Cost of living in United States compared to China
Currency:
| Food | + 141% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in United States is 141% more expensive than in China | ||||
| United States | China | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $21 (154元) | 41元 | + 271% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $12 (86元) | 38元 | + 127% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $5.90 (42元) | 15元 | + 188% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $1.09 (8元) | 14元 | - 44% | |
| 12 eggs, large | $5.64 (41元) | 16元 | + 158% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $4.83 (35元) | 10元 | + 232% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $8 (55元) | 50元 | + 10% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $4.22 (30元) | 16元 | + 87% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.29 (16元) | 6元 | + 154% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $3.82 (27元) | 7元 | + 310% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $18 (130元) | 89元 | + 46% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | $2.97 (21元) | 8元 | + 165% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $3.03 (22元) | 13元 | + 73% | |
| Housing | + 168% | |||
| Housing in United States is 168% more expensive than in China | ||||
| United States | China | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $3,077 (22,094元) | 11,256元 | + 96% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $2,368 (17,004元) | 5,248元 | + 224% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $237 (1,704元) | 450元 | + 279% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $2,237 (16,064元) | 6,564元 | + 145% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $1,636 (11,746元) | 3,518元 | + 234% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $171 (1,229元) | 296元 | + 315% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $61 (440元) | 100元 | + 342% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | $251 (1,801元) | 1,460元 | + 23% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $153 (1,100元) | 553元 | + 99% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $16 (113元) | 43元 | + 164% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | $34 (243元) | 50元 | + 389% | |
| Clothes | + 18% | |||
| Clothes in United States is 18% more expensive than in China | ||||
| United States | China | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $58 (418元) | 418元 | + 0% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $50 (356元) | 302元 | + 18% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $105 (757元) | 553元 | + 37% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $142 (1,018元) | 705元 | + 44% | |
| Transportation | + 97% | |||
| Transportation in United States is 97% more expensive than in China | ||||
| United States | China | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $30,884 (221,737元) | 137,169元 | + 62% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $0.93 (7元) | 8元 | - 11% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | $85 (607元) | 228元 | + 166% | |
| Personal Care | + 116% | |||
| Personal Care in United States is 116% more expensive than in China | ||||
| United States | China | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $10 (69元) | 45元 | + 54% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $24 (176元) | 59元 | + 197% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $168 (1,205元) | 114元 | + 959% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $10 (69元) | 67元 | + 4% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $5.27 (38元) | 57元 | - 34% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $7 (51元) | 25元 | + 105% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | $5.09 (37元) | 6元 | + 492% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | $2.41 (17元) | 15元 | + 13% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $31 (225元) | 64元 | + 250% | |
| Entertainment | + 140% | |||
| Entertainment in United States is 140% more expensive than in China | ||||
| United States | China | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $61 (437元) | 169元 | + 158% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | $31 (221元) | 100元 | + 122% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $250 (1,792元) | 1,179元 | + 52% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $105 (754元) | 320元 | + 136% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $15 (108元) | 81元 | + 33% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $5.99 (43元) | 28元 | + 56% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $8 (54元) | 19元 | + 183% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $464 (3,331元) | 3,680元 | - 9% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.52 (3.72元) | 0.34元 | + 1009% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | $72 (514元) | 394元 | + 30% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $11 (81元) | 25元 | + 228% | |
| TOTAL | + 130% | |||
These prices were last updated on June 18, 2025.
Exchange rate:
7.180
CNY
/
USD
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 16,452 prices entered by 1,887 different people.
Cost of living in United States is 130% more expensive than in China
Other Country Comparisons
- Cost of living in Netherlands Antilles is 74% more expensive than in China
- Cost of living in Armenia is 36% more expensive than in China
- Cost of living in Antarctica is in China
- Cost of living in Anguilla is 166% more expensive than in China
- Cost of living in American Samoa is in China
- Cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is 65% more expensive than in China
- Cost of living in Argentina is 29% more expensive than in China
- Cost of living in Afghanistan is 12% cheaper than in China