Cost of Living in China for Indian Students in 2026: Complete Financial Guide

What if you reached China and realised your monthly expenses were almost 40% higher than planned? This happens when students overlook the cost differences between city tiers, where living expenses in Beijing and Shanghai can be 30 to 45% higher than in second-tier cities.

For many of the 10,000+ Indian students currently studying in China, this gap becomes a source of financial pressure in the first semester.

A city-wise breakdown using updated 2025–26 living cost data helps you set accurate monthly expectations and avoid unnecessary stress during your transition.

Yes. The cost of living in China is higher than in India for most students, especially in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. China’s urban areas have higher housing demand, and imported goods are costly, which increases monthly spending for international students.

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• Overall Cost Comparison: The average cost of living in China is approximately 78% more expensive than in India.
• Rent/Housing: Rent is the largest financial factor. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside a city centre in China (approx. ¥2,439.70 (INR 30,642)) is roughly three times higher than the equivalent cost in India.
• Groceries and Dining: The general Groceries Index is 96% more expensive in China than in India.

Note: The significantly higher cost of living in China is an investment that reflects the country’s advanced urban infrastructure and potential for higher earning power after graduation.

A single national average for the cost of living in China is misleading. The actual expenses vary drastically based on the city tier, which reflects its economic importance and cost structure. This is the most important factor in determining your cost of living in China.

Conversion Rate Note: All Indian Rupee (INR) conversions are based on the rate of 1 Chinese Yuan (CNY) = 12.56 Indian Rupee (INR), effective November 2025.

For maximum savings potential, focus on Tier 2 cities like Wuhan (Rent Index 16.74) and Chengdu (Rent Index 18.71). These cities offer a high quality of life and opportunities, but with significantly lower housing costs compared to Tier 1 giants like Shanghai (Rent Index 41.38) and Beijing (Rent Index 45.42).

Housing is the largest part of a student’s monthly budget, and the gap between cities is significant. A one-bedroom apartment in Shanghai can cost two to three times more than a similar unit in Chengdu, and on-campus housing remains the most affordable option across all universities. 

For private rentals, be prepared for a substantial initial outlay. Leases typically demand a deposit plus quarterly or semi-annual rent payments upfront, which requires significant initial capital investment.

Controlling daily and discretionary spending is key to managing the overall cost of living in China. These expenses shift depending on how often you eat out, the type of groceries you buy, and the city you live in. For most students, food choices become the most immediate area where monthly budgets rise or stay stable.

The affordability of food provides the clearest path to budgetary control.

• Local Food: Eating locally is remarkably cheap. A decent meal from a local restaurant or university dining hall (e.g., Fudan University) typically costs between ¥8 and ¥14 (INR 100 - 176).
• Groceries: Local groceries are cheap, but Western staples (imported cheeses, specific alcohol, etc.) are significantly more expensive and will quickly increase your Cost of living in China.
• Mid-Range Dining: A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages around ¥200 (INR 2,512).

China’s public transport infrastructure is high-quality and extremely low-cost, offering a major advantage.

• Public Transit: Metro systems are convenient and affordable. A one-way local transport ticket is around ¥3 (INR 38). A regular monthly pass is around ¥200 (INR 2,512).
• Ride-Hailing: Services like Didi are affordable. A 20 to 25-minute trip might cost around ¥30 (INR 377).
• Essential App: Google Maps is restricted in China. You must download and learn to use Baidu Maps for navigation.

Note: The expense of a high-quality Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is a fixed, non-negotiable part of your monthly cost of living in China for accessing international platforms like Google and social media.

Here is a list of top universities in China with their latest rankings and estimated tuition fee ranges. This helps students compare academic reputation and expected annual costs before choosing a program.

Source: QS World University Rankings 2026

Note: Conversions are based on the rate 1 Chinese Yuan (CNY) = 12.56 Indian Rupee (INR).

The rising cost of living in China is mainly driven by rapid urbanisation and high housing costs. However, when compared to the UK or the USA, the cost advantage remains significant. For instance, the general cost of living in China (excluding rent) is over 51% lower than in the United Kingdom. This means your investment in tuition still delivers massive cost savings on daily life and housing compared to other top study destinations.

Scholarships and smart spending are the best ways to reduce your overall cost of living in China.

Here are the scholarships for Indian students studying in China

Managing expenses effectively can reduce the overall cost of living in China for international students. Here are the most practical ways to save money during your studies.

• Part-time work is allowed only after completing one year of studies.
• Formal approval from the university and a residence permit endorsement are required.

Hours permitted:
• Term time: 8 hours per week (max 40 hours per month)
• Vacation: 16 hours per week (max 80 hours per month)

Monthly earning potential:
• Around ¥1,113 (₹13,978) per month, which helps reduce monthly expenses.

• Buy essentials from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao to reduce costs.
• Prefer local products over imported goods to avoid higher prices.
• Use public transport and student dining halls for daily savings.

Living costs vary widely between major Asian study destinations. If you are considering alternatives, Comparing the Cost of Living in Hong Kong will help you understand how rental and daily expenses differ. 

To align your budget with the right academic options, also refer to Study in China blog for tuition and funding details. Reviewing both guides together makes it easier to choose the most affordable and practical study pathway.

Studying in China can be a cost-effective option for students looking for a globally recognised education. Choosing cities wisely makes a major difference. Tier 2 cities like Wuhan and Chengdu generally offer lower rent and good living standards compared to Tier 1 cities. Planning a budget that includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and a VPN is important. Scholarships and part-time work options can also help reduce the overall cost of living in China.

Ready to start your journey? Connect with LeapScholar’s experts today to get personalised support for university selection, scholarship applications, and budgeting for your China study plans.