Are you ready for the wave of price hikes in 2025?
As 2025 approaches, Hong Kong residents are bracing for a series of price hikes across transportation, housing, utilities, and dining, adding financial pressure to households already grappling with a challenging economic environment.
Public transport fares increase from Jan.5
On Jan. 5, major bus operators—KMB, Citybus, and New Lantao Bus—will raise fares. Citybus fares will increase by 7.5%, KMB by 4.3%, and New Lantao Bus by 6.5%. Routes to the Mainland, such as the popular B-line services, will see a higher-than-average fare adjustment. The government estimates that approximately 80% of passengers will see an increase of no more than HK$0.5, while 95% of passengers will pay no more than an extra HK$1.
Electricity tariffs up by nearly 1%
Starting Jan. 1, CLP Power and HK Electric increased electricity tariffs by 0.98% and 0.9%, respectively. CLP adjusted its net electricity rate to 14.43 cents per unit, while HK Electric raised its rate to 16.7 cents per unit. CLP estimates that 70% of residential users and 50% of commercial users will see their monthly bill increase by no more than HK$5. HK Electric projects 80% of residential users and 50% of non-residential users will experience a similar monthly increase of no more than HK$10.
Parking fees increase by HK$50 to HK$200 per month
Starting Jan. 1, the Housing Authority will raise parking fees for its car parks. Monthly parking rates for private cars will increase by HK$50 to HK$200, with open-air spots rising by HK$140 to between HK$1,710 and HK$2,750, while covered spots will rise by HK$160 to between HK$2,060 and HK$3,310. Hourly parking fees for private cars, light goods vehicles, and motorcycles will increase by HK$1, while daily and 24-hour parking rates for private cars will rise by HK$10 and HK$20, respectively.
Public housing rent rises by 10%
Public housing tenants will face a 10% rent hike starting in January, following a three-month rent exemption granted earlier. Approximately 22% of tenants will see their monthly rent increase by HK$201 to HK$250, while 21% will face an increase of HK$151 to HK$200.
Hotel Accommodation Tax reinstated
The 3% Hotel Accommodation Tax was reinstated on Jan. 1. Industry insiders have expressed concerns that the strong HK dollar leaves no room for price adjustments, potentially increasing operational pressure on the hospitality sector.
McDonald’s prices up by 2%
As of Jan. 2, McDonald’s has raised the prices of most items by an average of 2%, with price hikes ranging from HK$0.5 to HK$1. Popular meals like the Egg & Cheese Burger and the Sausage McMuffin with Egg are now HK$18 and HK$30, respectively, reflecting a HK$1 increase.
DSE exam fees increase by 4%
The cost of sitting for the 2025 DSE exams has risen by 4%. For example, the fee for the Chinese Language subject is now HK$747, while other subjects cost HK$499. A typical student taking two language subjects and four other subjects will pay HK$3,490, HK$134 more than in 2024.
Related News:
KMB, Citybus, New Lantao Bus to increase bus fares starting Jan. 5
Govt to move resolution to resume collection of Hotel Accommodation Tax
Comment