Are you considering a move to Shanghai, China, and wondering about the cost of living? Shanghai 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 Shanghai and help you understand whether $2058 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $1464.72.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
5.5 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
35.28 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
5.65 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.41 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.53 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.88 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.56 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.35 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
2.53 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.06 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
1.15 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
1.9 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
19.9 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
3.95 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.57 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.33 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.66 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.08 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.44 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
0.95 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.08 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
0.91 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.58 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
14.11 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
0.9 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.87 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
3.53 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.56 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
35.28 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.26 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.42 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
8.47 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.22 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
21169.7 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19052.73 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
64.99 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
18.47 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
78.79 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
15.07 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
9.88 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1330.7 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
28809.2 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
65.48 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
37.69 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
73.88 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
110.38 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
951.63 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
546.88 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2963.76 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1454.16 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
19380.35 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
9440.94 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
1464.72 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.76 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Shanghai come to a total of approximately $2058. This includes an average monthly rent of around $951 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 $588 per month.
Living in Shanghai appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $1464.72. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Shanghai, you would likely need an income exceeding $1464.72.
In Shanghai, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $1464.72, 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 Shanghai is approximately $951. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $546.88 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Shanghai can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $477 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.
In terms of violent risks, Shanghai is not considered dangerous, unlike many other cosmopolitan cities. Police use modern technology and the city is under constant surveillance to stop criminal acts. Petty crimes are common, and the minimum attention is enough to prevent tourists to become victims of thieves.
Unlicensed taxis without a taximeter are frequent and some of the drivers might get away with your luggage if you do not ask him to take it out of the trunk before you pay. The road conditions are good but the huge amount of traffic results in traffic jams. Traffic accidents are common, and most injuries involve motorbikes and bicycle riders being struck by cars. In case the foreigner is involved in the accident, he/she is often declared responsible for that.
The areas of the city, where a lot of tourists gather, are the hubs of pickpockets. In the public transport and shopping zones, pickpocketing groups work and they are interested in cash, as well as credit cards. Travelers should be watchful and keep their belongings close to themselves.
Of all the possible natural disasters, China is prone to earthquakes and storms. The typhoon season in China is from May to November. Snowstorms are rare, but they can cause many delays in the city, regarding the traffic.
Because the violent crime rate is low in Shanghai, the risk of being mugged or kidnapped is very rare, especially for tourists. Violent crimes do occur, but they are usually against Shanghai’s citizens, and that does not affect any tourist while in the city.
When terrorist attacks are in question, there is a risk, but still, there is no need for panic. Even though travelers are not the target, the previous reports say that public places are the hubs of the attacks and they are frequently visited by foreigners. Thus, tourists can become affected. The best advice is to be careful and take care of themselves.
The most common scam is fake money, so tourists should pay attention when taking the change or exchanging their money. You should not take a taxi which does not have a taximeter and a taxi license. Avoid speaking with strangers, because, lawbreakers tend to get familiar with you, particularly at tourist areas around People's Square and East Nanjing Road. Always bear in mind that even though people from Shanghai are very friendly, they do not approach a foreigner first.
As for female travelers, Shanghai is an ideal destination. There have been some reports of solo travelers being killed, but the reason was that they had gone to the isolated areas. China is a very safe country and a female can feel secure while visiting it.
China made the transit flows easily by the introduction of the 72-hour visa-free transit policy for the people from 53 countries and they are aiming to include more cities in the future. Direct Transit within 24 hours is available for any nationality passenger. The necessary documentation for entering the country is a visa and a valid passport.
China’s official currency is called yuan or renminbi. The best way to exchange your money is in the bank or official exchange offices because fake money is extremely common in China. ATMs can be found in big cities and it is advisable to have money on you all the time since many services still do not accept credit cards.
The heat of summer and the cold of winter are the weather characteristics of Shanghai. So, the best time to visit it is during the spring or autumn when the temperatures are pleasant and the peak tourism season is finished. The hottest month is July and the coldest month is January. People who come during winter would not be able to explore the city to the maximum extent due to the chilly weather.
There are two major and busiest airports in Shanghai, both of which are important for China’s tourism. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport serves domestic and regional flights and is located 13 kilometers from the city center. It is closer than the other one, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai's main international airport, which is 30 kilometers away.
No matter what is your final destination or the reason for traveling, travel insurance is advisable in case of unpredictable accidents or illnesses, which can ruin your trip. The baggage loss or thefts should also be covered by the insurance policy.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 46°F | 49°F | 56°F | 66°F | 75°F | 81°F | 89°F | 88°F | 81°F | 72°F | 62°F | 51°F |
| Temp | 40°F | 43°F | 49°F | 59°F | 68°F | 75°F | 83°F | 82°F | 75°F | 66°F | 56°F | 45°F |
| Low | 35°F | 38°F | 45°F | 54°F | 63°F | 71°F | 78°F | 78°F | 70°F | 61°F | 50°F | 39°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C | 9°C | 13°C | 18°C | 23°C | 27°C | 31°C | 31°C | 27°C | 22°C | 16°C | 10°C |
| Temp | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C | 15°C | 20°C | 23°C | 28°C | 27°C | 23°C | 18°C | 13°C | 7°C |
| Low | 1°C | 3°C | 7°C | 12°C | 17°C | 21°C | 25°C | 25°C | 21°C | 16°C | 10°C | 3°C |