Cost of Living in China 2026

What is the Cost of Living in China? Guide for International Students

Living in China

The average cost of living in China varies by city, housing type, and lifestyle. For an international student, the examples in this guide suggest a monthly budget of roughly CNY 4,000–6,000, with Shanghai at the higher end.

This guide shows all prices in Chinese yuan (CNY). This guide breaks down housing costs in China, food, transportation, internet, utilities, leisure, and study materials.

Shanghai is the main benchmark in this guide. Nanjing, Chengdu, and Harbin show how monthly expenses can differ between smaller cities and major urban areas.

Shanghai is also one of China’s largest cities, so its housing and lifestyle costs can be higher than in many regional cities.

Cost of Living in China: Quick Answer

For an international student, the living cost in China per month is roughly CNY 4,000–6,000 based on the examples in this guide. In Shanghai, our shared-housing example comes to about CNY 5,788 per month.

For readers comparing the cost of living in China in yuan, housing is usually the largest expense. Food and public transport take a smaller share of the monthly budget.

Prices vary between Chinese cities. Shanghai is at the higher end of the examples in this guide, while Chengdu and Harbin can be cheaper.

1. Rent and Housing in China

Housing costs in China vary widely by city and housing type. For many international students, rent is the largest monthly expense.

The housing market also differs between cities. Rent is more relevant to students than the house price or wider real estate market, but all three tend to be higher in major city centers.

Shanghai:

A shared apartment near major universities, such as Fudan University in Yangpu District, usually costs around CNY 2,500 per person per month. A single studio ranges from CNY 3,500–5,000.

Apartments farther from the city center, such as Jiading District, are usually cheaper at around CNY 2,000–4,000. Apartments with shared kitchens and bathrooms can start from about CNY 1,500.

University dormitories usually cost around CNY 1,000–2,000 per month, depending on the university. They are cheaper than many private apartments but may offer less space and privacy.

Nanjing:

Prices are slightly lower than Shanghai, with shared apartments around CNY 2,500–2,800 and dormitories generally around CNY 1,000–1,500 per month.

Chengdu:

Shared rentals average around CNY 2,000–2,500, while university dormitories may cost around CNY 1,000–1,200 per month.

Harbin:

Harbin is cheaper than the other cities in this comparison. A shared flat may cost around CNY 1,800–2,200, while dormitories can cost around CNY 800–1,000 per month.

Students comparing university dormitories and private rentals can also read our Apartments in China: Rent, Costs & Student Guide for deposits, contracts, utilities, rental platforms, and apartment costs.

2. Food and Groceries in China

Food prices can stay relatively low for students who use university canteens, local restaurants, or cook at home.

• University canteen: CNY 6–20
• Local restaurant meal: CNY 10–30
• Mid-range restaurant: CNY 50–100
• International food: CNY 80–150

Students who mainly eat at university canteens or cook at home may spend around CNY 1,500–1,800 per month on food.

Groceries are also reasonable:

• Eggs (a dozen): CNY 10–15
• Rice (5kg): about CNY 40
• Chicken breast (1kg): CNY 30–35
• Milk (1L): about CNY 10
• Vegetables (per kg): CNY 4–10

3. Transportation in China

Transportation in China is usually a relatively small part of a student’s monthly budget.

• Shanghai Metro: Fares currently start at CNY 3 for trips up to 6 km, then increase by CNY 1 for each additional 10 km. See the official Shanghai Metro fare guide.
• Taxi rides: Standard Shanghai taxis start at CNY 14 for the first 3 km, with distance charges after that. See the official Shanghai taxi guide.

Students who mainly use the metro and buses may spend around CNY 200–300 per month on local transportation.

The monthly estimate above covers local transport. Students who take a high-speed train for weekend or holiday trips should budget for intercity travel separately.

4. Mobile and Internet in China

For example, a China Unicom mobile plan may include:

• 20 GB data + 200 minutes: around CNY 88 per month
• Cheaper mobile plans: around CNY 30–50 per month
• Home Wi-Fi: around CNY 100 per month

Students living in university dormitories may have Wi-Fi included. Some universities also offer lower-cost campus plans starting at around CNY 30 per month.

5. Utilities in China

If you live in an apartment or dorm with Shanghai residential utility rates, electricity may cost around CNY 0.6 per kWh during the day and CNY 0.3 per kWh at night.

Monthly costs fluctuate with the seasons, you will probably spend more money on electricity for heating during the winter:

• Electricity: CNY 150–300
• Water: CNY 30–50

6. Leisure and Entertainment in China

• Coffee: CNY 25–40
• Movie: CNY 35–60
• Gym membership: CNY 150–300 per month
• Shopping: around CNY 200–300 per month
• Weekend trip: around CNY 300–800

Monthly leisure spending may range from around CNY 600–1,000, depending on personal habits.

7. Study Materials in China

• Textbooks: CNY 100–300 per semester
  (however, many universities are beginning to use free digital resources, removing the need of physical textbooks altogether).
• Stationery: CNY 50–100 per month
  (many classes allow students to take all their notes and complete schoolwork on their computers, removing the need for stationeries as well).

Cost of Living in China Example: Monthly Budget for Living in Shanghai

• Rent: CNY 2,500
• Food: CNY 1,800
• Transportation: CNY 250
• Mobile + Wi-Fi: CNY 138
• Utilities: CNY 300
• Leisure: CNY 500
• Other expenses: CNY 300
• Total: CNY 5,788

A budget-conscious student living in a dormitory may have average monthly expenses of around CNY 4,000–4,500. Private housing, frequent dining out, and more travel can increase the total.

Keep in mind that these numbers are calculated based on the prices in Shanghai. Read our article on the top 5 budget friendly cities in China and the cost of living in Beijing to better understand the cost of living across China!

Final Thoughts

The cost of living compared between Chinese cities depends heavily on housing, transport, and lifestyle. For international students, the city and housing choice usually make the biggest difference.

Shanghai is at the higher end of the examples in this guide, while Nanjing, Chengdu, and Harbin can offer lower monthly costs.

Shared housing, university canteens, and public transportation can help keep expenses lower. Apps such as Meituan, Taobao, and Dianping can also help students compare prices and manage everyday spending.

A realistic budget should include housing, food, transportation, utilities, mobile service, study materials, and leisure.

More Cost of Living & Student Budget Guides

• Cost of Living in Beijing
• Top 5 Budget-Friendly Cities in China
• Apartments in China: Rent, Costs & Student Guide
• Affordable Universities in China

Cost of Living in China FAQ