1,771 cities covered · Currency: CNY (¥) · Capital: Chongqing
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ¥46.11 ($6.36) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ¥184 ($25.44) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ¥13.83 ($1.91) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ¥1,045 ($144) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ¥169 ($23.32) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ¥446 ($61.48) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ¥129 ($17.81) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ¥129 ($17.81) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ¥33.81 ($4.66) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ¥2,511 ($346) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ¥1,747 ($241) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ¥5,240 ($723) | per month |
Chongqing · pop. 32,054,159
Guangdong · pop. 26,940,000
Shanghai · pop. 24,870,895
Beijing · pop. 21,893,095
Sichuan · pop. 20,937,757
Guangdong · pop. 17,619,000
Tianjin · pop. 13,866,009
Jiangsu · pop. 12,748,262
Hubei · pop. 12,447,718
Shaanxi · pop. 12,328,000
Zhejiang · pop. 11,936,010
Hebei · pop. 11,544,036
Shandong · pop. 11,018,365
Guangdong · pop. 10,646,000
Heilongjiang · pop. 10,635,971
Shandong · pop. 10,071,722
Henan · pop. 9,713,112
Guangdong · pop. 9,498,863
Jiangsu · pop. 9,314,685
Shandong · pop. 9,202,432
Jiangsu · pop. 9,083,790
Henan · pop. 9,026,015
Jiangxi · pop. 8,970,014
Shandong · pop. 8,795,939
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in China
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in China
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in China
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in China
Living costs in China vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ¥4,821 ($665) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.