Cost of Living in Kaifeng - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $710 monthly including rent, or $420 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,096 with rent, or $733 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,483 including rent, or $1,047 for daily expenses alone.

Kaifeng sits about 48% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 30% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.87 ¥19.38
$2.15 ¥14.51
$5.14 ¥34.72
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$13.71 ¥92.6
$10.96 ¥74.1
$16.44 ¥111
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.33 ¥29.25
$3.54 ¥23.95
$5.10 ¥34.48
Cappuccino
$2.04 ¥13.76
$1.35 ¥9.13
$2.73 ¥18.45
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46 ¥3.12
$0.43 ¥2.91
$0.72 ¥4.86
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22 ¥1.49
$0.15 ¥0.99
$0.29 ¥1.99
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.09 ¥7.37
$0.78 ¥5.26
$1.40 ¥9.49
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.06 ¥13.91
$1.37 ¥9.25
$3.43 ¥23.15
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.77 ¥11.95
$1.36 ¥9.18
$2.73 ¥18.43
White Bread (500g)
$1.59 ¥10.76
$0.98 ¥6.65
$2.83 ¥19.11
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.90 ¥6.06
$0.65 ¥4.39
$1.14 ¥7.73
Eggs
$1.62 ¥10.92
$1.01 ¥6.82
$2.53 ¥17.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.02 ¥88.0
$7.06 ¥47.68
$26.82 ¥181
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.19 ¥21.56
$1.69 ¥11.43
$5.64 ¥38.13
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.10 ¥68.3
$6.20 ¥41.92
$13.78 ¥93.1
Apples (1kg)
$1.72 ¥11.64
$1.09 ¥7.34
$2.73 ¥18.46
Banana (1kg)
$1.25 ¥8.43
$0.85 ¥5.76
$2.12 ¥14.33
Oranges (1kg)
$0.66 ¥4.43
$0.58 ¥3.94
$0.73 ¥4.93
Tomato (1kg)
$1.14 ¥7.69
$0.72 ¥4.85
$2.00 ¥13.51
Potato (1kg)
$0.68 ¥4.57
$0.34 ¥2.28
$1.07 ¥7.24
Onion (1kg)
$0.95 ¥6.44
$0.57 ¥3.83
$1.41 ¥9.52
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.57 ¥3.84
$0.27 ¥1.86
$1.09 ¥7.36
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.52 ¥3.51
$0.34 ¥2.32
$0.82 ¥5.57
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.10 ¥20.94
$2.76 ¥18.67
$4.42 ¥29.84
Wine (Bottle)
$14.77 ¥99.8
$14.77 ¥99.8
$14.77 ¥99.8
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 ¥5.05
$0.54 ¥3.67
$1.35 ¥9.12
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61 ¥10.88
$0.96 ¥6.51
$2.77 ¥18.73
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.29 ¥1.97
$0.29 ¥1.97
$0.44 ¥2.95
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$16.68 ¥113
$8.35 ¥56.4
$16.68 ¥113
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.40 ¥9.49
$1.31 ¥8.88
$1.69 ¥11.41
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.33 ¥2.21
$0.26 ¥1.76
$0.40 ¥2.67
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.67 ¥45.06
$4.17 ¥28.20
$8.35 ¥56.4
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.16 ¥7.86
$1.05 ¥7.10
$1.24 ¥8.40
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.7K ¥132.9K
$18.1K ¥122.3K
$21.2K ¥143.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$16.5K ¥111.3K
$15.1K ¥102.0K
$20.6K ¥139.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$46.70 ¥316
$42.47 ¥287
$51.0 ¥344
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.92 ¥67.1
$4.93 ¥33.33
$18.05 ¥122
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.44 ¥77.3
$6.89 ¥46.55
$20.68 ¥140
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.08 ¥278
$15.06 ¥102
$68.5 ¥463
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.84 ¥93.5
$4.15 ¥28.06
$13.84 ¥93.5
Cinema Ticket
$6.35 ¥42.92
$5.36 ¥36.21
$8.47 ¥57.2
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$340 ¥2,296
$211 ¥1,426
$844 ¥5,704
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$16.8K ¥113.7K
$8,298 ¥56.1K
$31.0K ¥209.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.36 ¥293
$20.85 ¥141
$93.0 ¥628
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.03 ¥203
$13.74 ¥92.8
$54.9 ¥371
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$71.3 ¥482
$41.62 ¥281
$111 ¥750
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$75.5 ¥510
$42.48 ¥287
$142 ¥957
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$282 ¥1,903
$211 ¥1,427
$303 ¥2,046
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$185 ¥1,249
$137 ¥927
$247 ¥1,669
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$601 ¥4,061
$495 ¥3,344
$742 ¥5,017
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$360 ¥2,434
$278 ¥1,881
$418 ¥2,822
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$565 ¥3,817
-
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.

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $282 for a central one-bedroom, or $185 outside the center. At 50% of the average salary ($565), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $565, while typical expenses reach $710. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $202 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $14.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $16.68 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Kaifeng is cheaper than 82% of cities worldwide and 51% within Asia.

Kaifeng 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 Kaifeng - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaifeng affordable for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value?
Compared with megacities, Kaifeng offers a comfortable price-to-quality balance for people who want culture, history, and reliable daily life without the premium. The city provides quieter neighborhoods, affordable cafés, and modest apartment options, with markets and street stalls covering groceries and meals without the price spikes seen in larger hubs. If you value walkability, cultural access, and shorter commutes, the city typically feels like good value for longer stays or recurring visits. Cost of Living in Kaifeng helps set expectations for day-to-day budgeting. Tip: Look for long-stay options in residential areas to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Kaifeng for staying, working, and getting around?
Daily life in Kaifeng tends to revolve around a compact, walkable core with easy access to markets, temples, and riverfront paths. Housing options range from traditional courtyard houses to modern apartments in quieter neighborhoods; if you want more space, consider suburbs a short ride away. Food is abundant and varied, from cheap noodle stalls to home-style eateries, making meal planning flexible for different budgets. For transport, buses and bike-friendly streets keep errands efficient, while co-working cafés offer reliable Wi‑Fi and a social scene for long days. Kaifeng living cost streams through a practical rhythm of daily needs. Tip: scout a few neighborhoods during different times of day to gauge noise and access.
How would you describe quality of life and budgeting in Kaifeng, including tips for seasonality and choosing a neighborhood?
Quality of life in Kaifeng reflects safety, cultural access, and a calm pace that suits both work and exploration. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: housing, daily living, and occasional splurges. Start with a central but relaxed neighborhood to minimize transit time, then adjust as you settle into routines. Local markets and bakeries offer affordable options for groceries and snacks, while cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi support long work sessions without high overhead. Seasonal events can draw crowds, so plan around quieter periods for easier logistics. Build a small monthly reserve for unexpected needs and track transport and meal costs weekly to stay aligned with your goals. Tip: set a realistic split between housing and daily expenses.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Kaifeng?
With 50% of the average paycheck going to rent, Kaifeng is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
What is the average cost of living in Kaifeng?
A single person in Kaifeng typically spends $710 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $420. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Kaifeng enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $565 technically covers the $710 monthly cost of living in Kaifeng, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Kaifeng?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Kaifeng range from $185 to $282, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Kaifeng?
Fitness in Kaifeng is cheap at around $41.08 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Kaifeng?
Kaifeng is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $202, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in Kaifeng?
$800 stretches far in Kaifeng – all-in monthly costs average only $710. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Kaifeng a good place to live?
Living in Kaifeng means access to fast internet at about $710 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Can you save money living in Kaifeng?
Monthly expenses in Kaifeng run around $710, so putting money aside takes more than $1,064 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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