China (CN)

China is one of the world's largest economies and most important expat destinations, combining global business hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou with deep history, fast infrastructure, and a highly digital daily-life ecosystem.

Capital: Beijing

Region: Asia

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Currency: CNY (RMB)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)

Emergency: 110

Cost of Living

Real prices in China — 2026 data in CNY.

Cost of living index

(100 = NYC reference)

Affordable compared to most Western countries. Good value for the quality of life offered.

Food & Groceries

Baozi / mantou (breakfast staples, each) RMB 2–6

Eggs (12) RMB 15–30

Chicken (1kg) RMB 25–50

Fresh tofu (500g) RMB 3–8

Beer (0.5L, Tsingtao / Snow, supermarket) RMB 5–10

Baijiu (Chinese spirit, 500ml, entry-level) RMB 40–120

Imported wine / cheese basket RMB 300–700

Monthly groceries for 1 person RMB 2,000–6,000

Dining Out

Baozi or noodle soup (local breakfast at xiaochi) RMB 8–20

Local noodle / rice dish at neighbourhood stall RMB 15–35

Hot pot dinner (per person, mid-range) RMB 100–250

Coffee at chain (Luckin / Starbucks) RMB 20–45

Beer in a bar (0.5L, Tsingtao) RMB 15–40

Dinner for 2 (mid-range Chinese restaurant) RMB 150–450

Rent

1-bed central Shanghai / Beijing RMB 8,000–18,000/month

2-bed expat compound Shanghai / Beijing / Shenzhen RMB 15,000–35,000/month

1-bed Chengdu / Hangzhou / Nanjing RMB 4,000–10,000/month

Room in shared flat, tier-1 city RMB 3,000–7,000/month

Utilities (electricity, water, gas) RMB 400–1,500/month

Short-stay serviced apartment RMB 12,000–30,000/month

Transport

Metro single ride RMB 2–10

Monthly metro pass (approximate) RMB 200–400

Didi (8km city ride) RMB 25–70

Shared e-bike hire (per trip) RMB 1.50–5

High-speed train Shanghai–Beijing (2nd class) RMB 550–700

Petrol (1L, 92 octane) RMB 7.50–8.50

Domestic flight (e.g. Shanghai–Chengdu) RMB 400–1,500

Health & Insurance

Public hospital registration (outpatient) RMB 20–300

International clinic GP visit RMB 800–2,000

International hospital specialist RMB 1,200–3,000

Dental cleaning (international clinic) RMB 500–1,500

Private / international health insurance (family, annual) RMB 40,000–180,000

Utilities

Electricity / water / gas for apartment RMB 400–1,500/month

Home broadband (100 Mbps+) RMB 100–300/month

Mobile plan RMB 50–200/month

Ayi (live-out cleaner, monthly) RMB 3,000–8,000

Compound / condo management fee RMB 500–3,000/month

Childcare

International school (annual) RMB 180,000–350,000+

Private bilingual kindergarten (monthly) RMB 5,000–18,000

After-school activity class (per session) RMB 200–600

Mandarin private tutor RMB 200–500/hour

Leisure

Gym membership (standard, monthly) RMB 200–800

Premium fitness studio (monthly) RMB 1,000–2,500

Cinema ticket RMB 40–100

Traditional Chinese massage / tuina (1 hour) RMB 80–250

Haircut (men's) RMB 30–100

Haircut (women's) RMB 100–500

National museum / Palace Museum entrance RMB 30–80

Weekend high-speed rail trip (return) RMB 200–1,200

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