{"id":24663,"date":"2024-12-18T09:39:57","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T08:39:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/?post_type=destinationcpt&#038;p=24663"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:19:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T09:19:21","slug":"the-cost-of-living-in-china","status":"publish","type":"destinationcpt","link":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"The cost of living in China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Have you fallen under the spell of China during a recent trip? With its unique Asian landscapes, typical markets, rich culture and gastronomy, China attracts thousands of expatriates every year. Whether you are looking to relocate to Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen or elsewhere, this guide provides everything you need to know about the cost of living in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We cover the following topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The average budget needed to live in China<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The main items of expenditure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The budget for accommodation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The shopping budget<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost of medical care &#8211; A comparison of the cost of living in China and Western Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/medium-shot-father-carrying-girl-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Happy Chinese family, the father carrying his daughter on his back, walking down the street in a Chinese town.\" class=\"wp-image-24522\" style=\"width:325px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/medium-shot-father-carrying-girl-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/medium-shot-father-carrying-girl-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/medium-shot-father-carrying-girl-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/medium-shot-father-carrying-girl-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/medium-shot-father-carrying-girl-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source : <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.freepik.com\/photos-gratuite\/plan-moyen-pere-portant-fille_21744865.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=6&amp;uuid=702695b4-a5a6-41ad-83d6-77ffa1ccab4e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overview-of-the-average-cost-of-living-in-china\">Overview of the average cost of living in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Services<\/th><th>Average price in China<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Average monthly salary<\/td><td>\u20ac900<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Price of renting a flat<\/td><td>\u20ac280 to \u20ac480<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flat purchase price per m2<\/td><td>\u20ac3 200 to \u20ac7 000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Petrol (1 L)<\/td><td>\u20ac1.10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mobile telecommunications services<\/td><td>Between \u20ac4 and \u20ac16<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meals for 2 in a restaurant<\/td><td>\u20ac25<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cinema<\/td><td>\u20ac6.30 per ticket<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em>.<em> Sources : <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/cost-of-living\/country_result.jsp?country=China\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Numbeo<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The average cost of living for one person in China is \u20ac800 , including rent. A family of 4 needs a monthly budget of \u20ac2.600.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the cost of living in China varies enormously from region to region. To illustrate this disparity, here is the Numbeo ranking of the cost of living indices for the main Chinese cities, from highest to lowest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suzhou : 39,5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shanghai : 39,1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beijing : 36,8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shenzhen : 36,3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guangzhou : 35,3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hangzhou : 32,8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nanjing : 30,1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wuhan : 28,3<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chengdu : 27,9<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ayala-9140-50868-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"View of the city of Shanghai and its financial district under a sunny sky\" class=\"wp-image-24524\" style=\"width:307px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ayala-9140-50868-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ayala-9140-50868-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ayala-9140-50868-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ayala-9140-50868-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ayala-9140-50868-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite China&#8217;s economic growth, regional inequalities remain deep. This is due in particular to the fact that coastal areas, such as Shanghai and Shenzhen, have benefited from a more <strong>rapid opening up to the global market<\/strong>, unlike the regions of western China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The latter have become major financial and industrial centres, where salaries are higher than in more rural areas. To give you an idea, here is a comparison of minimum monthly wages between three Chinese cities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shanghai : 345 \u20ac<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beijing : 315 \u20ac<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Danzhou : 240 \u20ac<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-2846075-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Foreground view of the roof of a Beijing temple, overlooking the city and its river in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-24525\" style=\"width:405px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-2846075-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-2846075-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-2846075-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-2846075-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-magda-ehlers-pexels-2846075-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-currency-and-exchange-rates-in-china\">Currency and exchange rates in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The official Chinese currency is the yuan, known locally as the \u2018renminbi\u2019. It is abbreviated RMB or CNY (for \u2018Chinese Yuan\u2019) and is symbolised by the character \u2018\u00a5\u2019. Currently, 1 yuan is equivalent to 0.13 euros, or 7.64 yuan to 1 euro. <em>(Index as of 4 December 2024).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accommodation-in-china\">Accommodation in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is an average of the prices you should expect to pay for accommodation in China:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For a <strong>one-bedroom flat in the city centre,<\/strong> expect an average budget of CNY1,500 to CNY800 (200 to 1,050 \u20ac). Outside the city centre, the price range is CNY 1,000 to 4,000 (130 to 500 \u20ac).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you want to become a homeowner, you can <strong>buy a property<\/strong> at an average price of CNY 53,000 (7,000 \u20ac) in the city centre and CNY 24,500 (3,200 \u20ac) outside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dominic-kurniawan-suryaputra-yGMP3sl11jE-unsplash-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"An alleyway in a Chinese town leads to the entrance of a small building. A motorbike is parked in front of the door.\" class=\"wp-image-24526\" style=\"width:335px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dominic-kurniawan-suryaputra-yGMP3sl11jE-unsplash-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dominic-kurniawan-suryaputra-yGMP3sl11jE-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dominic-kurniawan-suryaputra-yGMP3sl11jE-unsplash-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dominic-kurniawan-suryaputra-yGMP3sl11jE-unsplash-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dominic-kurniawan-suryaputra-yGMP3sl11jE-unsplash-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a comparison of prices in the country&#8217;s largest cities (in euros):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong><strong><strong>Type of property<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong><strong>Price in Shanghai<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong><strong>Price in Beijing<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong><strong>Price in Guangzhou<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Price in<\/strong> <strong>Shenzhen<\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Price in Dongguan<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Rental Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city centre<\/td><td>\u20ac920<\/td><td>\u20ac870<\/td><td>\u20ac500<\/td><td>\u20ac700<\/td><td>\u20ac335<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rental Apartment (1 bedroom) outside the town centre<\/td><td>\u20ac500<\/td><td>\u20ac470<\/td><td>\u20ac280<\/td><td>\u20ac380<\/td><td>\u20ac180<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Average purchase price per m2<\/td><td>\u20ac15,000<\/td><td>\u20ac13,500<\/td><td>\u20ac9,300<\/td><td>\u20ac12,000<\/td><td>\u20ac5,300<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grocery-and-food-prices\">Grocery and food prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In China, the shopping budget is the biggest monthly expense. However, prices for staple foods remain among the lowest in East Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Food<\/th><th><strong><strong>Average price in China (in euros)<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Milk (1 l)<\/td><td>1.75<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Water (1,5 l)<\/td><td>0.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bread (500 g)<\/td><td>1.55<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rice (1 kg)<\/td><td>0.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>12 eggs<\/td><td>1.60<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local cheese (1 kg)<\/td><td>12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Chicken fillet (1 kg)<\/td><td>3.20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meat (1 kg)<\/td><td>10.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Apples (1 kg)<\/td><td>1.70<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bananas (1 kg)<\/td><td>1.20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tomatoes (1 kg)<\/td><td>1.10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Potatoes (1 kg)<\/td><td>0.70<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Onions (1 kg)<\/td><td>0.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Local beer (500 ml)<\/td><td>0.75<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Imported beer (330 ml)<\/td><td>1.60<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><em><em><em>The above values are given for information only<\/em><\/em>.<\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-transportation\">Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-in-china-our-key-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\">live in China<\/a>? There are many ways to get around, whether by car, public transport or bicycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>M\u00e9tro<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The price of a metro ticket in China varies according to the distance travelled. The first 6 kilometres cost CNY 3 (0.39 \u20ac), then CNY 4 (0.52 \u20ac) is added for every additional 12 km.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Bus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For buses in urban areas, the starting fare is CNY 2 (approximately 0.26 \u20ac) per journey, plus CNY 1 (0.13 \u20ac) for every 5 km. For long-distance journeys, the fare is CNY 1 for the first 12 km, then CNY 0.50 (0.065 \u20ac) for every 5 km thereafter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Taxi<\/strong> <strong>&amp; car<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For taxis, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/taxi-fare\/country_result.jsp?country=China\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starting fare<\/a> is CNY 10 (1.30 \u20ac), with a charge of CNY 2 (0.26 \u20ac) per kilometre travelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, for drivers, the average price of fuel is CNY 8.45 (1.10 \u20ac) per litre.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Train<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For train journeys, prices vary depending on the destination. For example, a journey between Beijing and Guangzhou costs an average of CNY 700 (91 \u20ac).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-healthcare-fees-in-china\">Healthcare fees in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Although <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/international-health-insurance-for-expatriates-in-china\/\">China&#8217;s healthcare system<\/a> has undergone significant development in recent years, the quality of infrastructure and healthcare varies widely from one region to another, and between urban and rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In China, as elsewhere, medical care is offered at different prices in the private and public sectors. However, the latter is divided into two categories:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Smiling Asian health staff in nursing uniform. Nurses chatting and working in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-24529\" style=\"width:250px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/nurse-portrait-hospital-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/fr.freepik.com\/images-ia-gratuites\/portrait-infirmiere-hopital_66191454.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=29&amp;uuid=f95cbc0f-33a2-41e4-a615-8687397fcd47\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Classic<\/strong>, standard public care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>VIP and International Department<\/strong>, with certain advantages such as reduced waiting times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is an example of the prices (in euros) offered for certain medical services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong><strong>Medical services<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Private sector price<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>Standard public sector price<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><th><strong><strong>VIP and International public sector prices<\/strong><\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Consultation with a general practitioner<\/td><td>\u20ac35 to \u20ac150<\/td><td>\u20ac5<\/td><td>\u20ac25<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Consultation with a specialist<\/td><td>\u20ac75 to \u20ac250<\/td><td>\u20ac8<\/td><td>\u20ac45<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Consultation with a dentist<\/td><td>\u20ac30 to \u20ac60<\/td><td>\u20ac5<\/td><td>\u20ac25<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hospital stay (1 night)<\/td><td>\u20ac700<\/td><td>\u20ac8.50<\/td><td>\u20ac400<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-education\">Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of the education system in China, if you are a parent, here is the budget you need to plan for your child&#8217;s schooling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4126712-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Young Asian student working on her laptop.\" class=\"wp-image-24530\" style=\"width:288px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4126712-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4126712-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4126712-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4126712-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4126712-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Private kindergarten: CNY 3,300 (430 \u20ac) per month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International primary school: CNY 132,700 (17,200 \u20ac) per year. <br>e.g. Beijing: Average range: 20,000\u201350,000 \u20ac per year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples:<br>Western Academy of Beijing (WAB): 30,000\u201340,000 \u20ac\/year<br>International School of Beijing (ISB): 30,000\u201350,000 \u20ac\/year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-telecommunications-services-in-china\">Telecommunications services in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For monthly services, here is an overview of telecommunications costs in China:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mobile package (calls +10 GB data): 78 CNY (10.30 \u20ac)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Internet subscription (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): 85 CNY (11.20 \u20ac)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leisure-activities\">Leisure activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are as many things to do in China as the country is huge! Here are the prices to expect for some unmissable outings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.introducingbeijing.com\/forbidden-city\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Forbidden City<\/a>: CNY 40 to 60 (\u20ac5.25 to \u20ac8)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a hike in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chinadiscovery.com\/huangshan-tours\/huangshan-mountain-why-expensive.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Huangshan<\/a>: CNY 150 to 190 (\u20ac20 to \u20ac25)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to the cinema: 48 CNY (\u20ac6.30)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take out a gym membership: 300 CNY (\u20ac40)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Play tennis: 110 CNY (\u20ac14) per hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drink a cappuccino in a caf\u00e9: 23 CNY (\u20ac3)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meal at a mid-range restaurant: 90 CNY (\u20ac12)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-mic-oller-2959176-18706744-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Shot of part of Beijing's Forbidden City, under a very blue sky\" class=\"wp-image-24531\" style=\"width:346px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-mic-oller-2959176-18706744-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-mic-oller-2959176-18706744-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-mic-oller-2959176-18706744-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-mic-oller-2959176-18706744-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/pexels-mic-oller-2959176-18706744-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-living-in-china-compared-with-western-europe\">Cost of living in China compared with Western Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average cost of living in China is <strong>46% lower<\/strong> than in Western Europe, including rent. All items of expenditure are lower in China, including the price of accommodation, the shopping budget and the cost of leisure activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the average monthly salary in Western Europe is considerably higher: \u20ac2,530 compared with \u20ac900. Local purchasing power is also 30% higher in many European countries than in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-living-in-china-compared-with-hong-kong\">Cost of living in China compared with Hong Kong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People&#8217;s Republic of China. The cost of living there is <strong>65% higher<\/strong> than elsewhere in China. In fact, the region is considered to be one of the most expensive in Asia and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are interested, find out all about the cost of living in Hong Kong in our dedicated guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-living-in-china-compared-with-neighbouring-countries\">Cost of living in China compared with neighbouring countries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-compared-with-laos\"><strong><strong>Compared with Laos<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The budget needed to live in Laos is on average 17% higher than in China. However, purchasing power in Laos is more than half that of China. This difference is explained in particular by much lower monthly salaries: around \u20ac430 in Laos, compared with an average of \u20ac900 in China.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-compared-with-vietnam\"><strong><strong>Compared with Vietnam<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living in China is 16% higher than in Vietnam, including rent. However, Chinese purchasing power is 44% higher. For more information, see the following article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-vietnam\/\">cost of living in Vietnam<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-compared-with-taiwan\"><strong><strong><strong>Compared with Taiwan<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-taiwan\/\">cost of living in Taiwan<\/a> is around 35% higher than in China. The main items of expenditure, particularly rent (+36%) and food (+50%) are significantly higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This difference is largely due to higher average salaries in Taiwan, which are around \u20ac1,680 a month, compared with \u20ac900 in China. Taiwanese purchasing power is also 29% higher.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":24521,"template":"","class_list":["post-24663","destinationcpt","type-destinationcpt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"post_subtitle":"","post_badge":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The cost of living in China | Global Health<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out all you need to know about the cost of living in China: accommodation, food, transport, leisure activities and tips for your expatriation in China.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/the-cost-of-living-in-china\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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