Cost of living in Chengdu, China vs Arcata, California, United States
Currency:
Food | - 55% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Chengdu (China) is 55% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States) | ||||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 27元 ($4.08) | $14 | - 72% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 34元 ($5.21) | $8 | - 37% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 17元 ($2.57) | $5.84 | - 56% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 15元 ($2.23) | $1.23 | + 81% | |
12 eggs, large | 13元 ($2.06) | $4.65 | - 56% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 9元 ($1.46) | $7 | - 79% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 54元 ($8) | $8 | + 1% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 14元 ($2.13) | $2.85 | - 25% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 7元 ($1.00) | $1.53 | - 34% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 7元 ($1.00) | $3.44 | - 71% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 164元 ($25) | $22 | + 12% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 8元 ($1.28) | $2.55 | - 50% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 12元 ($1.84) | $4.93 | - 63% | |
Housing | - 64% | |||
Housing in Chengdu (China) is 64% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States) | ||||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 5,575元 ($855) | $1,601 | - 47% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 2,751元 ($422) | $1,233 | - 66% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | 344元 ($53) | $241 | - 78% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 3,077元 ($472) | $1,407 | - 66% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 1,845元 ($283) | $944 | - 70% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 218元 ($33) | $105 | - 68% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 93元 ($14) | $51 | - 72% | |
40” flat screen tv | 2,201元 ($338) | $327 | + 3% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 565元 ($87) | $130 | - 33% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 50元 ($8) | $18 | - 57% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | 42元 ($6) | $30 | - 79% | |
Clothes | - 69% | |||
Clothes in Chengdu (China) is 69% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States) | ||||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 506元 ($78) | $67 | + 16% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 212元 ($32) | $190 | - 83% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | 594元 ($91) | $102 | - 11% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 657元 ($101) | $146 | - 31% | |
Transportation | - 15% | |||
Transportation in Chengdu (China) is 15% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States) | ||||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | 213,009元 ($32,666) | $28,500 | + 15% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 7元 ($1.06) | $0.98 | + 8% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | 131元 ($20) | $39 | - 48% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | 25元 ($3.83) | - | - | |
Personal Care | - 65% | |||
Personal Care in Chengdu (China) is 65% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States) | ||||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | 25元 ($3.89) | $10 | - 62% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 26元 ($3.93) | $55 | - 93% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | 158元 ($24) | $160 | - 85% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | 18元 ($2.73) | $8 | - 65% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 40元 ($6) | $3.92 | + 55% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 37元 ($5.64) | $6 | - 8% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 10元 ($1.55) | $4.88 | - 68% | |
Tube of toothpaste | 10元 ($1.53) | $3.80 | - 60% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | 61元 ($9) | $24 | - 60% | |
Entertainment | - 32% | |||
Entertainment in Chengdu (China) is 32% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States) | ||||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 135元 ($21) | $50 | - 59% | |
2 tickets to the movies | 79元 ($12) | $22 | - 45% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | 296元 ($45) | $100 | - 55% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | 279元 ($43) | $87 | - 51% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 51元 ($8) | $9 | - 13% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 32元 ($4.86) | $4.58 | + 6% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 33元 ($5.04) | $4.85 | + 4% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | 3,257元 ($499) | $429 | + 16% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 0.42元 ($0.06) | - | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 227元 ($35) | $48 | - 28% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | 20元 ($3.08) | $8 | - 60% | |
TOTAL | - 51% |

These prices were last updated on April 18, 2021.
Exchange rate:
0.15335
USD
/
CNY
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Cost of living in Chengdu (China) is 51% cheaper than in Arcata, California (United States)
For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $5,000 in Arcata, California you would need to make just about $2,437 (15,892元) in Chengdu.
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