Cost of Living in Putian - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $722 monthly including rent, or $482 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,143 with rent, or $886 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,563 including rent, or $1,289 for daily expenses alone.

Putian sits about 46% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 30% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Putian? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.07 ¥14.04
$2.07 ¥14.04
$3.44 ¥23.38
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$22.67 ¥154
$16.48 ¥112
$41.22 ¥280
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.65 ¥38.40
$5.09 ¥34.54
$11.31 ¥76.8
Cappuccino
$2.78 ¥18.85
$1.38 ¥9.39
$5.12 ¥34.79
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.43 ¥2.92
$0.36 ¥2.44
$1.14 ¥7.73
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.27 ¥1.82
$0.24 ¥1.63
$0.67 ¥4.55
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.68 ¥4.61
$0.68 ¥4.61
$3.37 ¥22.92
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.81 ¥19.05
$2.10 ¥14.27
$7.00 ¥47.53
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.80 ¥12.20
$1.36 ¥9.27
$3.00 ¥20.41
White Bread (500g)
$2.10 ¥14.24
$0.69 ¥4.70
$2.76 ¥18.74
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.76 ¥5.13
$0.40 ¥2.73
$1.06 ¥7.21
Eggs
$1.33 ¥9.03
$0.82 ¥5.58
$1.97 ¥13.35
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.92 ¥74.1
$10.92 ¥74.1
$10.92 ¥74.1
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.37 ¥16.07
$1.42 ¥9.63
$2.85 ¥19.33
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.93 ¥74.3
$5.47 ¥37.13
$13.67 ¥92.9
Apples (1kg)
$2.36 ¥16.06
$1.51 ¥10.26
$2.74 ¥18.59
Banana (1kg)
$1.32 ¥8.96
$0.89 ¥6.06
$1.76 ¥11.92
Oranges (1kg)
$1.57 ¥10.65
$1.14 ¥7.73
$1.71 ¥11.63
Tomato (1kg)
$1.85 ¥12.54
$0.82 ¥5.60
$2.11 ¥14.34
Potato (1kg)
$0.98 ¥6.62
$0.73 ¥4.99
$1.16 ¥7.90
Onion (1kg)
$1.70 ¥11.54
$0.71 ¥4.84
$2.84 ¥19.29
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.86 ¥5.82
$0.71 ¥4.85
$1.13 ¥7.69
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 ¥3.47
$0.27 ¥1.83
$1.07 ¥7.27
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.76 ¥18.77
$2.07 ¥14.06
$4.82 ¥32.76
Wine (Bottle)
$10.99 ¥74.7
$7.33 ¥49.78
$14.66 ¥99.6
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 ¥5.10
$0.55 ¥3.71
$1.63 ¥11.07
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.65 ¥11.20
$0.86 ¥5.81
$2.13 ¥14.45
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.29 ¥1.99
$0.29 ¥1.99
$0.44 ¥2.98
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$17.03 ¥116
$8.52 ¥57.9
$17.03 ¥116
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.36 ¥9.23
$1.36 ¥9.23
$1.36 ¥9.23
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.28 ¥1.92
$0.28 ¥1.92
$0.28 ¥1.92
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.57 ¥44.65
$6.57 ¥44.65
$6.57 ¥44.65
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14 ¥7.73
$1.01 ¥6.86
$1.36 ¥9.26
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$16.2K ¥109.8K
$16.0K ¥108.4K
$16.4K ¥111.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.5K ¥119.0K
$16.3K ¥110.7K
$25.1K ¥170.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$39.29 ¥267
$21.10 ¥143
$70.3 ¥478
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.57 ¥65.0
$4.75 ¥32.29
$17.40 ¥118
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$11.92 ¥81.0
$7.08 ¥48.09
$21.25 ¥144
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.02 ¥279
$15.04 ¥102
$68.4 ¥464
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.94 ¥94.7
$4.18 ¥28.41
$13.94 ¥94.7
Cinema Ticket
$9.47 ¥64.3
$7.01 ¥47.60
$18.93 ¥129
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$465 ¥3,156
$423 ¥2,876
$706 ¥4,793
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$17.0K ¥115.3K
$8,434 ¥57.3K
$30.5K ¥207.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.23 ¥294
$20.93 ¥142
$112 ¥758
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$26.70 ¥181
$6.88 ¥46.71
$41.29 ¥280
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$85.2 ¥578
$34.89 ¥237
$140 ¥948
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$81.0 ¥550
$42.28 ¥287
$98.7 ¥670
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$275 ¥1,868
$206 ¥1,401
$296 ¥2,008
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$186 ¥1,264
$138 ¥938
$249 ¥1,689
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$603 ¥4,094
$496 ¥3,371
$745 ¥5,057
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$356 ¥2,419
$275 ¥1,870
$413 ¥2,805
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,552 ¥17.3K
$2,187 ¥14.9K
$2,916 ¥19.8K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,931 ¥13.1K
$1,449 ¥9,838
$2,766 ¥18.8K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$458 ¥3,108
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.56
3
5

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

Last update: May 11, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $275 for a central one-bedroom, or $186 outside the center. At 60% of the average salary ($458), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $458, while typical expenses reach $722. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $205 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $23.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $17.03 per month – 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 93% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 92% of cities in Asia

Putian 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
City tags:
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.
What makes Putian a budget-friendly city to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Putian is just cheap – all-in costs average $722 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
How affordable is daily life in Putian?
Your money goes further in Putian than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $722 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is the average income in Putian enough to cover living costs and save?
At $458 take-home, most residents in Putian can cover the $722 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,084 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What is the price of renting a flat in Putian?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Putian range from $186 to $275, 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.
What does commuting cost in Putian?
A monthly transit pass in Putian goes for roughly $17.03, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Putian?
Childcare averages $465 monthly at a private kindergarten in Putian. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,500 enough to live comfortably in Putian?
$1,500 stretches far in Putian – all-in monthly costs average only $722. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What is quality of life like in Putian?
Living in Putian means access to fast internet at about $722 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.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Putian?
Monthly expenses in Putian run around $722, so putting money aside takes more than $1,084 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

Putian vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities