Cost of living in Taicang
Taicang, a city in China, offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning a long-term stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Taicang, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
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 $6.9.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $22.08, with prices ranging from $13.8 to $66.23.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.83, with a range between $4.14 and $11.04.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.69 to $2.76, imported beer $1.38 to $5.52, cappuccino $1.38 to $4.83, and Coke/Pepsi $0.41 to $0.55.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.38 and $2.76 per liter, averaging $2.38.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $3.45, with an average price of $1.1.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.99 to $2.48, averaging $1.67.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.38 to $3.04 per kg, while oranges range from $0.83 to $5.52 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.63 and $1.38 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.41 to $1.38 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.28.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.1 and $1.23 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.52, with a cost of $0.33 to $0.55 per km and $4.8 to $8.28 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $565.74.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $413.95.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3311.62.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2483.72.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $17.38 and $58.64, averaging $17.38.
- Internet - Internet services range from $6.9 to $27.6, with an average cost of $12.42.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Taicang offers a relatively low cost of living compared to major cities, with affordable dining and transportation options.
Housing costs are moderate, especially for larger apartments, making it an attractive option for families.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Taicang presents a cost-effective living environment with a balance of affordable housing, dining, and transportation.
While some imported goods and services may be pricier, the overall cost of living remains manageable, making it a viable option for both individuals and families considering relocation.