Last update: Oct 2026 China 4.9M

Cost of Living in Shaoxing

For one person, living costs in Shaoxing are estimated at $750 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $16 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Shaoxing

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Shaoxing actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $750 monthly including rent, or $477 excluding housing.

$750 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,202 with rent, or $815 without housing.

$1,202 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,655 including rent, or $1,152 for daily expenses alone.

$1,655 /mo

Shaoxing sits 41–44% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 29% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Shaoxing? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.64 ¥24.31
$2.91 ¥19.43
$7.26 ¥48.55
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$22.73 ¥152
$22.73 ¥152
$53.0 ¥355
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.38 ¥35.97
$4.61 ¥30.81
$6.15 ¥41.13
Cappuccino
$2.56 ¥17.11
$1.46 ¥9.77
$4.69 ¥31.34
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.57 ¥3.84
$0.43 ¥2.88
$1.15 ¥7.69
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.36 ¥2.38
$0.27 ¥1.80
$0.72 ¥4.83
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.10 ¥7.35
$0.74 ¥4.92
$2.93 ¥19.62
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.19 ¥14.62
$1.45 ¥9.72
$4.37 ¥29.23
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.77 ¥11.84
$1.26 ¥8.46
$2.68 ¥17.95
White Bread (500g)
$2.03 ¥13.55
$1.09 ¥7.25
$4.59 ¥30.66
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.79 ¥5.26
$0.77 ¥5.12
$1.83 ¥12.22
Eggs
$1.67 ¥11.16
$0.88 ¥5.91
$2.93 ¥19.62
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.66 ¥78.0
$7.52 ¥50.3
$31.61 ¥211
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.24 ¥21.66
$1.48 ¥9.90
$8.91 ¥59.6
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$10.25 ¥68.6
$5.86 ¥39.19
$20.07 ¥134
Apples (1kg)
$1.72 ¥11.52
$1.18 ¥7.90
$2.94 ¥19.68
Banana (1kg)
$1.65 ¥11.06
$1.02 ¥6.83
$2.91 ¥19.46
Oranges (1kg)
$1.64 ¥10.97
$1.03 ¥6.90
$3.67 ¥24.56
Tomato (1kg)
$1.05 ¥7.02
$0.73 ¥4.88
$2.91 ¥19.45
Potato (1kg)
$0.82 ¥5.45
$0.46 ¥3.11
$1.85 ¥12.35
Onion (1kg)
$0.89 ¥5.95
$0.44 ¥2.91
$1.67 ¥11.19
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.61 ¥4.11
$0.29 ¥1.93
$1.43 ¥9.57
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.60 ¥3.99
$0.29 ¥1.96
$0.88 ¥5.89
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.39 ¥22.67
$3.02 ¥20.17
$6.03 ¥40.34
Wine (Bottle)
$10.42 ¥69.7
$5.96 ¥39.84
$16.38 ¥110
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.75 ¥4.98
$0.43 ¥2.88
$1.15 ¥7.67
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.60 ¥10.67
$0.89 ¥5.94
$3.02 ¥20.19
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.21 ¥1.40
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$19.93 ¥133
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.90 ¥12.68
$1.60 ¥10.72
$2.63 ¥17.59
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.43 ¥2.87
$0.38 ¥2.55
$0.71 ¥4.78
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.87 ¥59.3
$7.39 ¥49.41
$11.82 ¥79.0
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.35 ¥9.01
$1.15 ¥7.70
$1.53 ¥10.24
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$19.5K ¥130.1K
$15.0K ¥100.2K
$22.5K ¥150.3K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$18.9K ¥126.3K
$15.2K ¥101.9K
$30.5K ¥203.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$46.75 ¥313
$29.68 ¥198
$94.6 ¥633
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$7.90 ¥52.8
$4.42 ¥29.58
$14.75 ¥98.6
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.08 ¥60.7
$4.53 ¥30.32
$22.68 ¥152
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$15.75 ¥105
-
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$6.91 ¥46.21
$6.39 ¥42.76
$7.43 ¥49.67
Cinema Ticket
$6.87 ¥45.92
$6.11 ¥40.86
$15.27 ¥102
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$834 ¥5,574
$441 ¥2,951
$2,452 ¥16.4K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.8K ¥165.6K
$14.9K ¥99.4K
$44.6K ¥298.2K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$39.20 ¥262
$29.31 ¥196
$117 ¥783
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$30.88 ¥206
$14.70 ¥98.3
$58.8 ¥393
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$76.5 ¥511
$48.37 ¥323
$106 ¥707
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$108 ¥721
$45.64 ¥305
$274 ¥1,831
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$428 ¥2,861
$221 ¥1,480
$635 ¥4,243
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$226 ¥1,512
$151 ¥1,008
$301 ¥2,015
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$609 ¥4,069
$609 ¥4,069
$609 ¥4,069
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$456 ¥3,047
$380 ¥2,539
$532 ¥3,555
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$6,275 ¥42.0K
$2,642 ¥17.7K
$13.2K ¥88.3K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,564 ¥23.8K
$1,782 ¥11.9K
$6,830 ¥45.7K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$898 ¥6,005
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.36
2
5

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

Last update: October 13, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Shaoxing $750
Accommodation & Living
$226
Groceries & Markets
$202
Clothing & Footwear
$114
Eating Out
$90
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$64
Sport & Entertainment
$29
Getting Around
$25

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $428 for a central one-bedroom, or $226 outside the center. At 48% of the average salary ($898), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $898, while typical expenses reach $750. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,125.

Expect to spend about $202 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $23.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $19.93 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

White bread is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:07 8:07 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
4,912,239
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to CNY – Chinese Yuan Converter

Chinese Yuan exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 6.69 CNY (1 CNY = 0.15 USD). 1 EUR = 7.52 CNY (1 CNY = 0.133 EUR).

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Shaoxing Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Shaoxing - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Shaoxing compare in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Shaoxing offers a favorable blend of value and lifestyle. You will find affordable local meals, practical housing options, and reliable public transport that keeps daily costs predictable without the stress of big cities. Cost of Living in Shaoxing, China is generally friendlier for your wallet than in many large metropolises, while still delivering modern conveniences, cultural depth, and a developing coworking scene for remote work. Neighborhoods near the historic waterways tend to be quiet and budget-friendly, whereas newer districts provide clean, comfortable options with easier access to services. Seasonal crowds can affect short-term prices, but longer stays stay discount-friendly when you plan ahead. Tip: Start with a month-long stay in a walkable neighborhood to test value and vibe.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Shaoxing?
Daily life in Shaoxing blends traditional charm with practical modernities. Housing ranges from compact flats in walkable neighborhoods to quiet compounds in newer districts, with rental terms that suit short or longer stays. Food options span quick local bites, fresh markets, and cafe culture; you can eat well on a modest budget by embracing street foods and home-style meals. Transport relies on buses, taxis, and bikes, with walking as a pleasure in the historic areas. Errands - groceries, banks, and services - are generally convenient, though some foreigners notice language gaps at small shops. Shaoxing, China living cost remains approachable for everyday needs. Tip: Shop at morning markets and map a reliable transit route to save time.
What budgeting framework and neighborhood fit would you recommend to maximize quality of life in Shaoxing, considering seasonality and social life?
To balance the life you want, use a simple monthly framework that prioritizes housing, food, transport, and occasional experiences. In Shaoxing, you can lean into seasonality by enjoying canal walks in cooler months, while indoors options stay affordable during hot summers. Choose neighborhoods by vibe: historic Old Town for walkability and culture, newer residential compounds for steady routines, or quiet suburban lanes for evenings and family life. Save by cooking at home, negotiating longer leases when possible, and leaning on public transport or bicycles instead of rideshare. Tip: Reserve weekends for free or low-cost city events to stretch your budget.
Is Shaoxing one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Shaoxing 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 Shaoxing a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Shaoxing 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 Shaoxing compare to the cost of living?
At $898 take-home, most residents in Shaoxing 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 Shaoxing per month?
Where you live in Shaoxing makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $428; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $226. Overall, the market runs from $226 to $428 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Shaoxing?
A monthly transit pass in Shaoxing runs about $19.93, 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 Shaoxing?
Groceries in Shaoxing cost around $202 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 Shaoxing?
$1,200 stretches far in Shaoxing – 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 Shaoxing?
Shaoxing 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 Shaoxing?
Monthly expenses in Shaoxing 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.

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