Cost of living in Shanghai, China

Summary of cost of living in Shanghai

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: 27,195元
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: 17,479元
  • Cost of living in Shanghai is more expensive than in 64% of cities in Asia (6 out of 14)
  • Cost of living in Shanghai is cheaper than in 68% of cities in the World (115 out of 168)
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List of prices in Shanghai
Current as of Sep 2024.

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Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district 34元
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) 38元
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast 12元
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk 17元
12 eggs, large 20元
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes 12元
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese 56元
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples 16元
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes 7元
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket 6元
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality 78元
2 liters of coca-cola 9元
Bread for 2 people for 1 day 14元
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area 19,592元
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area 8,523元
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat 448元
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area 7,123元
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area 3,701元
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio 273元
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) 114元
40” flat screen tv 1,733元
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) 702元
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) 55元
Hourly rate for cleaning help 50元
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) 417元
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) 276元
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) 550元
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes 691元
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new 146,654元
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas 8元
Monthly ticket public transport 249元
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) 46元
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) 40元
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) 28元
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) 641元
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) 67元
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) 41元
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) 49元
4 rolls of toilet paper 12元
Tube of toothpaste 14元
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city 105元
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub 391元
2 tickets to the movies 118元
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) 1,600元
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert 244元
1 cocktail drink in downtown club 84元
Cappuccino in expat area of the city 26元
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) 10元
Ipad wi-fi 128gb 3,149元
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) 0.24元
1 month of gym membership in business district 465元
1 package of marlboro cigarettes 25元
These prices are based on abundant and consistent data. They are very reliable. They are based on 133 prices entered by 28 different people.
Latest price update: September 08, 2024

Moving to Shanghai with your children?

International Schools in Shanghai

Shanghai position in our World Ranking

the world
115th
out of 168
asia
6th
out of 14

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International Cost of Living Index

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