Guides 6 min read
Cost of Living in China: A Student's Guide
Written by
EtudeSups Editorial Team
Published On
9/10/2023
China is remarkably affordable compared to the US, UK, or Australia, but costs vary wildly depending on the city. Here is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a student in 2024.
1. Accommodation
| City Tier | Dorm (On-Campus) | Apartment (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Shanghai/Beijing) | ¥800 - ¥1,500 | ¥4,500 - ¥7,500 |
| Tier 2 (Nanjing/Wuhan) | ¥600 - ¥1,200 | ¥2,000 - ¥3,500 |
2. Food
Canteen Food: Extremely cheap. A full meal costs ¥10 - ¥20 ($1.50 - $3.00).
Eating Out: A meal at a local restaurant costs ¥30 - ¥60. Western food is pricier (¥100+).
3. Transport
Public transport is world-class.
- Metro ride: ¥3 - ¥7
- Bus ride: ¥1 - ¥2
- Shared Bike: ¥15/month subscription
