Are you considering a move to Beijing, China, and wondering about the cost of living? Beijing is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Beijing and help you understand whether $1918 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1746.29.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.38 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
28.23 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.65 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.41 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.82 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.82 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.52 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.31 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.91 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.62 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.78 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
13.53 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.32 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
10.51 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.06 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.7 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
1.96 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.23 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.83 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
0.98 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.83 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.52 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.88 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.93 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.93 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.67 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.71 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
42.34 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
1.83 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.37 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
11.29 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.22 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22581.01 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21391.02 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
55.44 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
13.96 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
51.02 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
29.45 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.06 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
891.08 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
27135.7 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
63.76 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
34.94 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
86.78 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
112.89 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
938.05 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
576.47 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2323.24 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1216.63 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
16709.09 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
8144.19 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1746.29 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.42 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Beijing come to a total of approximately $1918. This includes an average monthly rent of around $938 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $62 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $501 per month.
Living in Beijing appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1746.29. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Beijing, you would likely need an income exceeding $1746.29.
In Beijing, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1746.29, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Beijing is approximately $938. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $576.47 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Beijing can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $393 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in China can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout China.
While in Beijing, travelers should only pay special attention to people around them in order not to become the victim of petty crimes. As in any other huge and populous city, thieves are frequent, so avoid going to isolated areas and showing your valuables in public. There is very little risk of more serious criminal acts against tourists in Beijing.
The usage of taxis is Beijing can make you become a victim since many taxi drivers tend to overcharge or rob the passenger. Unlicensed and unmetered taxis should not be taken regarding the fact that there have been occurrences of sexual assault when traveling alone in a taxi at night. The best solution is to use public transport which is inexpensive and available.
As long as you remain watchful over your belongings, you will not become easy prey for lawbreakers. Tourists are very attractive because of their passports, laptops, mobile phones, purses, and wallets. The major tourist sites are areas where thieves and pickpockets usually work.
Air pollution, typhoons, and earthquakes are possible natural disasters in Beijing. If you happen to be there during any of these incidents, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.
There are very rare reports of a serious crime performed against foreigners, so you can feel protected in terms of kidnapping and mugging. However, these kinds of incidents cannot be predicted so tourists should remain vigilant.
The possibility of terrorist attacks in China is at a low level, but due to the previous attacks, this kind of incident can happen. Tourists might not be the direct target, but the attacks usually happen during holidays or in crowded places, which can affect tourists.
Scam risk is very frequent in Beijing and it is increasing even more. The problem of counterfeit currency turns into a serious one since there have been reports on receiving a fake banknote even from ATMs. Travelers need to check them carefully before accepting notes because banks do not accept them.
As long as female travelers follow the safety precautions and practice common sense while in Beijing, there is no necessity for any kind of fear and panic. Beijing is not dangerous for women, even if they travel solo.
As far as visas are concerned, there are different rules in China. You must get a visa before you arrive and it can be obtained in the Chinese Embassy. However, for those travelers that are just transiting China, there is a possibility to enter without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
China is still a country where cash is the basic means of payment, and its currency is called yuan or renminbi. Do not rely only on your credit card, since many services do not accept it. The ATMs are available only in major cities and you cannot exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.
Continental climate influenced by monsoons is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. There is a rainy season in Beijing, lasting from February to September and typhoon season, from May to November. The best time to visit Beijing is in September and October, during autumn.
You can come to Beijing via Beijing Capital International Airport which is located 26 km from the center of the city. It is the world's second busiest airport and it is used both for domestic and foreign trips. Another one is Nanyuan Airport, 13 km away from Forbidden City, but it is used only by China United Airlines for domestic flights.
The decision to travel abroad is your choice and you are responsible for your safety so you should have a travel insurance policy when arriving in China. It should include medical treatment in case of illnesses or accidents, and the coverage of baggage loss or theft.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 35°F | 42°F | 54°F | 69°F | 80°F | 86°F | 88°F | 86°F | 78°F | 66°F | 50°F | 38°F |
| Temp | 26°F | 32°F | 44°F | 59°F | 70°F | 77°F | 80°F | 78°F | 69°F | 56°F | 40°F | 29°F |
| Low | 18°F | 23°F | 35°F | 49°F | 59°F | 68°F | 73°F | 70°F | 60°F | 47°F | 32°F | 21°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 1°C | 5°C | 12°C | 20°C | 26°C | 30°C | 31°C | 30°C | 25°C | 18°C | 10°C | 3°C |
| Temp | -3°C | 0°C | 6°C | 15°C | 21°C | 25°C | 26°C | 25°C | 20°C | 13°C | 4°C | -1°C |
| Low | -7°C | -5°C | 1°C | 9°C | 15°C | 20°C | 22°C | 21°C | 15°C | 8°C | 0°C | -6°C |