Chengdu
China · Asia
$1,700
Monthly Cost
avg/person
52
Cost Index
NYC=100
48
Rent Index
NYC=100
68
Quality of Life
Good
74
Safety Index
Good
16.0M
Population
CNY
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $4.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.2 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.8 |
| Cappuccino | $4.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.9 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.45 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $10 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $17 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.45 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $24000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $75 |
| Mobile Plan | $10 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $14 |
| Fitness Club/month | $48 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $800/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $500/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,150/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $6,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.6% |
Cost of Living in Chengdu — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Chengdu, China is approximately $1,700 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Chengdu has a cost index of 52, making it around 48% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Chengdu costs around $500/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $800/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,000/month. The rent index is 48 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Chengdu scores 68/100 on the quality of life index and 74/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 70/100. The climate index is 56/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Chengdu is approximately $1,500/month. With a purchasing power index of 58/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is CNY, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
How does Chengdu compare to other cities?
Chengdu is located in Asia with a population of approximately 16.0M. At a cost index of 52 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Chengdu stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.