{"id":9560,"date":"2020-01-23T01:55:20","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T00:55:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/?p=9560"},"modified":"2023-07-03T13:26:26","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T12:26:26","slug":"cost-of-living-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/cost-of-living-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living in China – The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you live in China, click here to fill out the questionnaire<\/a><\/strong> and help us to better our estimation of prices in the city of your residence.<\/p>\n

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Cost of Living in China – Index<\/h3>\n
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  1. General reflections<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Price tables for the largest Chinese cities<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Monthly expenses (according to your profile)<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Is it expensive to live in China?<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Salaries in China and minimum wages for foreigners<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Salary differences between Chinese cities<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Personal tax regulation for foreigners<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. China\u2019s new income tax law<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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    Cost of living in China – General reflections<\/h2>\n

    The cost of living in China depends on the city in which you live (Beijing and Shanghai, for example, are much more expensive than secondary cities such as Chengdu or Kunming, which in turn are more expensive than smaller cities and countryside) and your lifestyle (if you like drinking whiskey and cola in the elegant bars of Shanghai and buy extra virgin olive oil at the City Shop you will spend more than those who shop at Perry’s – a bar for students on Huai Hai Road where a bottle of Tsingdao beer will cost you 10 Yuan – and those who only eat Chinese food).<\/p>\n

    Expect to pay at least 2,500-3,500 Yuan a month for a room in a shared apartment in Beijing or Shanghai (at least if you don’t want to live in the deep peripheries). In other cities, the rent is much more economical but it depends on the individual case. You’ll also have to pay for electricity, water gas and internet. According to our data, you shouldn’t spend more than 400-600 Yuan a month. The expenses are for the entire apartment so if you live with others you should pay just a portion.<\/p>\n

    You’ll also need a cell phone. In general, 100 Yuan a month should be enough (also counting the internet) but it depends on your use. <\/p>\n

    A meal could cost you only 10-15 Yuan for a plate of jiaozi<\/em> (ravioli) or of lamian<\/em> (noodles). If however, you want to eat meat and fish regularly and visit elegant restaurants, prices rice quickly. It depends on your diet. <\/p>\n

    The subway and buses are still economical; let’s say 5 yuan a day (or 150 yuan a month). Taxis are becoming expensive, especially in Shanghai and Beijing, but are still much cheaper than those that you’ll find in Europe or the United States.<\/p>\n

    Let’s review: Rent (at least 3,000 Yuan) + utilities (at least 200 Yuan) + telephone bills (100 Yuan, with internet) + food (at least 2,100 Yuan for a high-quality diet, at least 1,100 Yuan for a diet that includes a lot of rice, pasta, and potatoes) + transportation (at least 150 Yuan) = 4,500-5,500 Yuan a month.<\/p>\n

    Let’s say, therefore that the starting point is 4,500 Yuan a month in Beijing or Shanghai. Clearly you should add expenses for entertainment (travel, dining out, alcohol, cigarettes, some tea), clothes, health insurance, visas, international flights, and unforeseen expenses.<\/p>\n

    Keep in mind that in China it is very common to perceive different benefits beyond just salary. This can go from 5 Kg of rice for the Spring Festival up to total reimbursement for rent, transportation within the interior of the country (even taxis), health insurance, visas and an international flight a year.<\/p>\n

    \"prices<\/p>\n

    Price tables for the largest Chinese cities<\/h2>\n
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