Is the cost of living in China high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in China, they wrote...
"It does not take much but unless you marry a Chinese citizen you can only stay here for one year and then you have to leave and get a new visa. In order to get a new visa you have to go back to you home country. And, there is no guarantee China will give you a new visa. No reason they won't either," wrote a member who made the move to Nanning, Guangxi Provence, China.
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"In Xi'An $1,600 a month easy including rent, $500 2brm, 2 ba apt. Hans (Think Heineken flavor) qt. size beer here .35 made by Ting Tao. We have eaten multi-course meals here for 4 people for under $30 with beer or Chinese vodka incl. at nice restaurants. Be aware that prices change dramatically for foreigners. I've gotten in the habit of staying out of sight while my wife shops at little kiosks (they're everywhere). Major dept stores are better, prices are marked. Carry a calculator to do exchange rate bec. no matter how smart you are, one slip or momentary lapse can cost you $. Shop around as prices from one street vendor to another may vary dramatically. And even though it may seem like a good deal by American standard prices, just shop around a lil bit first. And one imp. thing, walking away from a vendor does not mean that they will call after you and lower the price as in some other countries. It does not mean the first price they gave you is the lowest and a good price. That being said, we had someone call after us and lower the pricetowhat we thoguht was a good price only to find the same item later at less than half that price. hence, know your prices," explained one expat living in Xi'an, China.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to China?
- Where should I setup a bank account in China?
- Will I be able to find a job in China?
- What is life like in China?
- What do expats in China appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in China?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in China accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in China like?
- What are healthcare services like in China?
- What are medical services in China like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in China?
- What are emergency services like in China?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in China?
- How are local medical facilities in China?
- As a foreigner living in China, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
Is the cost of living in China high?
If you live in China, newcomers to China would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.