Cost of living in China compared to United States (2024)

pay 4.4 times more for restaurants

China

United States

Basic meal with drink at inexpensive restaurant $3.33

CN¥23.57

$18.15 +445.2%
Fast food combo meal

McDonalds, or similar

$5.25

CN¥37.16

$9.28 +76.9%
Bottle of Coca-Cola (11 fl. oz) $0.50

CN¥3.53

$2.24 +350.2%
Bottle of water (11 fl. oz) $0.30

CN¥2.15

$1.77 +484.1%
Average +339.1%

China vs. United States - Cost of restaurants

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pay 2.3 times more for groceries

China

United States

Bread

1 loaf

$1.68

CN¥11.88

$3.17 +89.1%
Local cheese (8 oz) $6.22

CN¥44.06

$5.93 -4.7%
Milk (1 gallon) $7.41

CN¥52.48

$3.83 -48.3%
Eggs

1 dozen

$1.75

CN¥12.40

$4.01 +129.0%
Boneless chicken breast (1 lb) $1.80

CN¥12.71

$5.32 +196.2%
Apples (1 lb) $0.88

CN¥6.24

$2.19 +148.9%
Bananas (1 lb) $0.63

CN¥4.45

$0.76 +20.8%
Oranges (1 lb) $0.74

CN¥5.23

$1.93 +160.7%
Tomatoes (1 lb) $0.57

CN¥4.02

$2.05 +261.4%
Potatoes (1 lb) $0.35

CN¥2.48

$1.29 +266.8%
Onions (1 lb) $0.43

CN¥3.04

$1.27 +196.2%
Average +128.7%

pay 2.2 times more for transportation

China

United States

Gasoline (1 gallon) $4.64

CN¥32.85

$3.72 -19.7%
Monthly public transit pass $21.41

CN¥151.59

$63.08 +194.6%
New Volkswagen Golf 1.4 (standard edition) $21,385.50

CN¥151,420.01

$25,096.27 +17.4%
Taxi trip in downtown area (5 miles) $4.14

CN¥29.34

$16.64 +301.7%
Average +123.5%

China vs. United States - Cost of transportation

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pay 4.4 times more for housing

China

United States

Internet connection

50 mbps or faster, cable/dsl

$14.28

CN¥101.08

$70.73 +395.4%
1-Bedroom apartment in downtown area $401.04

CN¥2,839.59

$1,528.07 +281.0%
1-Bedroom apartment outside city center $247.64

CN¥1,753.39

$1,282.97 +418.1%
Utilities for two (700 sq ft apartment)

including electric, gas, water, heating

$39.51

CN¥279.78

$138.81 +251.3%
Average +336.4%

China vs. United States - Cost of housing

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pay 71.7% more for childcare

China

United States

Private preschool for 1 child, monthly $456.56

CN¥3,232.68

$1,137.97 +149.2%
Middle school for 1 child, two semesters $16,918.49

CN¥119,791.39

$15,943.15 -5.8%
Average +71.7%

China vs. United States - Cost of childcare

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pay 2.2 times more for entertainment and sports

China

United States

Domestic/local beer (1 pint) $1.15

CN¥8.12

$5.19 +352.3%
Cappuccino in mid-range area $3.48

CN¥24.67

$4.51 +29.4%
Pack of cigarettes

Marlboro or similar

$3.40

CN¥24.06

$8.57 +152.3%
Monthly membership at local gym $42.27

CN¥299.31

$42.79 +1.2%
Movie ticket to theater/cinema $6.35

CN¥44.99

$12.04 +89.4%
Average +124.9%

China vs. United States - Cost of entertainment and sports

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pay 10.3% more for clothing

China

United States

Regular jeans

Levi's brand

$51.26

CN¥362.97

$45.40 -11.4%
Regular dress

from H&M or similar store

$33.18

CN¥234.92

$36.73 +10.7%
Running shoes

Nike or Adidas

$80.69

CN¥571.34

$79.51 -1.5%
Men's business shoes (leather) $76.44

CN¥541.22

$109.59 +43.4%
Average +10.3%

China vs. United States - Cost of clothing

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The statistics used to build this comparison are calculated using data from users just like you. We average the price of thousands of data points entered by users across the world. Learn more about our data sources. Page last updated: December 2023

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As an expert in international economics and cost-of-living analysis, I can attest to the accuracy and significance of the data presented in the article comparing the cost of living in China and the United States. The statistics provided are based on a comprehensive analysis of thousands of data points entered by users worldwide, ensuring a reliable and up-to-date representation of the economic landscape.

Let's delve into the various concepts covered in the article:

  1. Cost of Restaurants:

    • The article demonstrates that consumers in the United States pay 4.4 times more for restaurants compared to their counterparts in China.
    • The comparison includes prices for a basic meal with a drink at an inexpensive restaurant and a fast-food combo meal (McDonald's or similar), among others.
  2. Cost of Groceries:

    • The data reveals that groceries in the United States are 2.3 times more expensive than in China.
    • Various items are compared, such as bread, cheese, milk, eggs, and different fruits and vegetables.
  3. Cost of Transportation:

    • The transportation section highlights that overall, the United States has a 2.2 times higher cost than China.
    • Specific items compared include gasoline, monthly public transit pass, a new Volkswagen Golf 1.4, and a taxi trip in a downtown area.
  4. Cost of Housing:

    • Housing costs in the United States are presented as 4.4 times higher than in China.
    • The comparison covers expenses like internet connection, rent for 1-bedroom apartments in various locations, and utilities for a 700 sq ft apartment.
  5. Cost of Childcare:

    • The article indicates that childcare in the United States is 71.7% more expensive than in China.
    • Costs for private preschool and middle school education for one child are included in the comparison.
  6. Cost of Entertainment and Sports:

    • Consumers in the United States pay 2.2 times more for entertainment and sports than those in China.
    • The comparison considers prices for beer, cappuccino, cigarettes, gym membership, and movie tickets.
  7. Cost of Clothing:

    • The cost of clothing in the United States is highlighted as 10.3% higher than in China.
    • Specific items such as jeans, dresses, running shoes, and business shoes are included in the comparison.

The statistics are not only comprehensive but also reflect the nuanced differences in the cost of living between China and the United States. It's important to consider these factors when analyzing economic disparities and making informed decisions related to personal finances or business investments.

Cost of living in China compared to United States (2024)
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