Cost of Living in Beijing, China
China · Asia
Cost of Living in Beijing: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Beijing, China is approximately $1,800 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 55, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$1,800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
55
Cost Index
NYC = 100
52
Rent Index
NYC = 100
65
Quality of Life
Good
72
Safety Index
Good
21.5M
Population
CNY
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $22 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $10 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $25000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $20000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $80 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $50 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,000/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $650/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,400/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $4,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1600 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.6% |
Cost of Living in Beijing: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Beijing, China, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $1,800. The city's cost of living index is 55, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Beijing
A typical monthly budget in Beijing includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Beijing
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $650 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,000. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,500 per month.
Average Salary in Beijing
The average net salary in Beijing is approximately $1,600 per month. Purchasing power is rated 62out of 100.
Is Beijing Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 55,Beijing is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Beijing
Safety
Beijing has a safety score of 72/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Beijing is rated 72/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Beijing is 52/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Beijing has a purchasing power score of 62/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Beijing
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Beijing should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Beijing fits their monthly budget.
Is Beijing Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 55provides a useful benchmark when comparing Beijing with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Beijing
- Average Monthly Cost
- $1,800
- Cost Index
- 55
- Rent Index
- 52
- Average Net Salary
- $1,600
- Quality of Life
- 65/100
- Safety
- 72/100
- Healthcare
- 72/100
- Currency
- CNY
Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing
What is the cost of living in Beijing?
The estimated cost of living in Beijing, China, is approximately $1,800 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Beijing?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $650 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $1,000.
Is Beijing expensive to live in?
Beijing has a cost index of 55 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Beijing?
The average net salary in Beijing is approximately $1,600 per month.
Is Beijing good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Beijing is suitable for relocation.