China vs China · 1,750 km apart
China
single / month
Cheaper overallChina
single / month
| Expense | Ma’ai | Shenzhen | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $5.40 | $7.68 | Ma’ai |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $21.60 | $30.72 | Ma’ai |
| Cappuccino | $1.62 | $2.30 | Ma’ai |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $122 | $174 | Ma’ai |
| Monthly public transport pass | $19.80 | $28.16 | Ma’ai |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $52.20 | $74.24 | Ma’ai |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $15.12 | $21.50 | Ma’ai |
| Fitness club membership | $15.12 | $21.50 | Ma’ai |
| Cinema ticket | $3.96 | $5.63 | Ma’ai |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $282 | $438 | Ma’ai |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $196 | $305 | Ma’ai |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $589 | $915 | Ma’ai |
| Total single-person budget | $556 | $817 | Ma’ai |
| Average net salary | $1,035 | $1,472 |
Ma’ai is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Ma’ai runs about $556 versus $817 in Shenzhen — a difference of roughly 47%.
Salary-adjusted, Shenzhen 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 Ma’ai · Full cost of living in Shenzhen