Cost of Living in Guilin

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Guilin

"In general, the cost of living in Guilin is relatively affordable. Depending on a person's lifestyle, basic necessities such as food, transportation, accommodation and healthcare can all be relatively inexpensive. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, making it an attractive destination for those on a budget. Furthermore, certain parts of the city offer amenities such as parks, shopping malls and other recreational activities, which are generally quite economical for locals and foreign visitors alike," said one expat living in Guilin, China.

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

"I've been living in Guilin 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 adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Qixing, Diecai, or Xiangshan, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that's a bit older, but you can still find a decent place to live within your budget.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transportation like buses and taxis, as owning a car can be quite expensive. Guilin has a decent public transportation system, so getting around shouldn't be too much of a problem. You can also consider getting a bicycle or an electric scooter for short trips around the city.Eating out can be quite affordable in Guilin, especially if you stick to local Chinese restaurants and street food. Western-style restaurants and fast food chains tend to be more expensive, so you'll want to limit how often you eat at those places. Cooking at home can also help you save money, and you can find fresh produce and groceries at local markets and supermarkets.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Guilin. You can visit the city's beautiful parks, take a stroll along the Li River, or explore the nearby countryside and karst mountains. There are also plenty of free or low-cost cultural events and festivals throughout the year. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to bars, clubs, or high-end shopping malls.In general, living in Guilin on $1,500 a month will require you to be more mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. But with some careful planning and budgeting, you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful city," commented an expat living in Guilin.

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

"I've been living in Guilin 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. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, it's quite doable. First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the Qixing or Diecai districts. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $300-$400 a month. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more for a nicer place, you can check out the apartments in the Lijiang River Scenic Area or the Seven Star Park area. These neighborhoods are more expensive, but you'll be closer to the city's main attractions and have a better view.As for transportation, Guilin has a pretty good public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and taxis instead of owning a car. A monthly bus pass costs around $15, and taxis are relatively cheap, with a starting fare of around $1.50. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can consider buying an electric scooter, which is a popular mode of transportation in the city.When it comes to food, eating out in Guilin can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food. A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around $2-$5, while street food can be even cheaper. Of course, if you prefer Western food or more upscale dining options, you'll have to pay more, but it's still possible to find reasonably priced options.For entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable activities in Guilin. You can visit the city's beautiful parks, such as the Seven Star Park or the Elephant Trunk Hill Park, for free or a small entrance fee. There are also many affordable cultural attractions, like the Reed Flute Cave and the Jingjiang Princes' City, which charge around $10-$15 for admission. If you're into nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can have a good time without breaking the bank.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to, like having a large, spacious apartment or eating out at fancy restaurants all the time. You'll also need to adapt to the local culture and lifestyle, which might be different from what you're used to. But overall, I think living in Guilin on $3,000 a month is quite manageable, and you'll still be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while experiencing everything this beautiful city has to offer," said one expat living in Guilin.

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

"I've been living in Guilin for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here, even if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living than you're used to, since the cost of living is generally lower in China compared to many Western countries.As for sacrifices, I haven't had to make too many. The biggest adjustment for me was getting used to the local cuisine, which can be quite different from what I was used to back home. However, there are plenty of Western restaurants and supermarkets in Guilin, so it's not too difficult to find familiar foods if you're craving them. The language barrier can also be a challenge, but many locals speak at least some English, and there are language schools and tutors available if you want to learn Mandarin.In terms of neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into the Qixing District, which is a popular area for expats. It's close to the city center and has a good mix of modern apartments and traditional houses. The rent here can range from $300 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location of the apartment. Another option is the Diecai District, which is a bit more affordable but still offers a good quality of life. Rent here can be as low as $200 per month for a basic apartment.I would avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the Lijiang River Scenic Area, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher. Rent in this area can easily exceed $1,000 per month for a luxury apartment, and the overall cost of living is higher due to its popularity with tourists.Overall, I've found that living in Guilin on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. With a bit of research and some adjustments to your lifestyle, you should be able to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Guilin.