How far will HK$40 go in Hong Kong? New minimum wage takes effect amid city’s rising living costs
- Increase to city’s minimum hourly wage expected to affect 60,000 people, mostly those in security and cleaning jobs
- Post finds new hourly rate does not go far in current economy, with amount falling short of price for wonton noodle soup at major chain and fast food meal deal
Hong Kong’s minimum hourly wage increased to HK$40 (US$5.1) on Monday, with 60,000 of the city’s lowest-paid workers receiving an extra HK$2.5 per hour after a government-appointed body approved the rise last year.
Approved by the Minimum Wage Commission in October, the increase is expected to mostly affect those in security and cleaning jobs, as residents contend with a host of rising living costs, such as food prices and electricity rates as well as looming hikes in ferry fares and cross-harbour tunnel tolls.
As the wage increase takes effect, the Post takes a look at how far HK$40 can go in the current economy.
On the transport front, those looking to take the ferry from either Central to Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui would have to fork out HK$5 for an upper deck seat for an adult on a weekday journey, after Star Ferry increased fares from the previous HK$3.2 per ticket.
Travellers with HK$40 on hand could use the service eight times at its current price.