Cost of living in either Japan or HK? no ex-pat package

[AdoraBell]

Just that really, OH self employed so all costs come out our pockets, not sure weather to persue or return to UK while he works overseas? Never been to either place and so I'm clueless. Any advice gratefully received.

Tokyo is expensive - rents, food etc.

see this

its also crowded (like you wouldn't believe) and apartments are small. Its an exciting place though!

other cities in Japan, not so expensive.

where would you be living? schools?

it is also bloody hot in the summer (still melting over here...33 deg. today, and that's outside Tokyo, not in the concrete jungle)

also the Living in Japan thread

not sure if there are any cost of living references in there...

accomodation in HK is outrageously expensive.

Thank you both, I shall look at those links a little later. I had heard that HK was expensive, but that was via someone who lived there 15 years ago.

I have lived in both in the last 10 years. I loved them! Both fabulous places to live - exciting, safe, easy.

HK is not so expensive if you live slightly out of the city, but it is crowded. It depends on your lifestyle really and how you spend your free time.

Both are really hot and humid. Summers are normal length in Japan, though very long in HK!

Why have you picked those places and what are your criteria? You would need a working visa in both countries.

Hk salaries tend to be higher and v low tax so despite v high living expenses. I minted it when I was there!. In 90s tho.

HK housing is very expensive and school places a real problem. Its never too early to start applying (and you better start a trust fund for that too!)
Outlying islands offer better value and a nice lifestyle.

Yes, why Japan and HK? there are lots of other good places to be in Asia.

Comparatively, Singapore has a wider range of decently priced accommodation, a healthy economy and low taxes.
All the rest tends to be more expensive in singapore these days.

As a guide, HK rents are twice central London. There is a shortage of larger units (only 5% of housing stock is >1500 sq ft) so family sized accommodation commands a further premium. There are more reasonable options off the island, but it depends if you want that, or if you'd want the experience of living on the island in the thick of it. There are benefits to both.

As Laptop says, schools are very expensive and very oversubscribed. Children's "activities" are also pricey. Food is expensive if you want a western diet/ imported food. Clothes, books etc are also expensive. Running a car is expensive.

Tax is low and transport (excl. private cars) and childcare are cheap but if you're not working the childcare thing isnt necessarily a huge help.

Basically, you can live in HK fairly cheaply if you don't have kids- my sister lives here, earns HK$20k a month, parties like it's 1999 and has a blast, but she's single and can live on 10c noodles and ladies night bar snacks. Once you have kids, everything seems to get pricier.