The cost of living in China remains affordable despite an increase in recent years. The cities of Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing and Macau are the most expensive. However, you can still organize a stay there on a reasonable budget.
The cost of food in China
Food remains inexpensive in most Chinese regions. Some 40 yuan, or 5 euros, per day is already enough to cover basic needs. A hearty meal in a decent restaurant costs around 40 to 80 yuan per person on average. The more chic restaurants, for their part, offer gourmet dishes starting at 80 euros. In big cities like Shanghai, university restaurants also offer dishes for less than 10 yuan per person. Fast foods are available for between 30 and 50 yuan, while a typical Western meal for 2 people costs around 20 to 40 euros in specialized restaurants.
Transport prices in China
Travel is easy and affordable. A metro ticket only costs 5 yuan, or 60 euro cents, while waits are never long. The bus also remains very practical for traveling in China, with only 2 yuan, or 30 euro cents, to pay per trip. The bus is also very interesting for longer journeys, requiring no more than 15 euros for a 4-hour journey. A little more expensive, the taxi is also practical in China. Fares depend on the distance traveled, but in general, 30 yuan is enough for a 20-minute journey.
Housing prices in China
In China, the cost of accommodation essentially depends on the comfort offered. A double room in hotels in large cities is available for around 160 yuan, or around 15 euros. And starting at 240 yuan, you can afford more comfort. Luxury hotels charge higher amounts, up to 300 euros per night. For limited budgets, China offers cheap dormitories: a bed and shared bathrooms for only 7 euros. On the rent side, costs depend on the region and neighborhood in question. In Shanghai, you can afford accommodation in the center from around 2,000 yuan per month.
China offers different possibilities and remains accessible to all budgets, even rather limited ones.
