China vs China · 1,716 km apart
China
single / month
Cheaper overallChina
single / month
| Expense | Lanzhou | Shanghai | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $6.84 | $7.68 | Lanzhou |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $27.36 | $30.72 | Lanzhou |
| Cappuccino | $2.05 | $2.30 | Lanzhou |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $155 | $174 | Lanzhou |
| Monthly public transport pass | $25.08 | $28.16 | Lanzhou |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $66.12 | $74.24 | Lanzhou |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $19.15 | $21.50 | Lanzhou |
| Fitness club membership | $19.15 | $21.50 | Lanzhou |
| Cinema ticket | $5.02 | $5.63 | Lanzhou |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $379 | $438 | Lanzhou |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $264 | $305 | Lanzhou |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $792 | $915 | Lanzhou |
| Total single-person budget | $720 | $817 | Lanzhou |
| Average net salary | $1,311 | $1,472 |
Lanzhou is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Lanzhou runs about $720 versus $817 in Shanghai — a difference of roughly 13%.
Salary-adjusted, Shanghai leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.
Full cost of living in Lanzhou · Full cost of living in Shanghai