I was looking at apartment prices and it did go as high as 25000HK for a 500sq if you wanted there were like some from 12000HK to 16000HK and with an average monthly cost of living bill of about 7000HK. It didn't seem bad if the salary I saw on the internet for Cathay pacific first officers and second officers and maybe with a captain salary like that i'm sure its not poverty.
However the living conditions are real cramped but I guess its adpating to new lifestyle and taking new challenges.
Correct me if my estimates are far fetched.