Updated July 30, 2020
How much is the average cost of living for a typical expat in China in 2020?
It depends. It depends on so many factors! Laterally.
Let’s break it down (A few Amazon links are included as well)
If you just want to know the approximate cost of living in China, for a single dude like me, here it is (US $1 =~RMB 7):
- RMB 7000/month/person would be a good amount in the cities like Beijing/Shanghai/Nanjing/Hangzhou/Guangzhou/Shenzhen.
Well, these are the most expensive Chinese cities. If you can manage your life in these awesome cities for RMB 7,000/month, you can spend your time anywhere in China for the said amount.
How much do I spend every month?
I live in eastern part of China, and the cost of living in this region is quite high compared to the western/northern China. Guess how much would be my per month expenditure?
- RMB 5,000 (rental of my studio apartment included). I never had a roommate in China.
Expat Cost of living in China: a simple breakup
Rental
RMB 2500/month.
This is my monthly rental of a well-furnished studio apartment. Rental would of course consume a major chunk of an expat’s overall expense in China.
Food
I love eating out. I spend RMB 15/meal, RMB 5/breakfast. Daily food expenses: ~RMB 50 (1 breakfast, two meals).
In 30 Days: 45*30 = ~1350.
Cooking at home is not that cheap in China (unless you eat more of vegetables).
Electricity bill
RMB 100/month.
Water (shower, washing machine):
- RMB 50/month
Food + Rental+Utility = ~RMB 4,000.
Let’s quickly look at some other expenses.
Internet
RMB 130/month. This includes unlimited internet data plan in my phone (within my province), room Wi-Fi, calls and text messages. I get 1GB data/month outside my province (can’t be carried forward if unused).
Btw, the best internet connection in China is provided by CHINA MOBILE (avoid China Telecom, it sucks most of the time).
Drinking Water
- RMB 2/500ml (convenience stores)
- RMB 8/4L bottle.
- You can also buy a 20L big bottle for RMB 13 (First time RMB 32 as you don’t have the refilling bottle yet).
Clothes
The prices in the shopping malls are quite similar to the western prices. In addition, it totally depends on what you want to buy. You can buy cheaper clothes on TaoBao or other online shopping platforms.
Laundry detergent
RMB 22/4L (for washing machine).
Shoes
RMB 65 (can use two-three months)
Medical expenses
The cost of visiting a Chinese hospital, for a general consultation, with a specialist doctor, is about RMB 10. Then it depends on what kind of medicine/procedure the doctor suggests. However, the medical expenses are usually not that high In China (if you compare than that with the USA). For example, a fasting blood test (such as for diabetes), would cost you RMB 9.
I do have a good health insurance and most of my general health expenses are covered. So, medical doesn’t really cost me anything.
Public Transportation
In an air-conditioned city bus, RMB 1/rider/person (doesn’t matter how far you go). In some Chinese cities, it could be about RMB 2/ride. I have never seen a local bus fare more than RMB 2 in any Chinese cities.
Don’t forget to buy the city transportation card (tongka). Most of the Chinese cities offer the city card for a one-time payment somewhere between RMB 20 to 100. Then you have to top up (add value) the card.
Subways
RMB 2 to 5. Depends on how far you go. Moreover, the bus and subway fares are often linked, you save a few bucks.
Gasoline
I don’t have a car/bike. No petrol expenses.
Keep in mind that driving in China is on the right side of the road. If you are from a (former) BRITISH colonial country, and not comfortable with driving on the right side, better don’t try.
Drinking/smoking?
Not my cup of tea! I don’t drink. I don’t fucking smoke. So I have a good health, plus saving money is like a bonus.
Facemasks
RMB 1/mask. If you buy more, you get more discount. I bought 100 masks for RMB 79. Following image shows price of 2000 mask being RMB 1550 on Taobao (Link to Amazon).
Condoms?
Condoms are cheap in China, cheaper if you buy online. You get 30 condoms for RMB 80. Free home delivery. 🙂
Sex toys and BDSM stuff
This could be a bit surprising in a country like China. The locals here are generally traditional, and talking about sex is kind of a taboo across the mainland. However, you can buy most of the sex toys and bondage stuff online on Taobao. 🙂
In case you didn’t know, some reports suggest that China is the largest producer/exporter of sex toys in the world (Link to Amazon).
Cost of getting laid/ONS in China?
If you wanna pay for getting laid (one night stand stuff) in China, it’s about RMB 1000. Happy BJ ending about RMB 500. Ask your hotel, they know how to arrange the fuck! Most likely, your hotel would put pamphlets on your bed or somewhere in the room.
If you want to know further about cost of living/expenses in China, just drop a comment, will be glad to answer.