Cost of Living in Benxi - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $653 per month with rent, or $393 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $929 per month with rent, or $728 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $1,205 per month with rent, or $1,063 without housing.

Overall, Benxi is 51–57% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (37% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.71 ¥18.42
$2.03 ¥13.80
$4.06 ¥27.60
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$21.18 ¥144
$14.13 ¥95.9
$33.89 ¥230
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.95 ¥33.63
$4.25 ¥28.86
$5.66 ¥38.46
Cappuccino
$2.69 ¥18.24
$1.28 ¥8.67
$4.27 ¥28.99
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.45 ¥3.08
$0.41 ¥2.75
$0.68 ¥4.59
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.29 ¥1.98
$0.29 ¥1.98
$0.73 ¥4.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.68 ¥4.63
$0.55 ¥3.71
$1.63 ¥11.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.70 ¥11.52
$1.41 ¥9.59
$2.83 ¥19.25
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.76 ¥11.92
$1.40 ¥9.52
$3.23 ¥21.92
White Bread (500g)
$1.08 ¥7.32
$0.68 ¥4.61
$3.38 ¥22.94
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.78 ¥5.30
$0.57 ¥3.86
$1.41 ¥9.57
Eggs
$1.05 ¥7.15
$0.76 ¥5.16
$2.45 ¥16.61
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.13 ¥62.0
$7.02 ¥47.66
$11.23 ¥76.3
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.65 ¥18.02
$2.04 ¥13.85
$3.26 ¥22.13
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$8.26 ¥56.1
$8.26 ¥56.1
$13.76 ¥93.4
Apples (1kg)
$1.45 ¥9.87
$0.57 ¥3.87
$2.12 ¥14.43
Banana (1kg)
$1.28 ¥8.70
$0.68 ¥4.61
$1.89 ¥12.85
Oranges (1kg)
$1.57 ¥10.65
$1.14 ¥7.72
$2.00 ¥13.57
Tomato (1kg)
$1.21 ¥8.24
$1.08 ¥7.32
$1.35 ¥9.16
Potato (1kg)
$0.58 ¥3.93
$0.29 ¥1.96
$0.87 ¥5.89
Onion (1kg)
$1.72 ¥11.67
$0.69 ¥4.69
$2.76 ¥18.71
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.20 ¥8.13
$0.28 ¥1.93
$2.12 ¥14.40
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.66 ¥4.47
$0.29 ¥1.99
$1.01 ¥6.89
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.83 ¥19.21
$2.83 ¥19.21
$3.53 ¥23.97
Wine (Bottle)
$7.90 ¥53.7
$4.32 ¥29.31
$11.49 ¥78.1
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.54 ¥3.70
$0.41 ¥2.78
$0.82 ¥5.55
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.95 ¥6.48
$0.72 ¥4.88
$1.71 ¥11.63
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.27 ¥1.82
$0.27 ¥1.82
$0.27 ¥1.82
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$11.21 ¥76.2
$8.41 ¥57.2
$14.02 ¥95.2
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.88 ¥5.99
$0.88 ¥5.99
$1.61 ¥10.90
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.26 ¥1.76
$0.26 ¥1.76
$0.26 ¥1.76
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.45 ¥23.40
$2.76 ¥18.76
$4.14 ¥28.11
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.10 ¥7.50
$1.06 ¥7.22
$1.21 ¥8.19
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$18.5K ¥125.3K
$18.5K ¥125.3K
$18.5K ¥125.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$16.9K ¥114.4K
$16.9K ¥114.4K
$16.9K ¥114.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$50.7 ¥344
$27.71 ¥188
$88.3 ¥600
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.28 ¥42.68
$4.19 ¥28.45
$17.86 ¥121
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.64 ¥65.5
$5.51 ¥37.40
$13.77 ¥93.5
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$62.8 ¥426
$13.95 ¥94.7
$112 ¥758
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.49 ¥50.9
$6.81 ¥46.22
$8.17 ¥55.5
Cinema Ticket
$4.78 ¥32.47
$3.42 ¥23.20
$10.94 ¥74.3
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$410 ¥2,787
$274 ¥1,858
$821 ¥5,575
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,257 ¥56.1K
$8,257 ¥56.1K
$27.5K ¥186.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$28.03 ¥190
$14.02 ¥95.2
$77.8 ¥528
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.53 ¥207
$13.96 ¥94.8
$55.8 ¥379
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$55.0 ¥374
$34.39 ¥234
$110 ¥748
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$48.20 ¥327
$41.32 ¥281
$96.4 ¥655
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$128 ¥868
$114 ¥772
$142 ¥965
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$186 ¥1,262
$138 ¥937
$248 ¥1,686
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$243 ¥1,651
$208 ¥1,415
$278 ¥1,886
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$139 ¥946
$111 ¥757
$167 ¥1,135
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,168 ¥21.5K
$2,591 ¥17.6K
$4,441 ¥30.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,920 ¥13.0K
$1,444 ¥9,806
$2,745 ¥18.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$439 ¥2,982
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4
4
5.8

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

Last update: May 9, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $128, dropping to $186 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 29% of the average salary ($439) – close to the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $439 – below monthly costs of $653. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $167 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $21.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $11.21 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Local beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Imported beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Benxi Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Benxi - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benxi an affordable base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to bigger Chinese cities?
Benxi offers a calm pace and practical value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want more space and a lower cost base than larger cities. You’ll notice everyday expenses that sit on the modest to comfortable side, with opportunities to balance housing, meals, and services without the city-size price spikes. Cost of Living in Benxi is shaped by neighborhood choice, season, and your lifestyle, not a single rate card. You’ll often find slower-spend options during weekdays and more movement around weekends, plus access to scenic parks and a riverfront. Tip: Start with a short stay in a few neighborhoods to feel the rhythm before committing.
How do I manage daily life in Benxi, including housing search, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Benxi blends simple local options with occasional comfort imports. When you search for housing, expect a range from older blocks to newer buildings, often with flexible lease terms if you look beyond the core city center. For food, street stalls and small eateries offer affordable staples, while supermarkets stock imported items in limited supply. Local transport relies on buses and bikes, with rideshares growing but still developing. For co-working or remote work, you’ll find quiet cafes and community spaces with decent Wi-Fi, steady enough for day-to-day tasks. Benxi living cost acts as your budgeting guardrail, guiding how you carve your week. Tip: Map a few neighborhoods by vibe and commute time.
What factors influence quality of life and how can you budget and choose neighborhoods that fit your pace?
Quality of life here leans on balance: you can stretch your budget by choosing local services, cooking at home, and picking neighborhood hubs that save you transit time. Create a simple budgeting framework: track essentials like housing, utilities, food, and transport, then allocate a buffer for occasional splurges. Consider seasonality: summers can bring hotter days and more outdoor activities, while winters may shift energy usage and indoor dining options. Neighborhoods near river trails or cultural spots offer a livelier feel, while quieter pockets suit focused work. Compare neighborhoods by walkability, access to fresh markets, and transit access rather than price alone. Tip: Choose an area that fits your pace and daily routine.
Why is Benxi considered affordable?
Benxi is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $653, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is Benxi expensive to live in?
By most standards, Benxi is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $653, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
Can you save money on an average salary in Benxi?
The average net salary in Benxi is about $439, while comfortable living starts around $979. With total costs hitting $653 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much is rent in Benxi?
In Benxi's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $128 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $186. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Benxi?
Food in Benxi is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $167 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
How much is public transport in Benxi?
Getting around Benxi by public transport costs about $11.21 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $1,000 a month in Benxi?
$1,000 a month in Benxi? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $653, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Benxi good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Benxi for good reason: fast internet. Monthly costs land around $653 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Benxi?
Benxi is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $653 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.

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