Cost of Living in Putian - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $498 (excluding rent), and $720 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,179 (excluding rent), and $1,590 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.1 ¥15.07
$2.1 ¥15.07
$3.5 ¥25.09
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$22.69 ¥163
$16.5 ¥118
$41.26 ¥296
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.73 ¥41.12
$5.16 ¥36.99
$11.47 ¥82.2
Cappuccino
$2.83 ¥20.29
$1.41 ¥10.11
$5.22 ¥37.46
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.4 ¥2.9
$0.34 ¥2.42
$1.07 ¥7.66
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.27 ¥1.91
$0.24 ¥1.71
$0.67 ¥4.78
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.73 ¥5.21
$0.73 ¥5.21
$3.61 ¥25.89
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.85 ¥20.46
$2.14 ¥15.33
$7.12 ¥51
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.88 ¥13.51
$1.43 ¥10.26
$3.15 ¥22.6
White Bread (500g)
$2.08 ¥14.93
$0.69 ¥4.93
$2.74 ¥19.65
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.77 ¥5.52
$0.41 ¥2.94
$1.08 ¥7.76
Eggs
$1.34 ¥9.65
$0.83 ¥5.96
$1.99 ¥14.26
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.31 ¥81.1
$11.31 ¥81.1
$11.31 ¥81.1
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.38 ¥17.09
$1.43 ¥10.24
$2.86 ¥20.55
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.01 ¥79
$5.5 ¥39.48
$13.77 ¥98.8
Apples (1kg)
$2.46 ¥17.64
$1.57 ¥11.27
$2.85 ¥20.42
Banana (1kg)
$1.33 ¥9.51
$0.9 ¥6.44
$1.77 ¥12.66
Oranges (1kg)
$1.55 ¥11.09
$1.12 ¥8.05
$1.69 ¥12.11
Tomato (1kg)
$1.91 ¥13.74
$0.86 ¥6.14
$2.19 ¥15.71
Potato (1kg)
$0.92 ¥6.58
$0.69 ¥4.96
$1.1 ¥7.86
Onion (1kg)
$1.71 ¥12.26
$0.72 ¥5.14
$2.85 ¥20.48
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.82 ¥5.91
$0.69 ¥4.92
$1.09 ¥7.81
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.55 ¥3.97
$0.29 ¥2.1
$1.16 ¥8.31
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.74 ¥19.62
$2.05 ¥14.7
$4.77 ¥34.25
Wine (Bottle)
$10.59 ¥76
$7.06 ¥50.7
$14.13 ¥101
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.74 ¥5.3
$0.54 ¥3.85
$1.6 ¥11.49
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.59 ¥11.4
$0.82 ¥5.91
$2.05 ¥14.71
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.3 ¥2.15
$0.3 ¥2.15
$0.45 ¥3.22
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$17.04 ¥122
$8.52 ¥61.1
$17.04 ¥122
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.4 ¥10.06
$1.4 ¥10.06
$1.4 ¥10.06
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.28 ¥2.01
$0.28 ¥2.01
$0.28 ¥2.01
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.78 ¥48.63
$6.78 ¥48.63
$6.78 ¥48.63
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 ¥8.22
$1.02 ¥7.3
$1.37 ¥9.85
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$16.6K ¥119K
$16.4K ¥117.4K
$16.8K ¥120.6K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.2K ¥123.1K
$16K ¥114.5K
$24.6K ¥176.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$38.5 ¥276
$20.67 ¥148
$68.9 ¥494
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.51 ¥68.2
$4.73 ¥33.91
$17.3 ¥124
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.75 ¥70
$7.01 ¥50.3
$70 ¥502
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.55 ¥269
$13.77 ¥98.8
$62.6 ¥449
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$14.56 ¥104
$4.37 ¥31.34
$14.56 ¥104
Cinema Ticket
$9.21 ¥66.1
$6.82 ¥48.94
$18.43 ¥132
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$457 ¥3,279
$417 ¥2,988
$694 ¥4,981
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$22.5K ¥161.6K
$21.1K ¥151.5K
$25.3K ¥181.8K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.85 ¥307
$20.75 ¥149
$111 ¥794
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$27.16 ¥195
$7 ¥50.2
$41.99 ¥301
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$84.5 ¥606
$34.61 ¥248
$138 ¥993
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$79.3 ¥569
$41.37 ¥297
$96.5 ¥692
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$272 ¥1,949
$204 ¥1,461
$292 ¥2,095
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$173 ¥1,243
$129 ¥923
$232 ¥1,661
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$666 ¥4,775
$548 ¥3,933
$822 ¥5,899
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$336 ¥2,408
$260 ¥1,861
$389 ¥2,792
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,404 ¥17.2K
$2,061 ¥14.8K
$2,748 ¥19.7K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,035 ¥7,425
$1,035 ¥7,425
$2,760 ¥19.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$429 ¥3,077
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.56
3
5
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Putian - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Putian an affordable option for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with larger cities?
Putian offers a gentler pace and a lower cost of everyday life than many bigger coastal cities, making it attractive for travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking balance. You will find a range of housing, from practical apartments to quiet compounds, often at more approachable rents when you are outside the core tourist zones. Groceries, casual dining, and local services typically align with a modest budget, while modern conveniences are still within reach. The Cost of Living in Putian, China often feels approachable for flexible plans and seasonal travel. Seasonal crowds can affect small price swings in services, but the rhythm remains manageable. Tip: Plan a baseline weekly budget and adjust by neighborhood to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Putian for housing search, food options, transportation, and errands?
Daily life in Putian blends practical convenience with relaxed pacing. Housing search is typically straightforward: target apartments near transit or in calmer neighborhoods away from the most tourist-heavy streets to get more space for less. Food options range from vibrant local markets to affordable eateries and modern supermarkets, making it easy to cook at home or dine out on a budget. Transport is well-supported by buses and taxis, with bike and scooter options in many areas. Putian living cost shifts with district and season, so plan flexible errands and a few backup routes. Tip: Pack a reusable bag and learn a few local phrases to speed up errands.
What budgeting framework and neighborhood fit help you maximize quality of life in Putian?
Quality of life in Putian benefits from a simple budgeting framework: anchor essentials, allocate across housing, utilities, food, and transport, then set a modest buffer for discretionary spending and unexpected costs. Neighborhood fit matters: choose areas with easy access to markets, healthcare, and reliable WiFi-connected spaces for work, while favoring quieter streets if you value calm. Seasonal factors, hot summers, humid air, and occasional rain shape outdoor activities and wardrobe choices, so plan outdoor time accordingly. If you are a digital nomad, seek co-working-friendly cafes and short commutes to maximize your day. Tip: test a district for a season before committing long-term.
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