Cost of Living in Jilin - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $477 (excluding rent), and $721 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,127 (excluding rent), and $1,547 including rent.
Currency
Do you live in Jilin? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.76 ¥19.8
$1.38 ¥9.87
$2.76 ¥19.8
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$20.95 ¥150
$13.97 ¥100
$20.95 ¥150
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.67 ¥33.53
$4.07 ¥29.2
$5.29 ¥37.93
Cappuccino
$3.17 ¥22.77
$2.77 ¥19.85
$3.45 ¥24.76
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.4 ¥2.87
$0.33 ¥2.39
$0.53 ¥3.82
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22 ¥1.58
$0.15 ¥1.05
$0.29 ¥2.11
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.09 ¥7.82
$0.69 ¥4.93
$1.37 ¥9.8
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.1 ¥15.07
$1.82 ¥13.05
$2.8 ¥20.11
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.68 ¥12.08
$1.68 ¥12.08
$1.68 ¥12.08
White Bread (500g)
$1.34 ¥9.61
$0.83 ¥5.94
$2.38 ¥17.08
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.91 ¥6.53
$0.55 ¥3.93
$1.74 ¥12.49
Eggs
$1.62 ¥11.63
$1.01 ¥7.27
$2.54 ¥18.25
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.03 ¥86.3
$6.52 ¥46.76
$24.78 ¥178
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.15 ¥22.61
$1.67 ¥11.99
$5.57 ¥39.98
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.5 ¥75.3
$6.45 ¥46.25
$14.32 ¥103
Apples (1kg)
$1.84 ¥13.19
$1.16 ¥8.32
$2.92 ¥20.91
Banana (1kg)
$1.19 ¥8.53
$0.81 ¥5.82
$2.02 ¥14.49
Oranges (1kg)
$1.59 ¥11.37
$0.96 ¥6.87
$2.54 ¥18.25
Tomato (1kg)
$1.13 ¥8.07
$0.71 ¥5.09
$1.98 ¥14.18
Potato (1kg)
$0.74 ¥5.29
$0.37 ¥2.64
$1.17 ¥8.38
Onion (1kg)
$1.03 ¥7.4
$0.61 ¥4.41
$1.53 ¥10.94
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.63 ¥4.54
$0.31 ¥2.19
$1.21 ¥8.69
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 ¥3.63
$0.33 ¥2.4
$0.8 ¥5.75
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.78 ¥19.95
$2.48 ¥17.78
$3.96 ¥28.43
Wine (Bottle)
$11.84 ¥85
$5.57 ¥39.97
$19.44 ¥139
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.71 ¥5.13
$0.52 ¥3.73
$1.29 ¥9.26
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.8 ¥12.92
$1.08 ¥7.73
$3.1 ¥22.25
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.25 ¥1.78
$0.25 ¥1.78
$0.37 ¥2.67
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$14.81 ¥106
$7.41 ¥53.2
$14.81 ¥106
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.93 ¥6.65
$0.93 ¥6.65
$0.93 ¥6.65
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.32 ¥2.32
$0.26 ¥1.84
$0.39 ¥2.8
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.87 ¥42.12
$3.67 ¥26.35
$7.35 ¥52.7
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.99 ¥7.07
$0.89 ¥6.39
$1.05 ¥7.56
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.7K ¥155.8K
$20K ¥143.4K
$23.5K ¥168.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.1K ¥122.5K
$15.7K ¥112.3K
$21.4K ¥153.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$43.56 ¥312
$30.63 ¥220
$81.3 ¥583
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.34 ¥74.2
$5.14 ¥36.87
$18.81 ¥135
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.56 ¥82.9
$6.96 ¥49.92
$20.89 ¥150
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.59 ¥313
$15.98 ¥115
$72.6 ¥521
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.8 ¥106
$4.44 ¥31.85
$14.8 ¥106
Cinema Ticket
$6.16 ¥44.21
$5.2 ¥37.3
$8.22 ¥59
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$331 ¥2,378
$206 ¥1,477
$824 ¥5,908
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$19.4K ¥139.2K
$9,569 ¥68.6K
$35.7K ¥256.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.37 ¥311
$20.85 ¥150
$93 ¥667
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.71 ¥220
$14.04 ¥101
$56.2 ¥403
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$71.9 ¥515
$41.94 ¥301
$112 ¥802
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$74.8 ¥536
$42.06 ¥302
$140 ¥1,006
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$320 ¥2,294
$240 ¥1,720
$344 ¥2,466
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$204 ¥1,465
$152 ¥1,088
$273 ¥1,958
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$586 ¥4,204
$483 ¥3,463
$724 ¥5,194
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$409 ¥2,932
$316 ¥2,266
$474 ¥3,400
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,073 ¥22K
$2,336 ¥16.8K
$3,688 ¥26.5K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,040 ¥14.6K
$1,267 ¥9,085
$2,533 ¥18.2K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$419 ¥3,008
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.87
3.1
5
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
City tags:
Cost of Living in Jilin - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Jilin compare to other major Chinese cities for long stays or quick trips?
Cost of Living in Jilin is typically more accessible for long stays than many other country-wide hubs when you choose well-connected neighborhoods outside the center. It tends to be lower than major coastal cities, with stable utilities and a broad range of housing options from modest flats to larger apartments in quieter areas. Daily expenses like groceries from markets, local eateries, and casual street food remain affordable, while imported items may cost more. Public transport offers convenient connections without premium fares, and co-working spaces exist if you need a dedicated desk. Seasonal heating costs can shift overall bills, but the pace stays deliberately manageable. Tip: Start with a baseline budget and adjust with the seasons.
What does a typical day look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Jilin for travelers and remote workers?
Daily life in Jilin focuses on practicality and local options. Housing ranges from compact apartments in university districts to larger units in quieter neighborhoods, often with flexible leases. Food options span bustling farmers markets, affordable street food, and a growing selection of cafes; you can balance groceries with seasonal produce for good value. Transport is generally affordable: buses and rail links connect towns, while biking and walking fit well in many areas. For remote work, look for a central co-working space or a campus hub to meet neighbors and network. Jilin living cost remains favorable for steady routines and occasional splurges. Tip: Map your daily routes to maximize time and savings.
How can you optimize quality of life in Jilin with a practical budgeting framework, seasonal awareness, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Jilin benefits from a simple budgeting approach that separates fixed costs from flexible ones. Prioritize a location near markets and transit to cut time and transport spend. Seasonality matters: cold winters raise heating needs and pack calls for warmer gear; plan ahead with a seasonal wardrobe and energy-conscious habits. Use neighborhood trials to gauge whether you prefer a lively core or a quieter edge with parks and schools nearby. Track expenses in broad categories (housing, groceries, transport, leisure) and adjust as needed after a few weeks. Tip: Start with transit-friendly routes and flexible leases to stay nimble.
Join the CityCost newsletter – low traffic, no spam, and easy to unsubscribe. Your email stays private.