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East Asia75% Lower than the US

Shanghai, China

Estimated monthly cost

$1,050

Average net salary

$1,668

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$944
1-bed apartment (outside center)$578
Utilities (monthly)$58
Internet$12
Mobile plan$9
Monthly transit pass$30
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$4
Meal for two, mid-range$30
Cappuccino$3
Domestic beer (0.5L)$1

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

Shanghai vs. the average US city

Shanghai$1,050
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $3,150/month in your pocket — roughly 75% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $1,050/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$944
1-bed, outside centre$578
Rent used (average of the two)$761

Living costs

Utilities$58
Internet$12
Mobile plan$9
Public transit pass$30
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$100
Eating out(~12 meals @ $4)$53
Subtotal$262
+10% misc / entertainment$26
Estimated total$1,050/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

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