Cost of Living in Shaoxing - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $685 monthly including rent, or $399 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,098 with rent, or $759 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,512 including rent, or $1,119 for daily expenses alone.

Shaoxing sits 46–49% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (34% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.77 ¥18.76
$2.08 ¥14.06
$4.15 ¥28.11
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$20.61 ¥140
$13.74 ¥93.1
$27.47 ¥186
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.14 ¥28.01
$4.14 ¥28.01
$6.20 ¥42.01
Cappuccino
$2.74 ¥18.54
$1.36 ¥9.24
$4.78 ¥32.37
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.45 ¥3.06
$0.37 ¥2.49
$0.59 ¥3.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.26 ¥1.78
$0.15 ¥1.00
$0.29 ¥1.99
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.67 ¥4.53
$0.67 ¥4.53
$2.67 ¥18.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.71 ¥11.55
$1.42 ¥9.61
$4.27 ¥28.91
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.22 ¥15.05
$1.35 ¥9.18
$4.07 ¥27.59
White Bread (500g)
$2.05 ¥13.91
$0.97 ¥6.59
$3.56 ¥24.08
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.77 ¥5.24
$0.44 ¥2.97
$2.62 ¥17.76
Eggs
$1.54 ¥10.41
$1.02 ¥6.89
$2.55 ¥17.30
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.72 ¥52.3
$5.61 ¥38.03
$18.25 ¥124
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.83 ¥19.14
$1.70 ¥11.50
$4.25 ¥28.79
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$9.13 ¥61.9
$6.66 ¥45.11
$12.74 ¥86.3
Apples (1kg)
$1.92 ¥13.04
$1.14 ¥7.74
$2.87 ¥19.45
Banana (1kg)
$1.42 ¥9.59
$0.98 ¥6.65
$2.82 ¥19.11
Oranges (1kg)
$1.65 ¥11.14
$0.85 ¥5.78
$2.64 ¥17.88
Tomato (1kg)
$1.21 ¥8.17
$0.72 ¥4.84
$1.42 ¥9.62
Potato (1kg)
$0.87 ¥5.89
$0.54 ¥3.66
$1.34 ¥9.09
Onion (1kg)
$0.95 ¥6.45
$0.57 ¥3.85
$1.41 ¥9.55
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.81 ¥5.50
$0.43 ¥2.92
$1.43 ¥9.68
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.61 ¥4.10
$0.29 ¥1.95
$0.86 ¥5.84
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.44 ¥23.32
$3.44 ¥23.32
$4.14 ¥28.01
Wine (Bottle)
$10.19 ¥69.0
$7.28 ¥49.29
$18.92 ¥128
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.79 ¥5.37
$0.58 ¥3.95
$1.09 ¥7.42
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.55 ¥10.53
$1.13 ¥7.64
$2.12 ¥14.38
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.29 ¥1.97
$0.29 ¥1.97
$0.44 ¥2.96
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$16.85 ¥114
$8.43 ¥57.1
$16.85 ¥114
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.56 ¥10.58
$1.42 ¥9.61
$1.71 ¥11.55
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.39 ¥2.62
$0.34 ¥2.33
$0.43 ¥2.90
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.50 ¥57.6
$7.08 ¥47.93
$11.33 ¥76.7
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14 ¥7.70
$1.03 ¥6.96
$1.19 ¥8.03
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$17.3K ¥117.5K
$17.0K ¥115.1K
$19.1K ¥129.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$14.7K ¥99.3K
$14.1K ¥95.4K
$16.9K ¥114.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$42.83 ¥290
$28.03 ¥190
$70.1 ¥475
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$11.08 ¥75.1
$5.22 ¥35.33
$18.05 ¥122
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$10.99 ¥74.4
$6.87 ¥46.50
$26.10 ¥177
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.87 ¥284
$15.35 ¥104
$69.8 ¥473
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$13.96 ¥94.6
$4.19 ¥28.38
$13.96 ¥94.6
Cinema Ticket
$5.46 ¥36.98
$5.46 ¥36.98
$8.20 ¥55.5
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$408 ¥2,765
$183 ¥1,239
$845 ¥5,721
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$18.4K ¥124.7K
$11.1K ¥75.3K
$27.8K ¥188.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$42.01 ¥285
$27.32 ¥185
$68.3 ¥463
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.12 ¥211
$16.97 ¥115
$49.51 ¥335
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$67.7 ¥458
$41.44 ¥281
$96.5 ¥654
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$66.7 ¥452
$51.7 ¥350
$140 ¥951
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$280 ¥1,897
$210 ¥1,423
$301 ¥2,039
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$189 ¥1,280
$140 ¥950
$253 ¥1,711
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$597 ¥4,045
$492 ¥3,331
$738 ¥4,997
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$355 ¥2,404
$274 ¥1,858
$411 ¥2,787
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,194 ¥21.6K
$2,369 ¥16.0K
$4,442 ¥30.1K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,804 ¥12.2K
$1,496 ¥10.1K
$2,283 ¥15.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$891 ¥6,034
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.87
3.4
5

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

Last update: June 2, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $280 for a central one-bedroom, or $189 outside the center. At 31% of the average salary ($891), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $891, while typical expenses reach $685. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,027.

Expect to spend about $190 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $21.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Public transport is priced at around $16.85 per month – among the cheapest in Asia (average $31.00).

Cost Highlights

Local beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Milk is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia

White bread is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia

Shaoxing Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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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 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 $685 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 $685 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 $891 take-home, most residents in Shaoxing can cover the $685 monthly cost of living. Those earning $1,027 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 $280; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $189. Overall, the market runs from $189 to $280 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Shaoxing?
A monthly transit pass in Shaoxing runs about $16.85, 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 $190 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 $685. 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 $685 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 $685, so putting money aside takes more than $1,027 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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