Cost of Living in Shanghai, China

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

56/100
Cost Index
$1,727/mo
Median Income
74/100
Safety Index
subtropical monsoon
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 45/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$962/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$627/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,517/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 42/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.38/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.38/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.77/kg
Dining OutScore: 48/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$2.99/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$38.9/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$3.72/meal
TransportationScore: 35/100
Monthly Transit Pass$23.79/month
One-Way Ticket$0.38/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.28/km
UtilitiesScore: 40/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$38.82/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$9.66/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$8.05/month
HealthcareScore: 50/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$34.5/visit
Dentist Visit$54.75/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$8.28/course
EntertainmentScore: 48/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$8.28/ticket
Theater Ticket$27.6/ticket
Museum Entry$10.35/ticket
FitnessScore: 45/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$31.05/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$13.8/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5.52/entry
Personal CareScore: 42/100
Haircut (Men)$13.8/cut
Haircut (Women)$27.6/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3.45/bottle
ClothingScore: 48/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$45/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$28/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$62/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

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

Best neighborhoods: Jing'an, Huangpu, Pudong

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shanghai cheap to live in?

Shanghai has a cost of living index of 56/100, where New York = 100. It is 44% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,120–$1,568 per month.

How much does rent cost in Shanghai?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Shanghai costs approximately $962/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $627/month.

Is Shanghai good for digital nomads?

Shanghai has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 120 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Shanghai?

The median net monthly salary in Shanghai is approximately $1,727 USD. The income tax rate is around 15%.

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

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

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