Q. What is the cost of living in Beijing for students?

A. The living cost for students in Beijing typically ranges between INR 29K and INR 34K (RMB 2,500 and RMB 3,000) per month. If you opt for a personal apartment of 1 bedroom, the rent typically averages around INR 80K (RMB 7,000). Overall, self-financed international students should adequately prepare financially before arriving in Beijing to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Q. What is the cost of living in Shanghai compared to the US?

A. The cost of living in Shanghai is significantly lower compared to the US. Shanghai is actually 60% cheaper than New York City, United States. Generally, expenses such as rent, groceries, dining out, and transportation are more affordable in Shanghai than in major US cities like New York City.

Q. Is it expensive to live in China?

A. Living expenses in China can vary widely depending on the city and lifestyle. For instance, the cost of living in Beijing for students is INR 51K (RMB 4,453) without rent. However, in Wuhan, it is just INR 45K (RMB 3,920). However, compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in China is considered to be lower.

Q. Is China more costly than India?

A. The cost of living in China is 50.4% higher than in India (excluding rent). Despite this higher cost, studying in China offers abundant opportunities that make it worthwhile for Indian students. Universities in China are increasingly recognised globally for their quality education across various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, and humanities.

Q. How much is a 3-bedroom apartment in China?

A. The cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in China can vary significantly depending on the city. For instance, in major cities like Shanghai, the price can be around INR 2 lakh (RMB 20,000) per month in the city centre. However, in a city like Chengdu, the cost may be as low as INR 50,000 (RMB 4,300) per month.

Q. What can 10 Yuan buy in China?

A. 10 yuan can buy you a lot of things in China, such as: Domestic Beer A Bottle of Water (1.5L) 1 kg tomato 1 kg onion 1 kg rice Coke (0.33L)

Q. How much is rent in China?

A. The cost of renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre in China is approximately INR 42.5K (RMB 3,700), while outside the city centre, it's about INR 23K (RMB 2,000). For a larger 3-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around INR 93K (RMB 8,100) in the city centre and INR 47K (RMB 4,100) outside the centre.

Q. Is China cheap to visit?

A. China can be relatively affordable to visit compared to many Western countries, depending on various factors such as travel style and accommodation choices. Local transportation options like subway systems and buses in major cities are also affordable. Dining Out caters to different budgets, offering options from affordable street food to upscale dining experiences.

Q. What is the cost of living for a family of 4 in China?

A. The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four living in China are approximately INR 1.6L (RMB 14,000) without rent. This includes essential living costs such as groceries, transportation, utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water), internet, and other miscellaneous expenses like clothing, entertainment, and healthcare.

Q. Which city is expensive to live in China?

A. Urban centres in China, such as Shanghai and Beijing, generally have higher living costs than rural areas. For instance, the cost of living in Shanghai for a single person is INR 53K (RMB 4,600). This variation influences expenses related to housing, food, transportation, and other essentials, making it important for individuals to budget accordingly based on their location within China.

Q. Is dining out affordable in China?

A. Yes, dining out in China is generally affordable, especially when compared to many Western countries. You can find a wide range of dining options, from inexpensive street food and local eateries to mid-range restaurants. Street food and local eateries offer budget-friendly meals, often costing less than INR 230 to INR 345 (RMB 20 to RMB 30) per dish.

Q. Does China allow students to work part-time while studying?

A. Yes, China allows international students to work part-time while studying. Students who have been enrolled in their institution for more than one year are typically permitted to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays or vacation periods.

Cost of Living in China for Students: Living Cost in Shanghai & Beijing

Last Updated OnNovember 18, 2024
Published InGeneral

17 min read

Did you know that China has emerged as a top choice among Indian students seeking higher education, particularly for M.B.B.S. programs, in recent years?

Table of Content

One significant factor contributing to this trend is the China Scholarship Council (CSC), a non-profit organisation under the Chinese Ministry of Education that offers a wide range of scholarships.

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This attracts many Indian students to pursue studies in China. Apart from medicine, Indian students often choose to enrol in fields such as arts, engineering, computer science, business, and sciences.

According to the Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 10,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in China. With all this exciting data, China emerges as a top choice for many Indian students looking to study abroad.

If you are also thinking of taking a leap, one essential thing you must understand is the cost of living in China for Indian students.

Read this comprehensive guide to learn all about the cost of living in China. It covers everything from accommodation, food, and transportation expenses to tips and tricks on reducing your cost of living in China per month in 2024.

Key Highlights

Here is a snapshot of everything you can expect to read in this comprehensive guide on the cost of living in China.

Particulars	Details
Number of Indian Students Studying in China	10,000
Cost of Living in China	INR 46,000 (RMB 4,000) per month
Average Rent in the City Centre	INR 43K (RMB 3,700) per month for 1 bedroom
Top Universities in China	Peking University Tsinghua University Fudan University
Average Tuition Fees in China	INR 2.75L to INR 8L (RMB 20,000 to RMB 60,000) per year
Average Salary	INR 3L (RMB 29,000) per month
Top Scholarships that Reduce the Cost of Living in China for Indian Students	CSC Scholarship Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship Zhengzhou University President Scholarships

Why Choose China?

According to the Ministry of Education, China’s gross enrollment ratio in higher education reached 60.2 per cent in 2023, a 0.6 percentage point increase from 2022. Apart from academic excellence, international students are drawn to China owing to its unique Chinese language, calligraphy, and martial arts.

Read on to learn why China is an excellent choice for international studies.

Cost of Living in China for Students: Living Cost in Shanghai & Beijing

Academic Excellence: Many Chinese universities have seen a significant improvement in their rankings in the latest 2025 QS World University Rankings. 5 mainland Chinese universities are ranked in the top 50 globally: Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Zhejiang University.

Out of the 71 universities from mainland China included in the rankings, more than two-thirds (which is around 68%), have seen an improvement in their positions compared to last year.

Exciting Job Prospects: The Chinese job market is now valuing international students more, offering many top positions to attract diverse talent. For instance, from 2018 to 2023, job listings labelled “Priority for International Students” on mShare’s recruitment product InternShare surged by over 280%.

Low Cost of Living in China: Compared to other popular study destinations like the US, the average cost of living in China is relatively affordable. For instance, on average, the cost of living in the US is 121.6% higher than in China (without rent).

Affordable Tuition Fees: Education in China is relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. The average tuition cost varies from INR 2.75L to INR 8L (RMB 20,000 to RMB 60,000) per year in China, while in the United States, it typically ranges between INR 4L to INR 40L ($5,000 to $50,000).

Scholarship Opportunities: There are endless scholarship opportunities, both from universities and government organisations. These scholarships help further reduce the average cost of living in China for Indian students. Some of the renowned ones are the China Scholarship Council Scholarship, the Beijing Government Scholarship, and the Zhengzhou University President Scholarship.

Cost of Living in China for Indian Students

The cost of living comparisons are useful if you are looking to explore higher study opportunities in China. An estimate of the cost of living in China per month is INR 46,000 (RMB 4,000) without rent. However, please note that the average cost of living in China can vary significantly depending on your choice of location, lifestyle choices, and spending habits. Further, the overall cost of living in China for Indian students differs from one city to another.

Here are the details regarding the cost of living in China, which varies from city to city.

City	Cost of Living Per Month
Beijing or Shanghai	INR 51K to INR 57K (RMB 4,500 to RMB 5,000)
Wuhan	INR 17K and INR 40K (RMB 1,500 and RMB 3,500)

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Cost of Accommodation in China

When considering moving to China for higher studies, it’s essential to consider your accommodation budget. Rental housing prices totally depend on the location and type of house you opt for. For instance, students living in Beijing or Shanghai would pay higher rent compared to other smaller cities like Chengdu or Wuhan.

Moreover, opting for flats/ apartments would cost more than choosing on-campus accommodation.

Here is an example to illustrate the point.

University	Accommodation Cost Per Day
Beijing Language and Culture University	INR 900 to INR 1,700 (RMB 80 to RMB 150)

Rent Comparison: Shanghai Vs Chengdu

Did you know that the cost of living in Shanghai is 23.7% higher than in Chengdu (without rent)? Hence, Indian students planning to study in China, particularly in Shanghai, should consider this when planning their overall cost of living in China per month.

Here’s a table that enlists the monthly cost of living in different cities for Indian Students.

Apartment Location	Estimated Cost of Living in Shanghai for Indian Students	Estimated Cost of Living in Chengdu for Indian Students
1 bedroom apartment in the city centre	INR 81K (RMB 7,000)	INR 26K (RMB 2,300)
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre	INR 40K (RMB 3,700)	INR 15K (RMB 1,300)
3 bedroom apartment in city centre	INR 2L (RMB 20,000)	INR 50K (RMB 4,300)
3 bedroom apartment outside of centre	INR 1L RMB (9,300)	INR 27K (RMB 2,300)

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Cost of Food in China

Food in China caters to a diverse range of tastes and budgets. A typical meal at a budget-friendly restaurant such as Grandma’s Home or Miyabi would cost you around INR 290 (RMB 25) per person. However, the cost of a 3-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant such as Cafe Cha or Wan Li is around INR 2,300 (RMB 200).

The cost would vary greatly depending on whether you shop at supermarkets or choose to dine out. Supermarket prices are generally lower and are influenced by local production. Dining out, on the other hand, can range from affordable street food to higher-priced meals at mid-range restaurants, as stated above.

Here is an overview of the food cost, including groceries, to help you effectively plan your budget.

Particulars	Estimated Cost
McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	INR 420 (RMB 36)
Cappuccino (regular)	INR 270 (RMB 23)
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)	INR 38 (RMB 3)
Water (0.33 litre bottle)	INR 24 (RMB 2)
1 Litre Milk	INR 160 (RMB 14)
500g Loaf of Fresh White Bread	INR 138 (RMB 11)
12 Eggs (regular)	INR 140 (RMB 12)
1kg Apples	INR 150 (RMB 13)
1kg Banana	INR 110 (RMB 9)
1kg Tomato	INR 100 (RMB 8)
1kg Onion	INR 78 (RMB 6)

Transportation Cost in China

Navigating China’s public transportation system is essential for international students living and studying here. Public transport, including buses, taxis, and subway systems, offers budget-friendly travel options and convenience for students.

However, before proceeding further, one of the essential things you must know is that Google Maps is not available in China. You must download and learn to use Baidu Maps. It is the country’s predominant navigation app, providing public transport directions, real-time traffic updates, and street-level views.

Furthermore, each city in China offers its city-specific transit app, often accessible as mini-programs within the popular messaging app WeChat. This app enables users to pay for the metro or bus systems specific to that city and provides essential information such as routes, schedules, and ticket prices.

Here is an estimated cost of public transportation in China.

Particulars	Estimated Cost
Monthly Pass – Regular Price	INR 2,300 (RMB 200)
One-way Ticket – Local Transport	INR 35 (RMB 3)
Subway (Cross-city Trip)	INR 115 (RMB 10)
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	INR 115 (RMB 10)
Didi (Similar to Uber) (Starting Price for Under 3 km)	INR 138 (RMB 12)

Please note: The cost of public transportation varies by city, but overall, it is quite affordable.

Cost of Utilities in China

The basic utility cost in China includes essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. These costs are 20% lower in Chengdu compared to Shanghai. When considering the cost of living in China, international students should research and plan accordingly to manage expenses effectively.

Here is an estimated cost of living in China, focusing on utility costs.

Particulars	Estimated Cost Per Month
Internet – 60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable	INR 1,015 (RMB 88)
Basic – Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, and more	INR 4,300 (RMB 379)
Mobile Phone – Calls and 10GB+ Data	INR 1,000 (RMB 87)

Now that you have a clear understanding of the average cost of living in China as an Indian student, let’s explore the top universities in the country and see how much they charge for tuition fees annually. This will help you estimate your total expenses in China, including tuition fees.

Cost of Living Comparison: China vs USA, UK, Australia and Canada

Are you curious about the cost of living in Shanghai compared to the US? Well, here’s a fun fact for you: The cost of living in Shanghai, China, is 60% cheaper than in New York City, United States.

Comparing the monthly cost of living can provide valuable insights into the affordability of studying or living in different countries.

Here is a comparison of the cost of living between China and the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Country	Monthly Cost of Living (Excluding Rent)
China	INR 46K (RMB 4,000)
USA	INR 97K ($1,165)
UK	INR 86K (£811.5)
Australia	INR 92K ($1,660)
Canada	INR 88K ($1,445)

Top 5 Universities in China

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Peking University in China holds the 14th position globally.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, along with short-term courses in Chinese studies. It consists of 6 faculties: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Health Science Center, Economics and Management, and Information and Engineering.

What’s more? Internationalisation is a fundamental aspect of China’s higher education institutions. To achieve this objective, the majority of Chinese universities offer English-taught bachelor’s programs.

Here’s a list of the top 5 universities in China for international students and their respective rankings per the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Universities in China	QS World University Rankings 2025
Peking University	14
Tsinghua University	20
Fudan University	39
Shanghai Jiao Tong University	45
Zhejiang University	47

Curious to know about the tuition fees you will be paying at these universities in China? Read on!

Please note: The annual tuition fee can significantly vary based on the college you choose and the course you pick. These numbers are only indicative.

Peking University

Looking to study at the top University in China? Well, Peking University should be your pick. The university has 55 schools and departments, 60 research entities, and 10 affiliated hospitals. It accommodates more than 48,600 students, including nearly 2,500 international students.

What’s more? Peking University currently offers 12 master’s programs that are fully conducted in English. These programs cover diverse fields such as international relations, Chinese law, public policy, and business administration.