Cost of living in Chengdu
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in Chengdu is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Chengdu, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
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 $6.91.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $24.86, with prices ranging from $20.72 to $41.44.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.83, with a range between $4.42 and $6.91.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.69 to $1.66, imported beer $1.66 to $4.83, cappuccino $2.07 to $4.42, and Coke/Pepsi $0.41 to $0.69.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.38 and $2.49 per liter, averaging $1.77.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.69 and $2.62, with an average price of $1.52.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.99 to $3.31, averaging $1.81.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $0.69 to $2.49 per kg, while oranges range from $0.55 to $4.14 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.28 and $0.83 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.21 to $0.83 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.28 and $0.55, with a monthly pass priced between $24.86 and $30.39.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.09 and $1.23 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.1, with a cost of $0.22 to $0.41 per km and $3.31 to $6.22 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $179.55 to $414.35, averaging $313.9.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $110.49 to $220.99, averaging $174.03.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $483.41 to $1104.94, averaging $600.28.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $248.61 to $483.41, averaging $311.92.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2762.35 to $4972.24, averaging $3760.83.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1588.35 to $2762.35, averaging $2109.23.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $34.53 and $91.31, averaging $47.65.
- Internet - Internet services range from $8.01 to $19.06, with an average cost of $11.73.
Cost of Living Rankings
Chengdu ranks 9th on the Cost of Living rankings in China. 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.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
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Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Chengdu offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western cities, making it an attractive option for expatriates and locals alike.
Dining out is particularly affordable, with inexpensive meals available for under $3.
Housing costs are reasonable, especially outside the city centre, where rent for a 1-bedroom apartment can be as low as $110.49.
Public transportation is very affordable, with monthly passes costing less than $30.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chengdu provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.
Whether you're planning to move to Chengdu or just visiting, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.