Cost of Living in Shanghai, China
China · Asia
Cost of Living in Shanghai: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Shanghai, China is approximately $2,000 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 60, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$2,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
60
Cost Index
NYC = 100
58
Rent Index
NYC = 100
68
Quality of Life
Good
74
Safety Index
Good
26.3M
Population
CNY
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $25 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| 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 | $22 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.5 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $90 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $15 |
| Fitness Club/month | $60 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $750/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $9,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1800 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.6% |
Cost of Living in Shanghai: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Shanghai, China, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $2,000. The city's cost of living index is 60, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Shanghai
A typical monthly budget in Shanghai 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 Shanghai
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $750 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,200. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,000 per month.
Average Salary in Shanghai
The average net salary in Shanghai is approximately $1,800 per month. Purchasing power is rated 65out of 100.
Is Shanghai Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 60,Shanghai 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 Shanghai
Safety
Shanghai has a safety score of 74/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Shanghai is rated 74/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Shanghai is 58/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Shanghai has a purchasing power score of 65/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Shanghai
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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai fits their monthly budget.
Is Shanghai Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 60provides a useful benchmark when comparing Shanghai with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Shanghai
- Average Monthly Cost
- $2,000
- Cost Index
- 60
- Rent Index
- 58
- Average Net Salary
- $1,800
- Quality of Life
- 68/100
- Safety
- 74/100
- Healthcare
- 74/100
- Currency
- CNY
Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai
What is the cost of living in Shanghai?
The estimated cost of living in Shanghai, China, is approximately $2,000 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Shanghai?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $750 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $1,200.
Is Shanghai expensive to live in?
Shanghai has a cost index of 60 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Shanghai?
The average net salary in Shanghai is approximately $1,800 per month.
Is Shanghai good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Shanghai is suitable for relocation.