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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Shekou 2024
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Cost of Living in Shekou

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Shekou helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Shekou - Cost of Living in Shekou

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Shekou is around 5,000 RMB (US$735) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 8,000 RMB (US$1,180) per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 3,500 RMB (US$520) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 6,000 RMB (US$880) per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price per square meter for an apartment in Shekou is around 25,000 RMB (US$3,700). The average price for a three-bedroom apartment is around 1.5 million RMB (US$220,000).
Transportation Public transportation in Shekou is very affordable. A single bus ride costs 2 RMB (US$0.30). A monthly bus pass costs around 50 RMB (US$7.35). Taxis are also very affordable. The starting fare for a taxi is 10 RMB (US$1.47).
Groceries Groceries in Shekou are very affordable. A loaf of bread costs around 5 RMB (US$0.73). A liter of milk costs around 10 RMB (US$1.47). A kilogram of rice costs around 10 RMB (US$1.47). A dozen eggs costs around 10 RMB (US$1.47).
Restaurants Eating out in Shekou is very affordable. A meal at a cheap restaurant costs around 20 RMB (US$2.94). A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 50 RMB (US$7.35). A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around 100 RMB (US$14.70).
Utilities Utilities in Shekou are very affordable. The average monthly cost for electricity is around 100 RMB (US$14.70). The average monthly cost for water is around 20 RMB (US$2.94). The average monthly cost for internet is around 50 RMB (US$7.35).
Private School Tuition Private school tuition in Shekou is very expensive. The average annual tuition for preschool is around 30,000 RMB (US$4,400). The average annual tuition for elementary school is around 50,000 RMB (US$7,350). The average annual tuition for middle school is around 70,000 RMB (US$10,300). The average annual tuition for high school is around 100,000 RMB (US$14,700).

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Shekou

"The cost of living in Shekou can vary depending on the lifestyle. Generally, the cost of rents and utilities tends to be higher than other cities, however groceries and daily necessities can be reasonably priced. It is common to find many restaurants, supermarkets, and other shops offering good value when it comes to food and services. Transportation costs are typically quite affordable, with the Shekou Ferry, metro, and bus systems all providing easy and convenient transport links around the city," said one expat living in Shekou, China.

Can I live in Shekou on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Shekou for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable apartment. The more expensive neighborhoods like Peninsula and Coastal Rose Garden might be out of your budget, so I'd recommend looking for a place in the older parts of Shekou, like Taizi or Nanshan. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500-$600 a month in these areas.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out at Western restaurants can be quite expensive, so you'll want to cook at home more often or eat at local Chinese restaurants, which are much more affordable. You can also save money by shopping at local markets for fresh produce and groceries instead of going to the more expensive supermarkets that cater to expats.Transportation is relatively cheap in Shekou, especially if you use public transportation like the metro or buses. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Didi are also affordable, but using public transportation will help you save even more.As for entertainment, you'll need to be selective about the activities you choose. Going out to bars and clubs can be expensive, so you might want to limit your nights out or look for cheaper alternatives like karaoke or local bars. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking, visiting parks, or exploring the city's many cultural attractions.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Shekou is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about your food and entertainment choices, and utilizing public transportation, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Shekou.

Can I live in Shekou on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Shekou for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Nanhai Dadao or Shekou Industrial Zone. These areas have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you can find decent apartments for around $500 to $800 per month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out Peninsula or Mont Orchid. These neighborhoods have more luxurious apartments and villas, but the rent can easily go up to $1,500 or more per month. So, if you want to stick to your budget, it's better to avoid these expensive neighborhoods.As for transportation, the metro system in Shekou is quite convenient and affordable. A monthly metro pass will cost you around $30, which is a great deal compared to taking taxis everywhere. If you prefer to drive, you should know that owning a car in China can be quite expensive due to high import taxes and parking fees. So, using public transportation or even renting a bike or scooter might be a more budget-friendly option.When it comes to food, you can save a lot by eating at local restaurants or cooking at home. Eating out at Western restaurants can be quite pricey, so it's better to limit those visits if you're on a tight budget. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices, so you can easily prepare your meals at home.Entertainment-wise, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. Going out to bars and clubs can be expensive, especially in popular expat areas like Sea World. Instead, you can explore more affordable options like visiting local parks, museums, or joining community events. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities organized by various expat groups, so you can still socialize and have fun without breaking the bank.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Shekou is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and opting for local food and activities, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this vibrant city," said one expat living in Shekou.

Can I live in Shekou on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Shekou for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most luxurious apartment or dine out at high-end restaurants every night, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.In terms of affordable neighborhoods, I would recommend looking into areas like Nanshan, Shekou Industrial Zone, and Sea World. These areas have a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent apartments for around $1,000 to $1,500 per month. You'll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping centers nearby, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything.On the other hand, I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like OCT Harbour and Shenzhen Bay, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher. Rent for a nice apartment in these areas can easily go up to $2,500 or more per month, which might not leave you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, the metro system in Shenzhen is quite affordable and efficient, so you can save money by using public transport instead of relying on taxis or owning a car. Additionally, you can save on groceries by shopping at local markets instead of imported goods stores, which tend to be more expensive.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as hiking in the nearby mountains, visiting parks, or exploring the city's many cultural attractions. You might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings, but there's still plenty to do and see in Shekou without breaking the bank.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Shekou is definitely achievable, as long as you're willing to make a few sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and enjoying the many low-cost activities available, you can still enjoy a great quality of life in this vibrant city," commented an expat living in Shekou.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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