Yep, it is lacking. At the "old" CX one would easily have HK$50,000-60,000/mo for housing, as Second Officer. FDX's 34k is a start, yet with a real and likely chance to eventually make it back State side, and considering FDX's reputation overall, I think it is acceptable.

CX's 10k/mo otoh, is insulting. Add insult to injury, there is absolutely no guarantee you'd ever make it back to your base. With no effective union to enforce terms&conditions, seniority etc. you are at the whim of management (ok, same applies more or less to most airlines); years back I would've taken the risk of some "flexibility" in the contract as the compensation was worth it. Not today, as CX's hiring practices seem to align more and more with its Big Brother up North.

For someone starry-eyed, single and young, the current offer is probably a very tough call. One with half-a-brain and a family, not so much.