Housing Costs in China
The cost of living or housing costs vary depending on the location.
What You'll Actually Pay:
- Shanghai: CNY 7,659 (₹1,07,359 approx.).
- Beijing: CNY 6,986 (₹97,944 approx.).
- Shenzhen: CNY 5,961 (₹83,573 approx.).
- Guangzhou: CNY 5,145 (₹72,123 approx.).
- Hangzhou: CNY 5,609 (₹78,638 approx.).
- Chengdu: CNY 4,312 (₹60,458 approx.).
The Extras Nobody Warns You About:
- As security an initial deposit of three months is needed.
- Rent needs to be paid in advance.
- Utility bills are expensive.
- Parking costs and upkeep are additional.
Utility Bills in China
Utility costs depends on the location chosen.
- Power: CNY 102–136 (₹1,430–₹1,907 approx.).
- AC: CNY 102–136 (₹1,430–₹1,907 approx.).
- Water: CNY 48–75 (₹673–₹1,051 approx.).
- Waste: CNY 48–75 (₹673–₹1,051 approx.).
- Internet: CNY 102–156 (₹1,430–₹2,187 approx.).
Transportation Expenses in China
China has a solid transport system that runs buses, taxis, and railways.
Car Ownership Reality:
- Small Car: Around CNY 129,900 (₹18,21,198 approx.).
- Fuel: CNY 8.08 (₹113.28 approx.).
Public Transport Option:
- Shanghai: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
- Beijing: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
- Shenzhen: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
- Guangzhou: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
- Chengdu: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
- Chongqing: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
- Hangzhou: CNY 200 (₹2,804 approx.).
Food and Groceries to Survive in China
There is a major chunk of expenses spent on groceries.
Weekly Grocery Run:
- One Person: CNY 1,840 (₹25,798 approx.).
Restaurant Prices:
- Fast Food: CNY 35 (₹490.70 approx.).
- Cafe: CNY 20.10 (₹281.80 approx.).
- Restaurant Meal: CNY 20 (₹280.40 approx.).
- Two Person Meal: CNY 150 (₹2,103 approx.).
What Things Cost:
- Chicken: CNY 23.45 (₹328.77 approx.)
- Decent Loaf of Bread: CNY 11.30 (₹158.43 approx.) for a 500 g loaf.
- Milk: CNY 12.15 (₹170.34 approx.) per litre.
- Rice: CNY 6.56 (₹91.97 approx.) per kilo.
- Eggs: CNY 10.82 (₹151.70 approx.) for 12 eggs.
- Local Cheese: CNY 89.99 (₹1,261.66 approx.) per kilo.
- Beef: CNY 76.25 (₹1,068.03 approx.) per kilo.
- Apples: CNY 12.56 (₹176.09 approx.) per kilo.
- Bananas: CNY 8.76 (₹122.82 approx.) per kilo.
- Tomatoes: CNY 8.58 (₹120.29 approx.) per kilo.
Education Costs in China
International education costs in China vary depending on the institution, city and programme type.
Annual Cost:
- Private Kindergarten: CNY 3,300 (₹46,266 approx.).
- School: CNY 132,700 (₹18,60,454 approx.).
- Bachelors: CNY 15,000 to CNY 60,000 (₹2,10,300 - ₹8,41,200 approx.).
- Master: CNY 25,000 to CNY 50,000 (₹3,50,500 - ₹7,01,000 approx.).
- Doctorate: CNY 20,000 to CNY 45,000 (₹2,80,400 - ₹6,30,900 approx.).
Other Educational Expenses:
- Health Insurance for Students: CNY 800 to CNY 3,000 (₹11,216 - ₹42,060 approx.).
- Study Material: CNY 50 (₹701 approx.).
Healthcare Expenses in China
In China, healthcare costs can be covered under insurance.
Insurance Costs:
- Health Insurance: CNY 6,000 to CNY 30,000 (₹84,120 - ₹4,20,600 approx.).
Medical Costs Without Insurance:
- Public Consultation: CNY 50 (₹701 approx.).
- Visit: CNY 500 (₹7,010 approx.).
- Private General Consultation: CNY 1,019 to CNY 2,716 (₹14,286 - ₹38,078 approx.).
- One Night Stay: CNY 6,790 to CNY 27,160 (₹95,186 - ₹3,80,783 approx.).
Entertainment and Leisure in China
There are multiple recreational activities to do in China, which usually cost as follows:
Activities:
- Cinema: CNY 45 (₹630.90 approx.).
- Fitness: CNY 276.15 (₹3,871.62 approx.).
- Games: CNY 98.44 (₹1,380.13 approx.).
- Parking: Parking is cheap.
Clothing and Personal Care in China
Prices of clothing vary by brand.
Clothing:
- Denim: CNY 295.71 (₹4,146.81 approx.).
- Shoes: CNY 509.06 (₹7,137.02 approx.).
- Summer Dress: CNY 237.55 (₹3,329.45 approx.).
- Leather Shoes: CNY 511.55 (₹7,171.95 approx.).
Grooming:
- Hair Trim: CNY 44 (₹616.88 approx.).
- Body Mist: CNY 27 (₹378.54 approx.).
- Hair Gel: CNY 42 (₹588.84 approx.).
- Toothpaste: CNY 16 (₹224.32 approx.).
Childcare Services in China
Childcare services depend on the location chosen.
Nursery Fee:
- Private Full-Day Preschool: CNY 3,026.10 (₹42,425.92 approx.).
Domestic Help:
| Type of Domestic Help |
Monthly Cost (RMB) |
Approx. INR/Month |
| Part-time cleaner/helper |
¥2,000–¥4,000 |
₹23,000–₹46,000 |
| Full-time live-out nanny |
¥6,000–¥10,000 |
₹69,000–₹1.15 lakh |
| Full-time live-in nanny (Ayi) |
¥6,000–¥11,000 |
₹69,000–₹1.27 lakh |
| English-speaking / expat nanny |
¥10,000–¥20,000+ |
₹1.15–₹2.3 lakh+ |
| Newborn specialist (Yuesao) |
¥10,000–¥25,000 |
₹1.15–₹2.9 lakh |
In major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, costs are higher than in smaller Chinese cities. Average nanny salaries in these cities are commonly around ¥8,000–¥11,000/month for experienced full-time help.
Other Regular Expenses in China
There are some extra costs apart from the major living expenses.
Monthly Bits and Pieces:
- Housemaid: CNY 48 (₹672.96 approx.).
- Washing Liquid: CNY 40 (₹560.80 approx.).
- Visa: Visa costs depend on the type and tenure.
One-Time Costs:
- Plasma: CNY 1,218 (₹17,082.36 approx.).
- Air Fryer: CNY 332 (₹4,654.64 approx.).
Money-Saving Strategies for Living in China
Saving money can help meet future expenses.
Practical Cost-Reduction Tips:
- Using public transport is better.
- Shopping from local markets is advised.
- Cooking at home is convenient.
- Shared rooms are better for bringing down rental prices.
- Trade is expensive.
- Using credit cards for shopping can generate rewards.
Salary Expectations in China
Salaries are dispensed on the basis of professions.
Average Yearly Salaries:
- Director: CNY 800,000 (₹11,216,000 approx.).
- Product Manager: CNY 400,000 (₹5,608,000 approx.).
- Engineer: CNY 200,000 (₹2,804,000 approx.).
- Finance: CNY 1,000,000 (₹14,020,000 approx.).
- Manager: CNY 500,000 (₹7,010,000 approx.).
Typical Benefits:
- Annual paid leave.
- Performance bonuses.
- Housing allowance in certain companies.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Eligible employees are entitled to maternity and social security benefits.
Conclusion
The cost of living in China depends on the location you choose to stay. The monthly expenses for a family of four are ₹1,78,897 (CNY 12,699.3), while for a single person it costs ₹48,224 (CNY 3,423.3). Proper budgeting of monetary expenses may lower the costs.
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