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Cost of Living in Beijing (Pekin) - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $562 (excluding rent), and $1,081 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,356 (excluding rent), and $2,547 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.23 Β₯29.55
$2.83 Β₯19.73
$7.05 Β₯49.21
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$27.60 Β₯193
$19.32 Β₯135
$55.2 Β₯385
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.37 Β₯37.49
$4.27 Β₯29.79
$5.69 Β₯39.70
Cappuccino
$3.16 Β₯22.08
$1.69 Β₯11.78
$4.92 Β₯34.36
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46 Β₯3.22
$0.37 Β₯2.56
$0.88 Β₯6.14
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.28 Β₯1.95
$0.20 Β₯1.41
$0.41 Β₯2.89
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.08 Β₯7.53
$0.68 Β₯4.75
$2.03 Β₯14.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 Β₯14.39
$1.37 Β₯9.57
$3.43 Β₯23.96
πŸ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.71 Β₯11.97
$1.40 Β₯9.78
$2.11 Β₯14.71
White Bread (500g)
$1.65 Β₯11.50
$0.85 Β₯5.96
$3.54 Β₯24.70
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.08 Β₯7.53
$0.69 Β₯4.83
$1.76 Β₯12.29
Eggs
$1.71 Β₯11.94
$1.01 Β₯7.06
$2.54 Β₯17.73
Local Cheese (1kg)
$16.00 Β₯112
$8.44 Β₯59.0
$28.13 Β₯196
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.32 Β₯23.15
$2.13 Β₯14.88
$4.83 Β₯33.69
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.63 Β₯67.2
$6.89 Β₯48.07
$13.78 Β₯96.2
Apples (1kg)
$2.17 Β₯15.13
$1.13 Β₯7.92
$2.85 Β₯19.91
Banana (1kg)
$1.63 Β₯11.40
$1.12 Β₯7.81
$2.81 Β₯19.64
Oranges (1kg)
$1.73 Β₯12.08
$0.95 Β₯6.66
$2.74 Β₯19.15
Tomato (1kg)
$1.32 Β₯9.24
$0.57 Β₯3.95
$1.97 Β₯13.76
Potato (1kg)
$0.80 Β₯5.57
$0.34 Β₯2.38
$1.22 Β₯8.49
Onion (1kg)
$0.95 Β₯6.63
$0.57 Β₯3.95
$2.25 Β₯15.74
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.67 Β₯4.68
$0.27 Β₯1.87
$1.06 Β₯7.42
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.56 Β₯3.90
$0.41 Β₯2.89
$0.72 Β₯5.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.38 Β₯23.62
$2.71 Β₯18.94
$5.42 Β₯37.81
Wine (Bottle)
$9.91 Β₯69.2
$5.66 Β₯39.54
$21.23 Β₯148
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.87 Β₯6.05
$0.58 Β₯4.03
$1.43 Β₯10.01
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83 Β₯12.81
$1.14 Β₯7.94
$2.72 Β₯18.96
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.58 Β₯4.08
$0.44 Β₯3.06
$0.73 Β₯5.10
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$31.01 Β₯216
$20.68 Β₯144
$53.9 Β₯376
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.78 Β₯12.39
$1.78 Β₯12.39
$2.05 Β₯14.31
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.35 Β₯2.47
$0.33 Β₯2.32
$0.46 Β₯3.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$10.34 Β₯72.1
$6.61 Β₯46.16
$13.79 Β₯96.3
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.12 Β₯7.82
$1.05 Β₯7.33
$1.19 Β₯8.31
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.5K Β₯129.3K
$18.1K Β₯126.2K
$22.3K Β₯155.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$15.4K Β₯107.2K
$13.7K Β₯95.7K
$17.8K Β₯124.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$52.6 Β₯367
$32.52 Β₯227
$86.9 Β₯607
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.07 Β₯63.3
$4.28 Β₯29.89
$14.27 Β₯99.6
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$12.73 Β₯88.8
$7.04 Β₯49.15
$18.31 Β₯128
πŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.84 Β₯348
$21.14 Β₯148
$141 Β₯984
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$18.00 Β₯126
$10.96 Β₯76.5
$27.41 Β₯191
Cinema Ticket
$8.49 Β₯59.3
$7.07 Β₯49.34
$10.60 Β₯74.0
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$659 Β₯4,602
$273 Β₯1,908
$1,458 Β₯10.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.2K Β₯168.9K
$14.2K Β₯98.9K
$35.4K Β₯247.2K
πŸ‘•πŸ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$63.3 Β₯442
$21.30 Β₯149
$128 Β₯892
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.05 Β₯245
$14.08 Β₯98.3
$56.1 Β₯392
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$76.8 Β₯536
$50.4 Β₯352
$116 Β₯810
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$101 Β₯703
$48.70 Β₯340
$167 Β₯1,165
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$897 Β₯6,261
$694 Β₯4,844
$1,665 Β₯11.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$464 Β₯3,237
$354 Β₯2,472
$637 Β₯4,450
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,935 Β₯13.5K
$1,391 Β₯9,710
$2,504 Β₯17.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,096 Β₯7,652
$845 Β₯5,898
$1,831 Β₯12.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$13.0K Β₯90.5K
$11.6K Β₯80.9K
$17.4K Β₯121.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$6,236 Β₯43.5K
$5,607 Β₯39.1K
$7,788 Β₯54.4K
πŸ’΅ Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,499 Β₯10.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.64
2.85
4.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 10, 2026

Beijing (Peking) Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Download
26
Mbps
Upload
13
Mbps
Latency
28
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
194
Mbps
Upload
54
Mbps
Latency
23
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Beijing (Pekin) - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Beijing compare in terms of affordability and value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Beijing (Peking), China offers a compelling balance of value, culture, and opportunity for longer stays. When you compare global hubs, it often feels more favorable than in many Western capitals, while offering robust infrastructure and cultural depth. You’ll find a spectrum of housing, from modern serviced apartments in business districts to quieter courtyard homes in older neighborhoods, with options that scale by proximity and amenities. Food is varied and affordable if you lean on local markets, street stalls, and casual eateries. There are plenty of coworking spaces and reliable internet to support steady work. Tip: map a weekly routine that mixes workdays with neighborhood explorations.
What does daily life look like in Beijing, including housing search, neighborhoods, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life hinges on choosing the right neighborhood and an efficient routine. Start your housing search with local agents and online listings, then visit expat-friendly zones like Chaoyang and Dongcheng as well as quieter areas to compare vibes. In terms of food, you’ll enjoy cheap, delicious options at markets and casual eateries, plus a range of international groceries nearby. Transport is practical thanks to a dense subway network and bike-sharing; driving can be slower on peak days. Beijing (Peking), China living cost varies with lifestyle. Tip: build a flexible weekly plan that leaves room for discovery.
How does the overall quality of life align with budgeting approach, seasonal changes, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Beijing blends efficiency with cultural richness, but your budget depends on housing choice and lifestyle. A practical framework is to allocate shelter, daily living, and experiences as distinct buckets, prioritizing longer leases in neighborhoods with good transit to save time and energy. In winter, heating can push energy use higher, so opting for well-insulated apartments and a nearby winter heat source helps. Summer can bring heat and humidity; plan for breathable clothing, rooftop gatherings, and indoor coworking. For neighborhood fit, test a few areas across the east and center to balance access to services, parks, and nightlife. Tip: track recurring expenses for two weeks to reveal true costs and adjust.
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