I live in rural HongKong where rental is reasonable(by hk standards). Cost of living not too high if you ‘live local’ and don’t bleed money on nonsense like vehicle, clubbing, and ego fueled high life. That said my monthly electricity gone from $1700 to $2400 in 3 years in same place running only one aircon and one dehumidifier to dry washing for family. It’s easy to see the inflation fueled price gouging by business is a global problem. Driving people to choose what and when to eat - sad state of affairs.