Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Indian Couple Finds Hong Kong Costs Worthwhile for Savings
Hong Kong is one of the most expensive places for people moving from other countries.
Aarushi Sharma and her husband live there and say high prices are only part of the story.
They earn more money and pay less tax than they might for the same income in India.
Their rent is expensive, but it uses about one-fifth of their household income.
They save money by using public transport and public sports facilities.
Food and imported products cost more, while local restaurants can be affordable.
Sharma says jobs are especially promising in finance, banking and luxury retail.
The couple is still deciding whether Hong Kong will be their permanent home, but they continue investing and saving for financial independence.
Aarushi Sharma and her husband say Hong Kong’s higher salaries and lower taxes offset its expensive lifestyle.
Their 550-square-foot apartment consumes about 20% of household income, while utilities, groceries and commuting take roughly 10%.
Public transport, subsidized fares and public sports facilities help the couple limit daily expenses.
Sharma says Hong Kong offers stronger opportunities in finance, banking and luxury retail, but Cantonese may be needed for some local roles.
The couple maintains roughly its Indian savings rate, invests across Indian, American and Chinese markets, and targets financial freedom by age 45.
- Who
- Aarushi Sharma and her husband, Sai C. Araveti, Indian professionals living in Hong Kong.
- What
- They explained how Hong Kong’s high living costs are balanced by salaries, taxes, public services and career opportunities.
- When
- Sharma moved to Hong Kong in February, after her husband had moved there a year earlier; the article cites Mercer’s 2024 ranking.
- Where
- Hong Kong, with comparisons to India and Mumbai.
- Why
- The couple says higher salaries, lower taxes, low inflation and public services allow them to maintain roughly their Indian savings rate despite higher expenses.
Cost Concerns
Financial Benefits
Living expenses
Cost Concerns
Small homes, imported groceries, private fitness services, fashionable venues, salons and domestic help can be costly in Hong Kong.
Financial Benefits
The couple says local noodle shops and cafes, public transport and public sports facilities provide more affordable alternatives.
Career and business prospects
Cost Concerns
Finding work can be harder outside finance or without Cantonese, while expensive offices and administrative requirements complicate running a business.
Financial Benefits
Sharma says finance, banking and luxury retail offer stronger opportunities, and she was able to start an online jewellery business relatively quickly.
Long-term settlement
Cost Concerns
The couple remains undecided about settling in Hong Kong and wants to explore other countries before having children.
Financial Benefits
They continue to value Hong Kong’s opportunities and maintain roughly their Indian savings rate while investing for financial freedom.
- Expatriate cost ranking
- Mercer’s 2024 ranking named Hong Kong the world’s most expensive city for expatriates.
- Apartment size and rent
- The couple rents a 550-square-foot apartment; rent takes about 20% of household income.
- Other household costs
- Utilities, groceries and commuting together account for about 10% of household income.
- Transport
- The couple’s rides cost about ₹80–₹250, and a subsidy reimburses part of eligible monthly transport expenses.
- Tax comparison
- A rough estimate in the article puts the couple’s Hong Kong tax on ₹50 lakh of income at about ₹3.57 lakh, compared with ₹11 lakh in India.
- Investment allocation
- About 40–50% of their portfolio accesses American and Chinese markets through exchange-traded funds.
- Financial goal
- The couple aims to achieve financial freedom by age 45 through passive income and a debt-free status.