The Best Areas to Rent in Hong Kong for Expats (By Budget & Lifestyle)
A district-by-district guide to help expats find the perfect Hong Kong neighborhood based on lifestyle, housing budget, and proximity to work or schools.
Moving to Hong Kong as an expat is exciting—but choosing where to live in one of the world’s most vertical cities can feel overwhelming. With its unique mix of ultra-modern high-rises, historic streets, and hillside villas, Hong Kong offers something for every lifestyle—whether you’re a single professional, a young couple, or a family with school-age children.
This guide explores the best neighborhoods in Hong Kong for expats based on lifestyle preferences and monthly rental budget. From vibrant cultural quarters to family-friendly suburbs and waterfront communities, here’s where to look—and what to expect.
1. Central & Mid-Levels
Best for: High-earning professionals, finance executives
Vibe: Upscale, fast-paced, ultra-convenient
Typical rent: HK$40,000–HK$80,000/month (2–3 bedrooms)
Hong Kong’s Central district is the beating heart of the city’s business scene. For those working long hours in finance or law, living here cuts your commute to minutes. Adjacent Mid-Levels offers a quieter, residential setting with panoramic harbor views, upscale towers, and access to the famous Mid-Levels escalator.
With high-end gyms, Michelin-starred dining, and private clubs at your doorstep, it’s one of the most prestigious areas—but also among the priciest.
2. Wan Chai & Causeway Bay
Best for: Singles, creatives, and digital nomads
Vibe: Urban, energetic, walkable
Typical rent: HK$25,000–HK$60,000/month (1–2 bedrooms)
These two east-of-Central districts mix old-world charm with modern buzz. Wan Chai has transformed into a stylish locale for young professionals, while Causeway Bay offers 24/7 shopping, late-night eats, and excellent public transport. You'll find compact apartments, serviced flats, and character buildings.
Ideal for those who thrive in a lively, cosmopolitan environment with easy access to the rest of the city.
3. Happy Valley & Jardine’s Lookout
Best for: Couples and small families
Vibe: Green, tranquil, community-oriented
Typical rent: HK$35,000–HK$70,000/month (2–3 bedrooms)
Just minutes from bustling Causeway Bay, Happy Valley is a residential haven known for its racetrack, tree-lined streets, and low-rise apartments. Jardine’s Lookout, tucked above, offers spacious homes and luxury residences popular with diplomats and families.
These neighborhoods provide a peaceful lifestyle with close proximity to top international schools and hospitals.
4. Kennedy Town & Sai Ying Pun
Best for: Young professionals, artists, and freelancers
Vibe: Trendy, up-and-coming, eclectic
Typical rent: HK$20,000–HK$45,000/month (1–2 bedrooms)
Located on the western edge of Hong Kong Island, these revitalized districts have become expat favorites. With cafes, wine bars, yoga studios, and harbor views, Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun strike a balance between relaxed living and urban convenience.
Rent is more affordable than Central, with newer buildings and quick MTR access into town.
5. Kowloon Tong & Ho Man Tin
Best for: Families seeking space and schooling options
Vibe: Quiet, suburban, education-focused
Typical rent: HK$30,000–HK$65,000/month (2–4 bedrooms)
Kowloon Tong is known for its leafy streets, detached homes, and proximity to international schools such as Yew Chung, American International School, and Delia School of Canada. Nearby Ho Man Tin offers newer apartment blocks and great MTR connectivity.
If you're after spacious homes and strong academic options for children, this is a top choice.
6. Sai Kung & Clear Water Bay
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and nature-loving families
Vibe: Village-style, relaxed, coastal
Typical rent: HK$22,000–HK$50,000/month (2–3 bedroom houses)
Known as the "Back Garden of Hong Kong," Sai Kung is a seaside town beloved for its slow pace, seafood restaurants, and natural beauty. Clear Water Bay offers larger detached houses with sea views, often at lower prices than in-town districts.
You’ll need a car or driver, but for families who value space, fresh air, and beach access, this is paradise.
7. Discovery Bay & Tung Chung (Lantau Island)
Best for: Families, airline crew, airport workers
Vibe: Resort-like, international, family-friendly
Typical rent: HK$18,000–HK$40,000/month (2–3 bedrooms)
Popular with expat families, Discovery Bay features golf carts, international schools, and beachfront clubs. Tung Chung, closer to the airport, offers newer developments and shopping malls at more affordable rates. Both areas are well-connected to Central via ferry or MTR.
Perfect for those who prioritize space and international schooling over urban proximity.
8. Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan & Hung Hom (Kowloon South)
Best for: Budget-conscious professionals and city lovers
Vibe: Bustling, diverse, historic
Typical rent: HK$18,000–HK$35,000/month (1–2 bedrooms)
Tsim Sha Tsui is a cultural and shopping hub, offering harbor views, museums, and world-class dining. Jordan and Hung Hom offer a more local feel with lower rents, still just minutes from Central by MTR or ferry.
You’ll find both serviced apartments and longer leases in these convenient, well-connected neighborhoods.
9. North Point, Tai Koo & Quarry Bay (Island East)
Best for: Budget-conscious families and office workers
Vibe: Practical, community-oriented, MTR-connected
Typical rent: HK$16,000–HK$35,000/month (2-bedroom units)
Island East has become a business and residential hub. Tai Koo and Quarry Bay are home to major office towers and the Taikoo Place complex, while North Point offers older apartments at lower prices. You’ll find international schools like the Korean International School nearby, plus plenty of parks and local eateries.
A top choice for families seeking convenience without the Central price tag.
Simplify Your Search with HKStay
Navigating Hong Kong’s rental market can be a challenge—especially if you’re relocating from abroad. HKStay helps expats cut through the confusion with a curated platform of serviced apartments and expat-friendly leases in the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Whether you're seeking a short-term rental while you settle in or a long-term family home, HKStay makes it easy with English support, verified listings, and expert guidance tailored to international tenants.
Start browsing neighborhoods and rentals at HKStay.com
Final Tip: Rent in Hong Kong can fluctuate depending on availability and demand. Visiting neighborhoods in person and working with an expat-savvy platform like HKStay can make a world of difference when choosing your new home in the city.
