How Much Does It Cost to Live In Chengdu?
When more affordable cities in China come into your mind as your future location, you can think of Chengdu as a possible destination.
It is true that this city has less vibrant atmosphere than some other major ones in China, but it features many comforts related to the peacefulness and smaller crowd and noise that are found in populous cities.
And if you, as a foreigner, get the great salary, you will live a far more luxurious life than many locals here.
China : Cost of Living by City
RESTAURANTS
Your eating habits affect a lot the overall cost of living in Chengdu.
If you like eating out on a daily basis, you should know that a typical meal at restaurants is comparably cheaper than in many other cities throughout China, as you can find it at the price of $3.
MARKETS
If saving money is a priority for you, then eating out has to be avoided, although it is not expensive.
Nevertheless, it is always more affordable to prepare your own food and purchase groceries at discounted prices or fresh fruit at the local markets.
The price of milk is pretty high in Chengdu.
TRANSPORTATION
While in huge cities it is advisable to use public transport for commuting, in smaller cities you can walk, ride a bike or scooters if the distances are short so as to save some money on that.
However, transportation costs are minimal even if you use the bus or metro.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
The price of rent does not include utilities which have to be additionally paid.
The price of electricity, water, heating and the Internet access does not exceed $60, which is the price only for the Internet in Canada.
The bigger the apartment is, the greater are the expenses for it.
SPORTS & LEISURE
The cost of entertainment here depends upon the type of lifestyle you lead and what your preferences are.
Both fitness clubs and tennis court rents are affordable in Chengdu.
The cinema lovers would enjoy the latest international release for just $6.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Due to the fact that China is well-known for low cots clothing items, the prices of designer clothing are pretty high.
The person with the minimum salary would not be able to pay $90 for a pair of running shoes.
Still, more than 5% of the monthly salary is spent on apparel.
RENT PER MONTH
Usually, people who relocate to China for work get the money for the rent from their employers, which is a great benefit for the budget.
If that is not the case, rent will be important part of your monthly costs of living, but it will not cause too much trouble, being that it is not high.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Chengdu
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $2.98 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $0.89 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.30 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $7.77 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.24 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.82 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $0.30 |
| Monthly Pass | $14.91 |
| Gasoline | $3.97 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $36.77 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.03 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $16.50 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $32.30 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $8.94 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $6.34 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $74.24 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $41.88 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $91.46 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $384.60 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $257.40 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $714.30 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Chengdu?
Before coming anywhere in the world, it is a good idea to do a small research on the cost of living in that particular city by getting acquainted with the spending habits of its citizens.
Being that the rent is not expensive in Chengdu, it does not take much of the monthly budget.
The most important and at the same time the highest expense is food, which will take 40% of the monthly income.
People in Chengdu spend more than 5% on clothes, which is not usual in other countries around the world.
Average Costs Breakdown
Chengdu: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
Apart from huge differences between the minimum and the average salary in Chengdu, your lifestyle would determine the cost of living here and whether you will be able to distribute the budget equally so as to provide for all the daily necessities.
Those who earn the average are considered to have enough for the decent living in Chengdu, due to the low prices and more affordable living conditions.
However, the workers with the minimum wages would not b able to provide for the rent.
Buying your property is an option for those who can afford it and the mortgage interest rates are 5%.
Cost of Living by City in Chengdu
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 43.88 |
| Guangzhou | 40.29 |
| Shanghai | 50.41 |
| Shenzhen | 42.21 |
| Suzhou | 37.95 |
