Cost of Living in Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen has a cost of living index of 52/100 (New York = 100). It is 48% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

52/100
Cost Index
$2,265/mo
Median Income
75/100
Safety Index
subtropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 68/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$732/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$549/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,763/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 35/100
Milk (1 liter)$2.2/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.78/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.92/kg
Dining OutScore: 32/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$3.8/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$23.2/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5.7/meal
TransportationScore: 30/100
Monthly Transit Pass$28.16/month
One-Way Ticket$0.57/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.37/km
UtilitiesScore: 25/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$56.64/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$15.29/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$10.97/month
HealthcareScore: 40/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$28.16/visit
Dentist Visit$35.2/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$5.29/course
EntertainmentScore: 35/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$5.64/ticket
Theater Ticket$14.08/ticket
Museum Entry$5.29/ticket
FitnessScore: 35/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$15.92/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$7.08/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$2.82/entry
Personal CareScore: 30/100
Haircut (Men)$7.08/cut
Haircut (Women)$14.08/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$1.77/bottle
ClothingScore: 40/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$46/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$28.16/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$63.72/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

120 Mbps
Internet Speed
$300
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
moderate
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
72/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Luohu, Nanshan, Futian

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shenzhen cheap to live in?

Shenzhen has a cost of living index of 52/100, where New York = 100. It is 48% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,040–$1,456 per month.

How much does rent cost in Shenzhen?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Shenzhen costs approximately $732/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $549/month.

Is Shenzhen good for digital nomads?

Shenzhen has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 120 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $300/month. English proficiency is moderate.

What is the average salary in Shenzhen?

The median net monthly salary in Shenzhen is approximately $2,265 USD. The income tax rate is around 10%.

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

Shenzhen (cost index 52) is 48% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,200/month by moving from New York to Shenzhen.

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