Cost of Living in China

Updated: December 01, 2024

If you've ever considered moving to China, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in China?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in China and whether the reported $1560 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $1057.0.

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Childcare

Clothing

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment

Salaries

China

restaurant Restaurants	Price	World Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	3.88 $
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	27.69 $
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	4.98 $
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	1.0 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	2.77 $
Cappuccino (regular)	3.6 $
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	0.46 $
Water (12 oz small bottle)	0.29 $

store Markets	Price	World Range
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	1.95 $
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	1.72 $
Rice (white), (1 lb)	0.97 $
Eggs (regular) (12)	1.87 $
Local Cheese (1 lb)	12.62 $
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	3.87 $
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	12.03 $
Apples (1 lb)	1.77 $
Banana (1 lb)	1.41 $
Oranges (1 lb)	1.6 $
Tomato (1 lb)	1.2 $
Potato (1 lb)	0.77 $
Onion (1 lb)	0.92 $
Lettuce (1 head)	0.64 $
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	0.59 $
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	11.07 $
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	0.79 $
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	1.87 $
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	3.46 $

commute Transportation	Price	World Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	0.42 $
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	20.76 $
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	1.66 $
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	0.35 $
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	6.09 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	1.15 $
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	20626.55 $
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	18930.23 $

mark_as_unread Utilities (Monthly)	Price	World Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	50.63 $
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)	0.02 $
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	12.84 $

kitesurfing Sports And Leisure	Price	World Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	40.81 $
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	14.31 $
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	6.64 $

child_friendly Childcare	Price	World Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	590.79 $
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child	20750.92 $

checkroom Clothing And Shoes	Price	World Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	56.17 $
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)	32.76 $
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	78.72 $
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	82.02 $

night_shelter Rent Per Month	Price	World Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	659.21 $
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	387.73 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	1509.5 $
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	806.58 $

home Buy Apartment Price	Price	World Range
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre	9806.65 $
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre	5493.51 $

account_balance_wallet Salaries And Financing	Price	World Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)	1057.0 $
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate	5.17 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 3.88 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 27.69 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.95 USD, a loaf of bread 1.72 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.87 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.42 USD and a monthly pass around 20.76 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 50.63 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 40.81 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 14.31 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 590.79 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 20750.92 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 56.17 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 78.72 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 659.21 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 387.73 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 9806.65 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 5493.51 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 1057.0 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 5.17% annually.

Warnings & Dangers in China

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall, China is safe to travel to, but crime rates vary depending on the area of the country. Some cities are very safe, while in some there are areas that are best avoided, but in general, you should be wary of petty theft and look closely after your belongings which will minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Taxis can be unsafe in China, because it is filled with unlicensed taxi vehicles that don't use meters and might try to rip you off. Always negotiate everything in advance and never pay upfront. Transportation stations are also risky, as they are known to attract criminals, often at the ticket booth, as do overnight train cars and Trans-Siberian express lines.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

There is high risk of pickpockets in China. They frequently operate in packs by having one member distract you while another steals your wallet or purse.Take extreme caution when in China, be twice as vigilant in Chine as you'd be anywhere else - don‘t leave anything valuable in your back pockets. If you do encounter a pickpocket, be very loud in order to attract attention and, hopefully, the police.Thieves in China also tend to operate in restaurants, so keep your bag on your lap.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

There are threats from earthquakes happening, but they are typical for non-tourist areas. In southern parts of China, especially around Yangtze river, there's a risk of flooding or landslides due to heavy rain during the rainy season. Other risks are typhoons along the southern and eastern coastlines, and extremely high air pollution.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

China on the whole is extremely safe. Crime against foreigners is rare, and violent crime, and incidents such as mugging and rape, against foreigners is extremely rare.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in China. Even though foreigners haven’t been targeted, these attacks may be executed in places frequented by visitors. You should take particular care during national holidays.Most attacks take place in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous region and, according to the Chinese government, are carried out by Uyghur separatists with possible links to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Like in any other tourist destination, China is a place where there it's likely you'll get scammed or someone will try to scam you. It is actually extremely likely. Have your wits with you and double check your change or try to use small bills.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

China is safe for solo women travelers. Just use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or ride in taxis at night.

Cost of Living in China

China

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing