🇨🇳 Cost of Living in China
3 cities, ranked from wallet-friendly to wallet-hostile
Median monthly budget · single · city center
$1,146/mo
Across 3 cities we track
Couple
$1,317
Family of 4
$4,182
City-by-city damage report
Rent — the biggest line item
Source: Numbeo. Prices in USD.
Grocery prices — the supermarket reality check
Median across 3 cities
Eating out — because you won't cook every night
Median prices across 3 cities
Getting around — or trying to
Median prices across 3 cities
China vs. the neighbors
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in China?▼
Across 3 cities, a single person spends a median of $1,146/month including rent. Shenzhen is the cheapest at $962/mo, while Beijing runs $1,304/mo.
What is the average rent in China?▼
Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is $907/month across 3 cities we track.
What is the average salary in China?▼
The median monthly net salary (after tax) across 3 cities is about $1,646, based on Numbeo data.
What is the cheapest city in China?▼
Shenzhen is the most affordable at $962/month for a single person. Beijing is the most expensive at $1,304/month.
Cost data sourced from Numbeo. Updated periodically.