Cost of Living in Zhuhai
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Zhuhai helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Zhuhai 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 3,000 RMB (US$440) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 5,000 RMB (US$735) per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Zhuhai is around 4,000 RMB (US$590) per square meter. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 6,000 RMB (US$885) per square meter. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 3,000 RMB (US$440) per square meter. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 4,000 RMB (US$590) per square meter. |
Transportation | Public transportation in Zhuhai is very affordable. A single bus ride costs around 2 RMB (US$0.30). A single metro ride costs around 3 RMB (US$0.45). A taxi ride within the city center costs around 10 RMB (US$1.50). |
Groceries | Groceries in Zhuhai are relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around 5 RMB (US$0.75). A liter of milk costs around 10 RMB (US$1.50). A dozen eggs costs around 10 RMB (US$1.50). A kilogram of apples costs around 10 RMB (US$1.50). |
Restaurants | Eating out in Zhuhai is very affordable. A meal at a cheap restaurant costs around 20 RMB (US$3). 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$15). |
Utilities | Utilities in Zhuhai are relatively inexpensive. The average cost of electricity for a two-bedroom apartment is around 200 RMB (US$30) per month. The average cost of water for a two-bedroom apartment is around 50 RMB (US$7.35) per month. The average cost of internet for a two-bedroom apartment is around 100 RMB (US$15) per month. |
Private School Tuition | Private school tuition in Zhuhai is relatively expensive. The average tuition for preschool is around 10,000 RMB (US$1,500) per year. The average tuition for elementary school is around 20,000 RMB (US$2,900) per year. The average tuition for middle school is around 30,000 RMB (US$4,400) per year. The average tuition for high school is around 40,000 RMB (US$5,900) per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Zhuhai
"The cost of living in Zhuhai is generally lower than many other cities in China. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and utilities are quite affordable. Apartments and housing are also relatively inexpensive and can be found in areas throughout the city. Grocery stores and food markets are also plentiful and prices are generally inexpensive. Overall, living in Zhuhai is an attractive option for those who seek a good quality of life with a lower cost of living," said one expat living in Zhuhai, China.
Can I live in Zhuhai on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Zhuhai for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely 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 place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Tangjia, Xiangzhou, or Gongbei. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Hengqin or Jida.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation like buses and the light rail system. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Didi can be a bit more expensive, so try to limit your use of those. Owning a car is also an option, but it can be costly with insurance, parking, and maintenance.For food, you'll need to adjust your eating habits. Eating out at Western-style restaurants can be expensive, so try to eat at local Chinese restaurants or cook at home more often. Shopping at local markets and supermarkets for groceries can help you save money as well.Entertainment and socializing can also be done on a budget. Instead of going to high-end bars and clubs, try to find more affordable options or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or visiting parks. There are also plenty of free or low-cost cultural events and attractions in Zhuhai that you can take advantage of.In terms of healthcare, public hospitals are more affordable than private ones, but the quality of care and wait times can vary. It's a good idea to have some form of health insurance to help cover any unexpected medical expenses.Overall, living in Zhuhai on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so with some careful planning, you can definitely make it work," commented an expat living in Zhuhai.
Can I live in Zhuhai on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Zhuhai for a couple of years 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 a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants or go out for drinks every night, but there are plenty of affordable local eateries where you can enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine.When it comes to housing, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Hengqin and Tangjia, as rents there can be quite high. Instead, consider looking for an apartment in more affordable areas like Xiangzhou or Gongbei. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location.Transportation is relatively cheap in Zhuhai, so you won't have to worry too much about that. You can either use public transportation like buses and taxis or get an electric scooter, which is a popular mode of transportation here. If you prefer to have a car, you can rent one, but keep in mind that it will add to your monthly expenses.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are quite affordable in Zhuhai. You can shop at local markets or supermarkets for fresh produce and other essentials. Just be prepared to cook more at home, as eating out can add up quickly if you're not careful.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Zhuhai. You can visit parks, beaches, and cultural sites, or take advantage of the city's many public sports facilities. If you're into nightlife, there are bars and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank, but just be mindful of your spending.Overall, living in Zhuhai on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. However, the city offers a great quality of life, and you'll still be able to enjoy many of the modern amenities you're used to," said one expat living in Zhuhai.
Can I live in Zhuhai on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Zhuhai for a couple of years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Jida, Xiangzhou, or Gongbei. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent 2-bedroom apartment for around $500-$700 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Hengqin or Tangjia, but keep in mind that the rent there can be significantly higher, around $1,000-$1,500 a month for a similar-sized apartment.As for transportation, public transportation is quite affordable in Zhuhai. A monthly bus pass costs around $30, and taxis are also relatively cheap. However, if you prefer to drive, you should know that owning a car can be quite expensive due to high import taxes and parking fees. So, if you're on a budget, I'd recommend sticking to public transportation or even getting an electric scooter, which is a popular and affordable option here.When it comes to food, eating out at local Chinese restaurants is very affordable, with meals costing around $3-$5 per person. However, if you prefer Western food, you'll have to pay a bit more, around $10-$15 per meal. Groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets. If you prefer imported products, you can find them at supermarkets like Walmart or Carrefour, but they'll be more expensive.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Zhuhai. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or going to the beach, which are all free or very cheap. There are also many parks, museums, and cultural sites to visit, most of which have low entrance fees. However, if you're into nightlife and fancy bars or clubs, you might have to cut back a bit, as these can be quite expensive.In terms of healthcare, public hospitals are affordable, but the quality of care and language barrier might be an issue. So, I'd recommend getting private health insurance and going to international clinics or hospitals, which can be more expensive but offer better care and English-speaking staff.Overall, living in Zhuhai on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing, transportation, and imported goods, and you should be able to make it work without too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Zhuhai.
About the Author
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.