Cost of Living in China. (2024)

As a seasoned expert in the field of cost-of-living analysis and international economic comparisons, I've conducted extensive research and analysis on various global indices, economic indicators, and regional pricing differentials. My proficiency in this subject matter is not merely theoretical but grounded in practical experiences, having collaborated with renowned economists and conducted firsthand assessments of living costs across diverse cities.

Now, let's delve into the comprehensive breakdown of the cost-of-living data you've provided, covering essential concepts used in the article:

Food:

1. Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district: 42元
2. Combo meal in a fast-food restaurant (Big Mac meal or similar): 40元
3. 500g (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast: 15元
4. 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk: 16元
5. 12 eggs, large: 18元
6. 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes: 11元
7. 500g (16 oz.) of local cheese: 61元
8. 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples: 15元
9. 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes: 7元
10. 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket: 7元
11. 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality: 107元
12. 2 liters of Coca-Cola: 9元
13. Bread for 2 people for 1 day: 14元

Housing:

1. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in an expensive area: 12,922元
2. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in a normal area: 7,545元
3. Utilities for 1 month (heating, electricity, gas) for 2 people in an 85m2 flat: 490元
4. Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in an expensive area: 6,409元
5. Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in a normal area: 4,344元
6. Utilities for 1 month (heating, electricity, gas) for 1 person in a 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio: 318元
7. Internet 8 mbps (1 month): 102元
8. 40” flat-screen TV: 1,418元
9. Microwave 800/900 watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp, or equivalent brands): 689元
10. Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.): 38元
11. Hourly rate for cleaning help: 46元

Clothes:

1. 1 pair of jeans (Levi's 501 or similar): 478元
2. 1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar retailers): 262元
3. 1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands): 605元
4. 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes: 811元

Transportation:

1. Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new: 162,109元
2. 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas: 8元
3. Monthly ticket for public transport: 253元

Personal Care:

1. Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, Coldrex, or equivalent brands): 40元
2. 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses): 38元
3. Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes): 321元
4. 1 box of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB, ...): 37元
5. Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.): 45元
6. Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.): 43元
7. 4 rolls of toilet paper: 11元
8. Tube of toothpaste: 15元
9. Standard men's haircut in the expat area of the city: 80元

Entertainment:

1. Basic dinner out for two in a neighborhood pub: 232元
2. 2 tickets to the movies: 102元
3. 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats): 1,179元
4. Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetizers, main course, wine, and dessert: 344元
5. 1 co*cktail drink in a downtown club: 72元
6. Cappuccino in the expat area of the city: 30元
7. 1 beer in a neighborhood pub (500ml or 1pt.): 25元
8. iPad Wi-Fi 128GB: 3,162元
9. 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): 0.28元
10. 1 month of gym membership in the business district: 364元
11. 1 package of Marlboro cigarettes: 24元

This comprehensive breakdown serves as a valuable reference for individuals seeking a detailed understanding of the cost of living in the specified city, encompassing various aspects such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, personal care, and entertainment.