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Hong Kong is still marketed as a low-tax, global financial centre. However, if we listen to what people actually say about daily life – especially retirees struggling to afford household staples – the picture that emerges is quite different.

Hong Kong has become more affordable through scale, competition and connectivity. The retail sector has grown more competitive since major mainland e-commerce platforms entered the city. More supply channels mean more choice, and more choice means less pricing power for any single seller.