MigrantoCost of living in China
What a month costs, how prices compare with other countries
Monthly cost in China
Spending runs from CN¥1,210 a month in the poorest fifth to CN¥7,250 in the richest
Per person, whole country
CN¥2,670
what a typical person spends in a month
Spending across the population
CN¥1,210richest 20%
CN¥7,250
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Key facts
The cost of living in China in numbers
Typical spending takes 53% of the average wage
A typical person spends CN¥2,670 a month while the average take-home wage is CN¥5,020, so 47% of an average wage sits above what a typical person spends.
How living costs in China compare
Neighbours, region and the world on the same monthly figure
What things cost here
How much the same goods and services cost in China against other countries
More expensive than 58% of countries
Where China sits when every country is lined up from cheapest to most expensive
Pakistanmost expensive
Bermuda
middle
A basket of goods and services that costs CN¥6,780 at world-middle prices costs CN¥7,430 here.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in China
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in China and how much you could have left each month
- What your lifestyle costs
- How much could be left each month
- How it compares with today
Cost of living in China
CN¥1,210/mo
vs CN¥5,430 in your country
Take-home
CN¥3,810
vs CN¥8,140 in your country
Potential savings
CN¥2,590
more than in your country
Standard of living
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in China?
A typical person in China spends about CN¥2,670 a month — around CN¥32,100 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the standard of living in China?
By spending, China ranks #92 of 185 countries. A typical person spends about CN¥2,670 a month, the poorest 20% about CN¥1,210 and the richest 20% about CN¥7,250. The gap between them shows how unevenly people live.
What is the cost of living in China in US dollars?
The cost of living in China is about $394 a month, or roughly $4,728 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in China?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about CN¥1,210 a month per person, a typical one around CN¥2,670, and a comfortable life around CN¥3,630. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in China enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about CN¥2,670 a month, while the average take-home pay in China is about CN¥5,020. For more on incomes, see salaries in China.
Is China an expensive country to live in?
Somewhat. China is more expensive than 51% of countries worldwide and ranks 10th of 27 in Asia by cost of living.
What currency is used in China?
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Amounts on this page are shown in it; the currency switcher converts them.
Where to live?
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Living in China
See the full country overview