China vs China · 1,067 km apart
China
single / month
Cheaper overallChina
single / month
| Expense | Shanghai | Beijing | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $7.68 | $7.68 | Shanghai |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $30.72 | $30.72 | Shanghai |
| Cappuccino | $2.30 | $2.30 | Shanghai |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $174 | $174 | Shanghai |
| Monthly public transport pass | $28.16 | $28.16 | Shanghai |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $74.24 | $74.24 | Shanghai |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $21.50 | $21.50 | Shanghai |
| Fitness club membership | $21.50 | $21.50 | Shanghai |
| Cinema ticket | $5.63 | $5.63 | Shanghai |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $438 | $438 | Shanghai |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $305 | $305 | Shanghai |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $915 | $915 | Shanghai |
| Total single-person budget | $817 | $817 | Shanghai |
| Average net salary | $1,472 | $1,472 |
Shanghai is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Shanghai runs about $817 versus $817 in Beijing — a difference of roughly 0%.
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 Shanghai · Full cost of living in Beijing