Hong Kong falls to 33rd place on global liveability index

Air quality and socio-political factors were cited.

Hong Kong remains Asia’s sixth most liveable location, but has fallen to 33rd place in the global ranking, further widening the gap between Singapore, which is ranked first globally as well as in Asia.

According to a release from ECA International, this was one of the findings of the latest Location Ratings for expatriate living conditions it published.

Updated annually, ECA's Location Ratings system objectively evaluates a host of factors to form an assessment of the overall quality of living in over 450 locations worldwide.

The system helps companies establish appropriate allowances to compensate employees for the adjustment required when going on international assignment. Factors assessed include climate; availability of health services; housing and utilities; isolation; access to a social network and leisure facilities; infrastructure; personal safety; political tensions and air quality.

Although Hong Kong is still ranked highly as a place for Asian expats to live in ECA’s survey - one of the first independent studies since the umbrella movement swept Hong Kong – globally, the city’s attractiveness has dropped 16 places, from 17th to 33rd position.

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“Hong Kong scores well in a range of factors including infrastructure, education and healthcare facilities, and availability of goods and services,” said Lee Quane, Regional Director – Asia, ECA International.

“However, air quality remains a lot poorer there than many other parts of the region. In addition, Hong Kong’s socio-political score worsened this year as a result of the unprecedented unrest there in recent months and the restrictions placed on movement.”

While Hong Kong has fallen down the ranking, its arch regional rival, Singapore, has secured top spot for the 16th year running.

“The fact that Singapore comes out top time and time again does make it a very attractive proposition for companies looking to set up in the region, particularly when conditions in Hong Kong have deteriorated a little,” said Quane.

“Nevertheless, it is important to put this into perspective. Overall the SAR does still remain one of the easier places in the world for an outsider to adjust to living and working in.”