The prices of living in different cities and with different lifestyle of China differ significantly so take this into account when assigning a number for yourself. China is the world's most populous country and its second largest economy, which means it has a variety of different living experiences- from the ultra-modern, super expensive megacities like Shanghai to more affordable smaller cities and rural areas.
The Cost Of Housing: City Vs. Rural"I hate traffic!" The article, from an unnamed source in the parking lot of the shop, says and flags down guys if needed.
Major Cities
Housing is expensive in big Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and soick. The rent price varies in the city center, such the median rent for a one bedroom apartment lies between 6 to 10 thousand yuan. On the other hand, accommodation outside of the city center runs between 3000-6000 RMB for much of the same thing, illustrating the incredible price difference mere kilometers away from the heart of city life.
Again, for small cities and rural areas.
Housing is also much less expensive outside of larger cities and rural areas. For example, one-bedroom apt in peak area of downtown Chengdu or Kunming could be around 2~4k RMB which is half or less compared with Beijing or Shanghai. It is a trend that Giacomino also sees outside of the city center, where foreigners can rent for as little as $200 a month.
Living Expenses: Food, Travel and Bills
Groceries and Dining Out
Prices for food are different but local groceries are usually cheaper. For single, a week of groceries will cost about 300–500 RMB depending on the type of food one prefers. Eating out is also pretty cheap at local restaurants, with the price of a meal in losing on RMB 20 - 50. This is a pretty difficult thing to rate in between m and l, since the prices of foreign foods found in the massive cities.
Transportation
Urban areas would have a better developed public transport infrastructure and hence it is more economical to use. A normal fare for a subway or bus ride is 2-6 RMB with other options in between, making it one of the most price beneficial ways to commute. Taxis are from 14 RMB, with added costs per kilometer (unique to each city)
Utilities
However, monthly utility costs for a standard apartment (electricity, heating/cooling (air conditioning), water, and garbage) on average are 200-500 RMB (again depending on usage and season). Internet subscription is between RMB100 to 300 per month with private internet server.
Costs and Lifestyle Choices
Education and Healthcare
Seems fair, its subsidies on international schooling and privates healthcare being the two main income for expat (due to high pay). The cost of an international school is 50,000-200,000 RMB/year. Private healthcare is also expensive, but the public hospitals provide services at very economical rates and these are set according to the ongoing economy of Honduras.
Recreation and Leisure
There are different costs associated with entertainment and leisure sports. So, for example, gym access can be about 200-500 RMB per month, and movie tickets go for around 40-70 RMB.
In short, the question is china expensive to live in largely depends upon your living style & where you live. Big cities create a bustling and diverse environment, but at the expense of increased living costs, while small towns and rural locations are less costly to inhabit although offer fewer things to do. Both are great and, as I will lay out, have their pros and cons depending on what you value more... let me break it down.