Cost of living in Xiamen
Xiamen, a bustling port city in China, is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Xiamen is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Xiamen, 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 $3.45.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $27.6, with prices ranging from $16.56 to $41.4.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.52, with a range between $4.83 and $6.21.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.83 to $4.14, imported beer $2.48 to $6.9, cappuccino $1.24 to $4.83, and Coke/Pepsi $0.41 to $0.83.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.38 and $3.04 per liter, averaging $1.84.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.83 and $2.76, with an average price of $1.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $0.83 to $1.99, averaging $1.35.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.38 to $2.76 per kg, while oranges range from $1.1 to $1.66 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.69 and $1.38 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.55 to $1.1 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.14 and $0.41, with a monthly pass priced at $11.04.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.17 and $1.38 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.38, with a cost of $0.28 to $0.34 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $206.98 to $620.93, averaging $372.56.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $137.98 to $482.95, averaging $295.68.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $620.93 to $1034.88, averaging $827.91.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $413.95 to $689.92, averaging $561.79.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6899.22 to $11038.75, averaging $9141.46.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2759.69 to $8279.06, averaging $4967.44.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $20.7 and $64.51, averaging $37.48.
- Internet - Internet services range from $6.9 to $13.8, with an average cost of $9.6.
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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Rent Per Month
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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"
Xiamen offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western cities, with low prices for dining and transportation.
Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for expatriates and locals alike.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though imported goods may be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are quite affordable, contributing to the overall cost-effectiveness of living in Xiamen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xiamen presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, transportation, and housing options.
While some imported goods and luxury items may carry higher prices, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
Whether you're planning a short visit or a long-term stay, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that Xiamen has to offer.