Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in China, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Changchun is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.76 on average, with a range between $2.07 and $4.14.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $19.89, with prices ranging from $15.47 to $27.62.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.18, with a range between $4.14 and $5.87.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.69 to $1.66, imported beer $1.66 to $2.76, cappuccino $3.18 to $6.63, and Coke/Pepsi $0.41 to $1.1.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.38 and $4.14 per liter, averaging $1.93.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.55 and $1.38, with an average price of $1.2.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.99 to $1.82, averaging $1.7.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both average $1.66 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes are priced between $0.41 and $0.83 per kg, and tomatoes range from $0.83 to $1.8 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $0.55.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.06 and $1.19 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.1, with a cost of $0.14 to $0.3 per km and $3.31 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the centre ranges from $207.18 to $276.24, averaging $241.71.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $690.59.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the centre ranges from $966.82 to $9663.46, averaging $3930.16.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $41.44.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $6.91 to $13.81, with an average cost of $11.51.

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for China are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in China, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 20 user contributions, as of the most recent update in August, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.76
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$19.89
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.18
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.10
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.07
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.47
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.28
Cappuccino (regular)
$4.70
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.93
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.20
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.70
Local Cheese (1kg)
$31.77
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.93
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.88
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.81
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.10
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.45
Apples (1kg)
$1.66
Oranges (1kg)
$1.66
Potato (1kg)
$0.69
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.24
Tomato (1kg)
$1.31
Banana (1kg)
$1.04
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.29
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.55
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.10
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.28
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.31
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$241.71
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$690.59
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$41.44
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$11.51
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$41.44
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.80
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$8.29
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$27.62
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$36.83
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$73.66
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$96.68
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$3,930.16
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$937.08
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
5.63%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$276.24
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$8,287.06
Changchun Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Changchun offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, particularly in terms of dining and housing.

Affordable public transportation and low utility costs make it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.

While some imported goods and services may be more expensive, local products and services remain budget-friendly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Changchun presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.

Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger metropolitan areas.

By understanding the cost of living in Changchun, individuals can better plan their finances and make informed decisions about relocating to this vibrant city.