For one person, living costs in Nantong are estimated at $750 a month, including rent and utilities, which take less than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $18 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Nantong actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $750 monthly including rent, or $561 excluding housing.
$750 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,237 with rent, or $942 without housing.
$1,237 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,725 including rent, or $1,323 for daily expenses alone.
$1,725 /mo
📊
Nantong sits 39–44% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 29% below average – relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.6K¥130.9K
$19.6K¥130.9K
$37.7K¥252.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$18.8K¥125.6K
$17.8K¥118.7K
$24.4K¥162.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$47.85¥320
$30.20¥202
$106¥706
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.48¥49.93
$4.27¥28.51
$18.32¥122
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$14.96¥99.9
$7.60¥50.8
$91.2¥609
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$114¥762
$44.68¥298
$179¥1,193
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.96¥79.9
-
Cinema Ticket
$7.68¥51.3
$6.14¥41.03
$9.22¥61.5
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$203¥1,354
$101¥677
$1,330¥8,883
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$12.0K¥80.0K
$12.0K¥80.0K
$44.9K¥299.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$58.0¥388
$29.42¥196
$103¥688
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$42.62¥285
$15.16¥101
$91.0¥608
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$66.3¥442
$41.12¥275
$107¥712
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$110¥735
$38.88¥260
$225¥1,502
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$213¥1,420
$193¥1,288
$223¥1,486
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$142¥945
$121¥810
$182¥1,215
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$696¥4,649
$442¥2,952
$884¥5,904
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$354¥2,363
$303¥2,026
$379¥2,532
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$3,720¥24.8K
$2,976¥19.9K
$4,464¥29.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$2,249¥15.0K
$2,249¥15.0K
$2,999¥20.0K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,289¥8,610
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
3.5
3
4.25
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 10, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Nantong$750
Nantong$1,725
🛒Groceries & Markets
$182 24.3%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$142 18.9%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$130 17.3%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$125 16.6%
🍽Eating Out
$83 11%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$70 9.4%
🚌Getting Around
$19 2.6%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$424 24.6%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$354 20.5%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$271 15.7%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$277 16.1%
🍽Eating Out
$282 16.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$78 4.5%
🚌Getting Around
$39 2.3%
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $213 for a central one-bedroom, or $142 outside the center. At 16% of the average salary ($1,289), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $1,289, while typical expenses reach $750. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $182 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $24.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $14.73 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).
Cost Highlights
⭐Local beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia
⭐Gym membership is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia
Cost of Living in Nantong - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Nantong for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other Chinese cities?
Its affordability sits in the middle among China’s coastal cities, offering value without sacrificing access to modern amenities. You’ll find inexpensive street food and simple groceries, plus reliable public transport that helps you explore without a car. Housing trends vary: central districts are livelier but pricier, while outer neighborhoods offer more space for your budget. For remote work, cafes and coworking spaces exist, though peak hours can influence quietness and Wi-Fi reliability. If you’re comparing with larger cities, Nantong rewards a measured budget and deliberate neighborhood choices. Cost of Living in Nantong, China helps set expectations and guides practical planning. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in a few areas to feel out the rhythm before committing longer-term.
What does daily life look like in Nantong, including housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Nantong blends riverfront calm with practical city amenities. For housing, start in well-connected neighborhoods near transit and markets, then expand to older lanes for better value and a more local feel. Food options range from bustling markets to modern cafés, with plenty of inexpensive, home-style meals. Transport is straightforward: reliable buses, easy cycling routes, and easy access to regional rail when you need to travel farther. Coworking spaces and quiet cafés support remote work, while errands fit around a rhythm of morning markets and afternoon deliveries. Nantong, China living cost remains approachable for a balanced, work-friendly routine. Tip: Map three areas you like and visit at different times of day to gauge noise, crowding, and Wi-Fi.
How can you gauge quality of life, budget effectively, and find a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle in Nantong?
Quality of life in Nantong suits explorers who value balance between work, outdoor spaces, and culture. Build a monthly budget framework around fixed costs (housing and utilities) and flexible expenses (food, transport, coworking). In-season travel to nearby cities and riverside parks offers free or low-cost recreation. Neighborhood fit matters: riverside districts feel relaxed and scenic; historic lanes offer character but can be denser and busier; newer suburbs bring space and modern amenities but longer commutes. Save by shopping at local markets, cooking at home when possible, and choosing longer but less frequent rides for errands. Tip: Use a simple four-quadrant approach to compare neighborhoods by cost, commute, vibe, and safety.
Is Nantong one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Nantong is just cheap – all-in costs average $750 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
Is Nantong a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Nantong than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $750 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
How does the average salary in Nantong compare to the cost of living?
At $1,289 take-home, most residents in Nantong can cover the $750 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,125 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Nantong per month?
Where you live in Nantong makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $213; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $142. Overall, the market runs from $142 to $213 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Nantong?
A monthly transit pass in Nantong runs about $14.73, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Nantong?
Groceries in Nantong cost around $182 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Nantong?
$1,200 stretches far in Nantong – all-in monthly costs average only $750. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Nantong?
Nantong offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, and at around $750 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Nantong?
Monthly expenses in Nantong run around $750, so putting money aside takes more than $1,125 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.