In Shanghai, China, living costs about $1136 per month for one person and $3654 for a family of four, including rent.
Overall living costs in Shanghai are 6% more expensive than the European benchmark.
Shanghai is 63% cheaper than New York City, without rent.
Rent in Shanghai is, on average, 77% lower than in New York City.
Shanghai is a better match for people who prioritize lifestyle benefits and can afford the premium driven by transport and food. For most moderate-income households, housing costs are the main barrier.
The high cost of living in Shanghai is primarily due to elevated rent and utilities, which significantly impact overall expenses.
Food costs in Shanghai are 10% lower than the European benchmark, making it relatively affordable for residents.
Public transport in Shanghai is 29% higher than the European benchmark, which can be a consideration for daily commuters.
| Cost of Living, one person, including rent | |
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| Without Rent | |
| Rent & Utilities | |
| Food | |
| Transport | |
| Monthly Salary, after tax | |
| GDP per Capita | |
| Freedom Index | |
| Lifespan | |
| Speak English | |
| Population |
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Update Prices| Lunch menu, inexpensive restaurant | 3.99 $ |
| Dinner | 42.8 $ |
| Fast food, McDonalds or KFC | 5.51 $ |
| Beer, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz | 1.43 $ |
| Capuccino | 3.61 $ |
| Coke, 330ml | 0.53 $ |
Compare Shanghai with:
| Milk, 1 L or 1 qt | 2.41 $ |
| Bread, 0.5 kg or 1 lb | 1.99 $ |
| Rice, 1 kg or 2 lb | 1.41 $ |
| Eggs, 12 pack | 2.11 $ |
| Cheese, 1 kg or 2 lb | 15.8 $ |
| Chicken Breast, 1 kg or 2 lb | 3.46 $ |
| Round Steak, 1 kg or 2 lb | 11.4 $ |
| Apples, 1 kg or 2 lb | 2.33 $ |
| Banana, 1 kg or 2 lb | 1.64 $ |
| Oranges, 1 kg or 2 lb | 2.05 $ |
| Tomato, 1 kg or 2 lb | 1.7 $ |
| Potato, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | 0.98 $ |
| Onion, 1 kg or 2.2 lb | 1.07 $ |
| Water, 1 L or 1 qt | 0.37 $ |
| Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 L or 67.6 fl oz | 1.32 $ |
| Wine, 750 mL bottle | 11.2 $ |
| Beer, 0.5 L or 16 fl oz | 0.86 $ |
| Cigarette pack | 3.51 $ |
| One-way Ticket | 0.57 $ |
| Monthly Pass | 36.1 $ |
| Gas or Petrol, 1l or 0.26 gal | 1.19 $ |
| Taxi, 8 km | 6.13 $ |
| Doctor Visit, private clinic | 90.7 $ |
| Cold medicine, for 1 week | 6.62 $ |
| Hair Shampoo, 400 ml or 12 oz. | 7.04 $ |
| Toilet paper, 4 rolls | 1.72 $ |
| Toothpaste, 1 tube | 2.03 $ |
| 1 person, electricity, heating, water & garbage | 36 $ |
| Family of 4, electricity, heating, water & garbage | 56 $ |
| Internet plan, +60 Mbps | 16.9 $ |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment, outside of center, 40 sq.m | 461 $ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment, outside of center, 85 sq.m | 1,181 $ |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment, in city center, 40 sq.m | 897 $ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment, in city center, 85 sq.m | 2,549 $ |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment, in city center | 16,156 $ |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy House, in suburbs | 8,893 $ |
| Average Monthly Net Salary, after tax | 1,905 $ |
| Mortgage Interest Rate, for 20 years fixed-rate | 4.28% |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 55 $ |
| Cinema, 1 seat | 8.47 $ |
| Haircut | 11.9 $ |
| Brand Sneakers, mid-range, Nike or similar | 78.6 $ |
| Brand Jeans, Levis 501 | 58.2 $ |
| Preschool, full day, monthly for 1 child | 1,263 $ |
| International Primary School, yearly for 1 child | 31,401 $ |