Cost of Living in Beijing, China

Beijing has a cost of living index of 44/100 (New York = 100). It is 56% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

44/100
Cost Index
$1,150/mo
Median Income
66/100
Safety Index
temperate monsoon
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 38/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,160/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$650/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$2,175/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 28/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.3/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$0.65/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0/kg
Dining OutScore: 30/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$4.35/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$29/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$6.5/meal
TransportationScore: 22/100
Monthly Transit Pass$25/month
One-Way Ticket$0.72/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.54/km
UtilitiesScore: 20/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$43/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$14/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$13/month
HealthcareScore: 42/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$35/visit
Dentist Visit$65/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8/course
EntertainmentScore: 32/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$7.25/ticket
Theater Ticket$29/ticket
Museum Entry$7/ticket
FitnessScore: 28/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$36/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$14.5/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$4.35/entry
Personal CareScore: 25/100
Haircut (Men)$10/cut
Haircut (Women)$26/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 35/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$29/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$65/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

95 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Chaoyang, Haidian, Dongcheng

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing cheap to live in?

Beijing has a cost of living index of 44/100, where New York = 100. It is 56% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $880–$1,232 per month.

How much does rent cost in Beijing?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Beijing costs approximately $1,160/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $650/month.

Is Beijing good for digital nomads?

Beijing has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 95 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Beijing?

The median net monthly salary in Beijing is approximately $1,150 USD. The income tax rate is around 20%.

How does Beijing compare to New York for cost of living?

Beijing (cost index 44) is 56% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,400/month by moving from New York to Beijing.

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