotels and for taxis.

ATM Tips

HSBC and Jetco ATMs are everywhere. Most international cards work; avoid standalone ATMs in convenience stores that may charge ~$3.53–$5.89 / HK$28–HK$46 fees.

Bargaining

Only expected in street markets like Ladies' Market or Temple Street. Aim for 30-50% off the first quoted price.

Connectivity

eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 10GB (opens in new tab)

Local SIM: $11 / HK$87 for 8-day tourist card

WiFi: Excellent in MTR stations, public libraries, and most cafes.

Get a local CSL or HKT SIM at the airport for the best speed and value (~$11 / HK$87).

Famous green Peak Tram on steep slope of Victoria Peak carrying visitors to observation deck, Hong Kong

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Methodology:

All neighborhoods verified by walking them
Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages

Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Hong Kong.

Updated: February 16, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hong Kong expensive to visit?

Hong Kong is a moderately expensive city where travelers should expect to spend between $96 / HK$747 and $638 / HK$4,983 per day depending on their travel style.

How much does Hong Kong cost per day?

A trip to Hong Kong costs $96 / HK$750 per day on a budget, $268 / HK$2,094 for mid-range, and $638 / HK$4,985 for luxury. These include accommodation, food, transport, and activities per person.

How much does a trip to Hong Kong cost?

A 7-day trip to Hong Kong costs approximately $670 / HK$5,235 (budget), $1,875 / HK$14,650 (mid-range), or $4,464 / HK$34,878 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.

What is the cheapest month to visit Hong Kong?

The cheapest months to visit Hong Kong are June, July, August, with prices -20-30% lower than peak season. October and November offer the best weather and highest prices. June to August is hot, humid, and typhoon-prone, but offers hotel deals of ~$47–$71 / HK$368–HK$552 off per night.

What are the hidden costs in Hong Kong?

Common hidden costs in Hong Kong include Service Charge ($0/percentage), Plastic Bag Levy ($0.13 / HK$1.01/bag), Tea/Snack Charge (Cover Charge). A 15% budget buffer is advisable to cover the common 10% service charge at restaurants and the ~$1.88 / HK$15 tea and snack fees in dim sum houses. This also covers the mandatory ~$0.13 / HK$1.01 plastic bag levy and the ~$0.77 / HK$5.98 per-piece luggage fee often charged by taxis.

How can I save money in Hong Kong?

Top tips for saving money in Hong Kong: Purchase an Octopus Card immediately at the airport to save on the Airport Express, lowering the fare from $15 / HK$115 to $13 / HK$105. Ride the double-decker 'Ding Ding' trams on Hong Kong Island for one of the cheapest sightseeing experiences in the city. Eat at Tim Ho Wan in Sham Shui Po for Michelin-starred dim sum that remains exceptionally budget-friendly.

More Hong Kong Guides

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Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations

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Complete Cost Guide

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