Cost of Living in China

The cost of living in China has gone up over the years as the country has steadily developed economically. However, despite it becoming the second largest economy in the world after the USA, many of China's most modern cities are still cheaper to live in comparison to many developed countries. 

Here we will breakdown the average costs of living in modern China and what you can expect your living expenses to look like. 

Average cost of: Food

Depending on what you're craving, the cost of food can vary in across most Chinese cities. But the consensus is; if you're trying to eat cheap, you can easily do so without risking you health in anyway.

Ex.

• Milk (1L) - 12 RMB
• Apples (1KG) - 10 RMB
• ​Oranges (1KG) - 10 RMB
• Loaf of white bread - 10 RMB
• Lettuce (1 head) - 3.5 RMB
• Water (1.5L) - 3 RMB 
• Chicken Breasts (1KG) - 20 RMB  
• Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - 70 RMB

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Average cost of: Leisure Activities 

In many cases leisure activities in China share the same price rates as the west - but in many cases it is also cheaper. Once again, it fully depends on your preference and the type of activity you are engaging in. 

Ex.

• Monthly Gym Membership - 200 RMB
• Cinema International Release - 35 RMB 
• Three course mid-range dinner - 80 RMB
• Quick meal (rice/noodles) - 25 RMB
• Massage (30 Mins) - 50 RMB​
• Museum Entry - 20 RMB

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Average cost of: Travel 

The cost of travel in China is famously low compared to many developed cities across the world - the taxi rates and public transport top world lists in efficiency and price. 


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Ex.

• Bus journey (One-way) - 2 RMB
• Metro journey - 4 RMB
• Taxi Tariff start - 10 RMB
• Taxi (1 KM) - 2.3 RMB
• Ferry Crossing - 2RMB

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Average cost of: Rent & Bills

The rent in most major cities in China can be very similar to many developed cities across the world. However, it still remains on the more affordable spectrum considering some of the prime locations. The bills are famously low and are almost an after-thought expense in many cases.

Ex. 

• Shared apartment (CC) - 3000 RMB pm
• One bedroom apartment (CC) - 7000 RMB pm
• Shared apartment (OC) - 1000 RMB pm
• One bedroom apartment (OC) - 2500 RMB
• Electricity - 100 - 200 RMB
• Gas - 40 RMB
• Water - 50 RMB
• Wi-Fi - 60 RMB 

Have another category you'd like us to add? Comment bellow!