Cost of Living in Guangzhou, China

Are you considering a move to Guangzhou, China, and wondering about the cost of living? Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou and help you understand whether $1396 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1104.13.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Guangzhou, China
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

4.23 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

28.23 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.94 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

0.85 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.69 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.44 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.44 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.31 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.98 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.7 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.04 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.64 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

10.66 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.81 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

12.88 $

Apples (1 lb)

1.99 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.41 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.91 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.31 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.8 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.09 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.43 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.57 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

14.11 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.86 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.82 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

3.95 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.28 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

14.11 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.69 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.37 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

6.21 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.2 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

23992.32 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

21169.7 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

68.05 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

13.82 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

30.28 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

21.52 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

7.06 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

463.72 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

18817.51 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

54.21 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

30.36 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

72.32 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

45.48 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

478.28 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

291.08 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1108.21 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

686.25 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

11602.39 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

4677.91 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

1104.13 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

4.67 %

Cost of Living in Guangzhou, China

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Guangzhou?

The monthly expenses for living in Guangzhou come to a total of approximately $1396. This includes an average monthly rent of around $478 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $74 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $467 per month.

How affordable is living in Guangzhou?

Living in Guangzhou appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1104.13. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Guangzhou, you would likely need an income exceeding $1104.13.

What is the average salary in Guangzhou?

In Guangzhou, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1104.13, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Guangzhou?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Guangzhou is approximately $478. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $291.08 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Guangzhou?

The expense for groceries in Guangzhou can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $394 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.

What is the cost of living in China?

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.

Guangzhou, China

How Safe Is Guangzhou, China for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Guangzhou, China

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In terms of general safety when in Guangzhou, tourists can feel relaxed since it is a non-violent city when compared with other cities of the same size. Petty crimes are common, but the presence of the police, security services, and private security guards tend to stop that. Foreigners are often targeted in case of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and credit card fraud.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

As in whole China, unlicensed taxis should be avoided and taxi meters should be asked when entering it. Licensed cabs are generally safe and inexpensive. Traffic conditions in Guangzhou have improved in recent years, but still cars do not stop to pedestrians and zebra crossings are not respected.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Petty criminal acts of economic nature against tourists are bag grabbing and theft because travelers sometimes tend to show their wealth and usually have money on them. You should be watchful when in public transport, in shopping areas, and at tourist sites.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Guangzhou is at risk from natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, and cyclones, flooding and tsunami. The typhoon season lasts from February to September.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Violent crimes are not often, especially against tourists since Guangzhou is known for its tolerance of cultural differences. Mugging and kidnapping of foreigners are not likely to happen here.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The Islamic State is attempting to attack nations who oppose them and their attacks are unpredictable. Terrorist attacks are likely in here, but the risk level is low.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Fake currency and taxi issues are the major problems in Guangzhou. Taxi drivers tend to overcharge or drive away without taking your luggage out of the truck. Shop assistants might give you back the note which is a fake one, without you noticing. Always be suspicious when scam risks are in question.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

As for female travelers who practice common sense and are not disoriented, Guangzhou is the perfect destination. They can feel safer than in most places in the world, but there is always a chance to be assaulted, especially at night, if they go to empty areas solo.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

There are 52 nations whose citizens have less demanding requirements if they just pass through China on their way to other countries. A 72-hour transit visa, a confirmed ticket, and a valid passport are sufficient documentation. All U.S. citizens need a valid visa to visit China and they need to get it before they start their journey.

currency_exchange

Currency

China is a country where most of the facilities are paid by cash. There are ATMs in major cities on every step, and credit cards are only accepted in certain restaurants and hotels. You need to exchange your money into China’s currency named yuan or renminbi. Pay attention when exchanging since money fraud is very common.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

A humid subtropical climate here is influenced by the East Asian Monsoon, causing heavy rainfall throughout the year. Cold weather is almost unknown in Guangzhou since the lowest temperatures do not fall below 5°C. Snowfall is rare and summers are hot and humid. October and November are the best months to visit Guangzhou.

flight_takeoff

Airports

After Hong Kong airport, which can be used as an alternative when coming to Guangzhou, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a hub for international and domestic flights to China and it is located 28 kilometers away from the city center.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Because medical urgencies can ruin your trip, international travel health insurance is a necessity. If you travel outside your home country for business or pleasure, it involves risk in terms of theft, baggage loss, accidents and illnesses, so a travel insurance policy is the best way to protect you against all these issues.

Guangzhou, China

What about weather in Guangzhou, China ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 65°F 67°F 72°F 79°F 85°F 89°F 91°F 91°F 88°F 84°F 76°F 69°F
Temp 58°F 60°F 66°F 74°F 79°F 83°F 84°F 84°F 82°F 77°F 69°F 60°F
Low 51°F 55°F 61°F 69°F 75°F 78°F 80°F 79°F 76°F 70°F 62°F 53°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 18°C 19°C 22°C 26°C 29°C 31°C 32°C 32°C 31°C 28°C 24°C 20°C
Temp 14°C 15°C 18°C 23°C 26°C 28°C 28°C 28°C 27°C 25°C 20°C 15°C
Low 10°C 12°C 16°C 20°C 23°C 25°C 26°C 26°C 24°C 21°C 16°C 11°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in China with Guangzhou

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries