Cost of Living

China

Live cost-of-living data across 4 cities in China — average cost index 30/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 25 to 35. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.

30/100
Avg cost index
Beijing
Cheapest
4
Cities tracked
Nomad visa

Cost of living by city in China

Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.

Frequently asked questions

Is China cheap to live in?

Across 4 cities in China, the average cost-of-living index is 30 (New York = 100) — from 25 in Beijing to 35 in Hong Kong. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.

What is the cheapest city in China?

Beijing is the most affordable city we track in China, with a cost-of-living index of 25 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $1,160/month.

How much does it cost to live in China per month?

A single person can live comfortably in the cheaper cities of China for roughly $500–$700/month. Costs scale up toward Hong Kong. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.

Compare Beijing with anywhere

Dig into any China city, or see where your salary stretches furthest worldwide.