Shenzhen
China · Asia
$2,200
Monthly Cost
avg/person
65
Cost Index
NYC=100
68
Rent Index
NYC=100
70
Quality of Life
Good
76
Safety Index
Good
17.5M
Population
CNY
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources. Updated monthly. Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $26 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $5.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.2 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.8 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $25 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.55 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $26000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $95 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $16 |
| Fitness Club/month | $60 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $950/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $12,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $7,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.6% |
Cost of Living in Shenzhen — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Shenzhen, China is approximately $2,200 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Shenzhen has a cost index of 65, making it around 35% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Shenzhen costs around $950/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,800/month. The rent index is 68 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Shenzhen scores 70/100 on the quality of life index and 76/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 74/100. The climate index is 64/100. 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 Shenzhen is approximately $2,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 68/100, 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 Shenzhen compare to other cities?
Shenzhen is located in Asia with a population of approximately 17.5M. At a cost index of 65 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Shenzhen stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.