How Much Does the First Month of Hiring a Helper Cost? 2026 Full Breakdown — Must Read!

Key Takeaways

Month one is the most expensive — agency fee + salary + insurance + household items all hit at once.
Overseas Filipino helper: first month total ~HK$22,000–$24,000 (DuckDuckDay all-in pricing).
Overseas Indonesian helper: first month total ~HK$25,500–$27,500.
From month two onwards: fixed monthly cost ~HK$6,500–$7,000 only.

"How much money do I actually need to prepare for the first month?" This is the number one question first-time employers ask us. The honest answer: month one is by far the most expensive month because several large costs land at the same time.

But here's the good news — once you get past month one, the ongoing cost is very manageable. This guide breaks down every dollar so you can budget with confidence.

DuckDuckDay consultant helping employer plan helper hiring budget — DuckDuckDay consultants help you plan your budget before you commit — no surprises.

First Month Costs Breakdown (Overseas Helper)

Below is a full breakdown for hiring an overseas helper through DuckDuckDay. All figures are based on 2026 statutory rates and DuckDuckDay's all-in agency pricing.

Item	Overseas Filipino	Overseas Indonesian	Notes
Agency fee (DuckDuckDay all-in)	$15,500	$18,880	Includes visa, flight, pickup, insurance, medical
First month salary	$5,100	$5,100	2026 statutory minimum wage
Food allowance (if not providing meals)	$1,236	$1,236	Statutory amount
Household items (bedding, towels etc.)	$500–$1,000	$500–$1,000	One-time cost
Month 1 Total	$22,336–$22,836	$25,716–$26,216

DuckDuckDay's agency fee is all-in — visa processing, flights, airport pickup, employee compensation insurance, and medical check-up are all included. No hidden surcharges.

Helper arriving at Hong Kong International Airport — airport pickup included in all-in package — DuckDuckDay's all-in package includes airport pickup — no extra charge

Local Transfer First Month Budget

If you hire a locally completed contract helper (one already in Hong Kong), the cost structure is slightly different:

Item	Local Filipino	Local Indonesian	Notes
Agency fee (DuckDuckDay)	$10,000–$12,000	$10,000–$12,000	No flight/overseas processing needed
First month salary	$5,100	$5,100	2026 statutory minimum wage
Food allowance (if not providing meals)	$1,236	$1,236	Statutory amount
Household items (bedding, towels etc.)	$500–$1,000	$500–$1,000	One-time cost
Return airfare (within 1st year)	$1,500–$3,000	$1,500–$3,000	Deferred home leave requirement
Month 1 Total	$18,336–$22,336	$18,336–$22,336

Local transfer helpers cost less upfront because there are no flights or overseas processing fees. However, remember the return airfare obligation within the first year.

Real Case Study

Yoyo's First Month Budget — Overseas Filipino Helper

Yoyo, a first-time employer in Sha Tin, hired an overseas Filipino helper through DuckDuckDay in early 2026. Here is her actual first-month spending:

Agency fee

$15,500 — all-in package including visa, flight, airport pickup, insurance, medical check-up

Salary

$5,100 — statutory minimum for the first month

Food

$0 — Yoyo chose to provide meals directly (more economical than the $1,236 allowance)

Household

$680 — bedding set, towels, toiletries, small shelf from IKEA

✓

Yoyo's first month total: HK$21,280. From month two: just $5,100/month (salary only, meals provided).

Helper and child laughing together — finding the right helper is worth every dollar — Finding the right helper — every dollar well spent

Want to Know Your Estimated Budget?

WhatsApp us your situation and we'll calculate your personalised first-month budget — completely free, no obligation.

WhatsApp Free Calculation →

Monthly Recurring Costs (Months 2–12)

Once you've paid the one-time costs in month one, here's what you'll pay every month going forward:

Item	Monthly Cost	Notes
Salary	$5,100	2026 statutory minimum
Food allowance (if not providing meals)	$1,236	Statutory amount; $0 if you provide meals
Monthly Total	$5,100–$6,336	Depending on food arrangement

Most families who provide meals spend around HK$5,100–$5,500 per month in total (salary + a bit extra on groceries). If paying the food allowance instead, budget HK$6,336/month.

2-Year Total Cost Estimate

2-Year Cost Summary

Overseas Filipino Helper — 2-Year Estimate

Month 1

~$22,336 (agency fee + salary + household items, meals provided)

Months 2–24

~$5,100 × 23 months = $117,300 (salary, meals provided)

2-year total: approximately HK$139,636 — that's about HK$5,818/month on average over 24 months.

Overseas Indonesian Helper — 2-Year Estimate

Month 1

~$25,716 (agency fee + salary + household items, meals provided)

Months 2–24

~$5,100 × 23 months = $117,300 (salary, meals provided)

2-year total: approximately HK$143,016 — that's about HK$5,959/month on average over 24 months.

5 Practical Tips to Save Money

Provide Meals Instead of Food Allowance

The statutory food allowance is $1,236/month. Most families spend far less feeding one extra person. Providing meals saves you $500–$800/month.

Choose an All-In Agency Package

Some agencies quote a low base fee but charge extra for visa, flights, insurance, and medical separately. DuckDuckDay's all-in pricing means no surprise bills.

Buy Household Items Smartly

You don't need to buy everything brand new. A basic bedding set, towels, and toiletries from IKEA or Japan Home can be done for under $500. Ask your helper what she actually needs.

Consider a Filipino Helper for Lower Agency Fees

Overseas Filipino helpers have a lower agency fee ($15,500 vs $18,880 for Indonesian). If nationality is not a deciding factor, this saves you $3,380 upfront.

Treat Your Helper Well to Avoid Turnover

The biggest hidden cost is having to hire again. A good working relationship means your helper stays for the full 2-year contract — saving you another round of agency fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I prepare for the first month of hiring a helper?

For an overseas Filipino helper, prepare approximately HK$22,000–$24,000 for the first month. For an overseas Indonesian helper, around HK$25,500–$27,500. This includes the agency fee, first month salary, food allowance, and household items. From month two onwards, the fixed monthly cost drops to about HK$6,500–$7,000.

Does the agency fee include insurance and flights?

With DuckDuckDay's all-in pricing, yes. The agency fee includes visa processing, flights, airport pickup, employee compensation insurance, and medical check-up. There are no hidden surcharges. Some agencies charge these items separately, so always ask for a full breakdown.

When do I need to pay my helper's salary?

By law, the employer must pay the helper's salary within 7 days after the end of each wage period. Most employers pay on the last day of each month. The first salary payment is due at the end of the first month of employment.

Is the food allowance mandatory?

If you do not provide meals to your helper, you are legally required to pay a food allowance. The 2026 statutory food allowance is HK$1,236 per month. If you provide meals directly, you do not need to pay this allowance. Most employers find providing meals is more economical.

Are there any hidden costs beyond the above?

With DuckDuckDay, there are no hidden costs — everything is included in the quoted agency fee. However, be aware of optional costs such as personal toiletries and any additional household items. For locally completed helpers, there may also be a return airfare cost of HK$1,500–3,000 within the first year.