Hong Kong vs. Taiwan

Hong Kong might only be a short hop away from Taiwan (around 436 miles {800km} or a 1 hour and 15 minute flight), but when it comes to comparing the two locations, they might sometimes seem worlds apart.

So, let’s take a look at these two unique destinations and try to put some perspective on the statement: Hong Kong versus Taiwan…

The Views and Lifestyle

When it comes to living in Taiwan, most people are thinking about the capital city, Taipei. If you live in Hong Kong, you’re by the ocean.

You have the wonderful views of the famous Hong Kong skyline, the delights of Victoria Harbour, and the nightly Symphony of Lights, not to mention the lush green vegetation that surrounds you as the mountains rise away from the metropolis.

Taipei, on the other hand, is in the centre of Taiwan. Hence no ocean and no beach – thus no beach lifestyle. However, the mountain scenery here is dramatic and stunning, and there’s a magnificent lake for those who have a hankering to be near water.

Both locations have warm (or should we say hot) weather, so an outdoor lifestyle is common in both places.

An International Cultural Mix

A broad mix of cultures is more common in Hong Kong than Taiwan. Hong Kong has long been a place renowned for expats from around the globe.

Its days as a place for those working solely in the financial sector are long gone – now pretty much any industry has the need for workers.

From sales to IT, HR to banking – the job opportunities for expats in Hong Kong are far reaching. And even though competition from locals is now much higher since the hand back from Britain to China, it’s still a highly sought after destination for foreign workers.

In Hong Kong, the languages spoken are Cantonese, Chinese, and English. However, Mandarin Chinese is also widely spoken.

In Taiwan, it’s mainly Mandarin Chinese.

Cost of Living

Taking figures from the up-to-the-minute crowdsourcing websites Expatistan and Numbeo, we can see that Hong Kong is a far more expensive place to live than Taiwan.

But how does this actually breakdown when it comes to individual areas?

Food: Staples such as milk, bread, eggs, cheese, fruit, and vegetables are all cheaper in Hong Kong – by between 4-90%. However, rice is much cheaper in Taiwan – by around 17%.

Eating out: Taiwan wins hands down in this sector, with a meal in a restaurant setting you back around 110% more in Hong Kong than Taiwan. Even that good old staple, McDonald’s, is more expensive in HK by around 16%.

Accommodation: If you’re looking to rent a property, then Hong Kong’s legendary high prices are a bit frightening, especially when compared to those in Taiwan.

Expect to pay nearly 500% more to rent a property in Hong Kong – and this is whether you live within the city limits or outside.

It’s slightly better when it comes to purchasing real estate. You’ll pay up to 310% more for a comparable property in Hong Kong.

Utilities: Of course, once you have somewhere to live, you have to pay the bills… And your basic charges for electricity, heating, water, and rubbish collection are around 220% dearer in Hong Kong than in Taiwan.

Communication: This is one area where tech-mania Hong Kong comes up trump. Mobile phone tariffs are around 83% less here than in Taiwan.

Travel: When it comes to public transportation within the cities, both Hong Kong and the Taiwanese urban areas have excellent transport options.

However, the cost is somewhat different for each place. It’ll cost you around 90% more in Hong Kong for a monthly season ticket than it will in Taiwan.

However, taxi costs aren’t quite so divided – with those in Hong Kong around 68% more than their Taiwanese counterparts.

Cars: When it comes to purchasing a new car, you’ll pay pretty much the same in both locations (Hong Kong car prices come in slightly more expensive, by around 3%). But putting fuel in the tank is another matter completely. Expect to pay 135% more for your petrol (gas) in Hong Kong than you will in Taiwan.

Entertainment: If you enjoy going to the movies, then a ticket for a big international release will cost around 26% more in Hong Kong.

And if you want to join a gym, expect your monthly membership to be around 75% more expensive.
Internet connections are a little more comparable – those in Hong Kong will pay around 16% more than those who live in Taiwan.

Clothing: It’s also dearer to purchase clothing and footwear in Hong Kong – by 8-46%. However, if you shop in the local markets, then it’s possible to get true bargains in either location.

Of course, the above costs have to be compared with the average wage you can expect to earn in either location. And, as you’d probably expect, those living in Hong Kong are going to earn a far higher wage than those in Taiwan.

On average, the average monthly disposable income in Hong Kong is around 90% higher than in Taiwan.

…And this figure can rise even higher for those who work at the upper levels of their field of expertise.

Weather

There’s no getting away from it – both places are hot and humid. They both suffer from typhoons and tropical storms.

However, because Taiwan is an island (and a relatively small one), it does tend to gain from the cooling breezes that come off the ocean.

Of course, Hong Kong is by the sea, so this can also be true at certain times of the year.

Pollution

One big difference is the amount of air pollution. Hong Kong is notorious for this, and despite government efforts to reduce pollution, it does suffer at certain times of the year.

You can check out current air pollution here on the official government website.