Hong Kong can be affordable if you plan wisely. While tourist spending averages HK$7,800, budget options exist—especially for meals, transit, and free attractions like temples or skyline views. Hotel rates are down 11%, helping offset the new 3% accommodation tax. The strong HKD benefits international visitors with stable exchange rates. Travelers now spend more on experiences than shopping, stretching value. You’ll find Hong Kong competitive and accessible, especially as costs balance with choices. There’s more to uncover about maximizing your trip.
TLDR
- Hong Kong’s average tourist spend is HK$7,800, but budget travelers can reduce costs with affordable dining and transit.
- Hotel occupancy is high at 84–85%, yet average daily rates have dropped 11%, improving value despite a new 3% tax.
- Mainland visitors spend less (HK$1,286) due to currency differences, while Southeast Asians spend more (HK$7,100).
- Budget-conscious tourists can save by choosing low-cost activities like markets, temples, and harbor walks.
- Stable HKD exchange rates and restored flight connectivity make Hong Kong accessible for international visitors in 2025.
Visitor Numbers on the Rise Despite Economic Headwinds
Hong Kong is steadily regaining its status as a top travel destination, with visitor numbers climbing despite broader economic challenges.
You’re seeing 12% annual growth, 45.2 million arrivals in 11 months, and rising international interest.
Mainland travelers remain key, but non-mainland surges show diversification.
Strong events and infrastructure, like Kai Tak, fuel momentum, suggesting resilience and broadening appeal in your travel selections.
Non-mainland visitors rose significantly, with a 16% increase to 9.62 million arrivals. Victoria Harbour remains a major draw for visitors seeking iconic skyline views and evening attractions.
Spending Patterns: How Much Do Tourists Really Spend?
You might be wondering how much visitors actually spend during their trips to Hong Kong. On average, each tourist spent around HK$7,800 in 2024, though those from mainland China cut back slightly on shopping and leisure compared to previous years.
Spending patterns vary by origin, with currency exchange—especially the strong Hong Kong dollar against the yuan—playing a big role in how far travelers’ money goes. Many travelers also seek out cheap activities such as visiting markets, temples, and riverside attractions to stretch their budgets.
Average Spend Per Visitor
While tourism spending in Hong Kong has been climbing since the early stages of recovery, your average expenditure as a visitor depends markedly on the length and type of trip.
You’ll spend around HK$5,490 if staying overnight, but same-day trips average just HK$1,235.
These figures reflect your spending power, travel style, and the value you place on extended experiences versus quick visits.
Spending Trends by Origin
Tourists from different regions show clear differences in how much they spend during their visits to Hong Kong.
Mainland Chinese visitors spent HK$1,286 on average, while Southeast Asians spent more, averaging HK$7,100 per person.
Americans and visitors from Japan, South Korea, and Singapore also contribute markedly, reflecting diverse spending habits shaped by origin, stay length, and travel purpose.
Hotel Prices and Occupancy: Value Amid Declining Rates
Hotel rates in Hong Kong have dipped even as rooms fill up at a faster pace, signaling better value for visitors. You’ll find year-to-date occupancy at 84–85%, up from last year, while average daily rates fell 11%. Despite lower prices, demand surged, with RevPAR rising 10.4%. Limited new supply and room conversions support sustained affordability amid growing tourist access. Auckland’s Sky Tower offers panoramic views up to 80 km on clear days, making it a notable nearby attraction.
The Currency Conundrum: Exchange Rates and Tourist Spending Power
Hong Kong’s stable currency peg to the U.S. dollar continues to shape how far your money goes, especially as recent exchange rate trends enhance purchasing power for international visitors.
Right now, 1 USD gets you about 7.78 HKD, and the rate has barely fluctuated—up just 0.05% in 24 hours. With low volatility and favorable mid-market rates, your dollars stretch further, especially compared to last year’s averages. The U.S. dollar is also widely used by travelers in some destinations, making transactions simpler for visitors who carry USD and use U.S. currency when convenient.
Impact of the New Hotel Tax on Travel Costs
You’ll now pay a 3% Hotel Accommodation Tax on your stay, adding to your overall travel costs since the tax resumed in January 2025.
This extra charge applies to most hotels and guesthouses, though budget options with fewer than 10 rooms or stays under HK$15 per day are exempt.
While luxury and mid-range guests absorb the full cost, even small increases may affect how far your money goes in Hong Kong.
The country also offers a wide variety of attractions, from rainforests and limestone caves to duty-free islands and city highlights like the Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves, so budgeting is important when planning visits to diverse landscapes.
New Tax Adds Costs
Although you won’t see the new hotel tax listed separately on every booking site yet, it will take effect on 1 January 2025 and apply as a 3% charge on accommodation fees at most hotels and guesthouses in Hong Kong.
You’ll pay it at check-in unless your stay is prepaid. This tax adds to your total cost, on top of existing 10% service charges, increasing overall expenses for short stays.
Budget Pressure on Travelers
Adding to your travel expenses, a new 3% hotel accommodation tax took effect on January 1, 2025, directly increasing what you pay for most hotel and guesthouse stays in Hong Kong.
You’ll bear the full cost if your stay is under 28 consecutive days. Budget rooms still cost more, while pricier hotels mean higher absolute increases—impacting your overall spending freedom.
Changing Traveler Priorities: From Shopping to Experiences
Travel is no longer just about buying souvenirs or ticking off landmarks. You’re seeking freedom through experiences—road trips with flexible routes, romantic fantasy escapes, or nature challenges that test your limits.
You choose immersive entertainment over shopping, adopt tech-enhanced stays, and value meaningful connections. In 2026, Hong Kong caters to your desire for exploration, personal growth, and unforgettable moments, not just retail therapy. Gardens by the Bay offers a blend of nature and technology that mirrors this shift toward experiential travel and urban green spaces, making it a useful reference for cities rethinking tourism with vertical gardens and nightly light shows.
Hong Kong’s Competitive Edge in a Crowded Regional Market
Hong Kong’s edge in the regional tourism race hinges on strong visitor growth, expanding connectivity, and sustained spending power.
You’ve got rising arrivals from mainland China and long-haul markets, up 16% and 19% respectively.
Airlines restored over 80% of pre-pandemic flights, while inbound spending hit HK$195 billion in 2024.
This momentum keeps Hong Kong competitive, accessible, and primed for continued recovery.
And Finally
You’ll find Hong Kong can be affordable if you plan wisely. While hotel prices have dropped and the weak dollar enhances your spending power, the new hotel tax adds a small cost. You spend less on average than before, and with more focus on experiences over shopping, your money often goes further. Competitive with regional destinations, Hong Kong offers value, especially when you choose budget stays and eat locally.
