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

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?

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. 

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.

1. 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.

2. 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%. 

3. 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). 

4. 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). 

5. 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)

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)

Read more: Comparing the Cost of Living in Hong Kong 

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.  

1. 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.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Material Science and Engineering Law Finance Art Theory
Average Tuition Fees	INR 11L to INR 83L (RMB 99,000 to RMB 7,28,000): total program costs

2. Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University has partnerships with over 290 universities and institutes worldwide. It offers more than 100 exchange programs and 50 dual and double degree programs with renowned institutions globally. 

The university offers more than 500 courses in English across various disciplines. For international students, there are over 60 undergraduate programs, 100 master’s programs, and 90 doctoral programs available. Among these, 22 master’s programs and 8 doctoral programs are delivered entirely in English.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Architecture Engineering Law Social Sciences
Average Tuition Fees	INR 3L to INR 8L (RMB 26,000 to RMB 70,000) per year

3. Fudan University

Next on the list of top universities in China is Fudan University. The university offers a wide range of programs to students worldwide, including 70 bachelor’s degree programs, 154 doctoral degree programs, and 224 master’s degree programs. 

What’s more? There are more than 50 English-instructed programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	MBBS International Finance History and Culture Law
Average Tuition Fees	INR 7L to INR 9L (RMB 60,000 to RMB 80,000) per year

4. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)

Established in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is one of China’s globally renowned universities. Each year, SJTU welcomes students from nearly 100 countries and currently hosts over 7,000 international students. 

What’s more? Its 33 colleges and schools offer a diverse selection of more than 60 undergraduate programs specially designed for international students across 9 disciplines: Economics, Management, Law, Literature, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, and Arts.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Materials Science and Engineering Computer Science and Technology Maths and Science Automation
Average Tuition Fees	INR 2.8L to INR 5.75  (RMB 24,800 to RMB 50,000) per year

5. Zhejiang University (ZJU)

Founded in 1997, the International College of Zhejiang University serves as the central hub for coordinating international student affairs. 

In 2023, ZJU hosted over 4,700 international students from 155 countries pursuing degrees, comprising approximately 1,800 postgraduates and 2,800 undergraduates. To date, nearly 30,000 international students have studied at Zhejiang University.

Here are the details of the popular courses offered and how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Particulars	Details
Courses Offered	Clinical Medicine Literature Philosophy Law
Average Tuition Fees	INR 2L to INR 4.6L (RMB 18,000 to EMB 40,000) per year

Top 3 Affordable Universities in China

China has emerged as a global study destination for international students, attracting learners from diverse countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. The country is renowned for providing excellent education at more affordable costs compared to popular Western countries. 

You can study for as low as INR 1.6L (RMB 14,500) per academic year and earn a degree from a globally recognised Chinese institution.

Here is a list of the top universities in China that offer high-quality education without breaking the bank. 

Universities	Annual Tuition Fees
Wuhan University	Starts from INR 1.9L (RMB 17,000)
Chengdu University	Starts from INR 1.6L (RMB 14,000)
Bohai University	Starts from INR 1.5L (RMB 13,000)

Scholarships to Reduce Cost of Living in China

Are you interested in studying in China and looking for ways to further lower the cost of living? You are in luck! You’d be glad to know that China offers a wide range of scholarships at university and government levels. 

Here are some of the most popular and prestigious scholarships available to Indian students seeking financial support.

Scholarship Programme	Offered By	Benefit
CSC Scholarship	Chinese Scholarship Council	RMB 2,500 (INR 29K) monthly for Undergrad RMB 3,000 (INR 34K) monthly for Graduate RMB 3,500 (INR 40K) monthly for Doctoral
Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship	Jiangsu Provincial Government in China	Tuition Fee: RMB 30,000 (INR 3.5L) per academic year for 1 year Accommodation allowance: RMB 10,000 (INR 1.1L) per year
Zhengzhou University President Scholarships	Zhengzhou University	Full tuition fees for the Doctor programme for 4 years  Accommodation: RMB 1,000 (INR 11K) per month

For Indian students aiming to secure scholarships in China, the key is to keep an eye on the newly announced scholarship opportunities and maintain strong academic performance to demonstrate achievements.

How to Reduce the Cost of Living in China for Indian Students?

Living in China offers a significant advantage with its low cost of living compared to many Western countries. For instance, restaurant prices in the United States are 226.9% higher than in China. However, what might seem like spending a little here and there can add up really quickly. 

While living and studying in China can offer fantastic opportunities for Indian students, here are a few tips and tricks to help you reduce your cost of living in China. 

1. Part Time Work

While studying in China, you often work part-time jobs to support yourself financially. This allows you to cover education and living expenses while gaining valuable experience in China’s labour market.

Students enrolled in degree-granting higher education institutions for more than 1 year are allowed to work on or off campus for a maximum of 8 hours per week, totalling no more than 40 hours each month. 

Here is the expected earnings for working a maximum of 40 hours. 

Particulars	Details
Weekly Work Allowance	INR 2,600 (RMB 226)
Monthly Work Allowance	INT 13K (RMB 1,113)

2. Accommodation Hacks

To reduce your cost of living in China, avoid choosing a solo apartment and instead consider staying in hostel accommodation. Many universities offer on-campus housing at affordable rates to students like you. 

Here are the details about on-campus housing options offered by several universities in China.

University	Accommodation Cost Per Day
Peking University	INR 1,600 to INR 2,500 (RMB 140 to RMB 220)
Fudan University	Single Room: INR 1,400 (RMB 120)Double Room: INR 920 (RMB 80)

Hence, if you’re planning to study in China, exploring hostel options provided by universities could be a great way to save money.

3. Practice Cooking Meals

Start practising cooking meals a few weeks before your flight to study in China. Not only will this help you reduce your monthly expenses, but it will also allow you to eat healthier. 

Additionally, you can choose to eat at the university dining halls, where meals are reasonably priced. At Fudan University, for example, one meal typically costs between INR 92 and INR 160 (RMB 8 and RMB 14).

Top 5 High-Paying Jobs That Breakeven Initial Investment in Studying

Did you know that as Chinese companies expand globally, there is a growing demand for employees who can effectively navigate international markets? As a result, international students are well-suited to meet these requirements. 

According to iiMedia Research data from 2023, 29.5% of large enterprises and 39.4% of medium-sized enterprises across various sectors in China had already implemented international strategies. 

Additionally, 28.9% of small enterprises had plans to do so. This data highlights tremendous opportunities for international students in the Chinese job market.

Here is a list of the top-paying jobs with their average annual salary in China.

Top 5 High-Paying Jobs	Average Yearly Salary
Doctor	INR 14L to INR 46L (RMB 1,20,000 to RMB 4,00,000)
Data Scientist	INR 30L to INR 56L (RMB 2,58,000 to RMB 4,90,000)
Lawyer	INR 54L to INR 65L (RMB 4,70,000 to RMB 5,65,000)
Architect	INR 11L to INR 27L (RMB 1,00,000 to RMB 2,34,000)
Nurse	INR 57L to INR 69L (RMB 5,00,000 to RMB 6,00,000)

Please note: The average salary in China will vary depending on your skill set and experience.

List of Top Recruitment Companies

Did you know that China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2024 reached 29 trillion yuan (CNY), reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.3%? As the economy recovers, the flow of talent will accelerate.

Are you curious about the top recruitment companies for jobs in China? Here is a list of companies actively seeking new talent. 

• Xiaomi Technology
• Bytedance
• PayPal
• Netease
• IBM
• Tesla

To Conclude

The cost of living in China is generally affordable for Indian students due to lower housing, food, and transportation expenses compared to Western countries. If you’re on a limited budget, consider studying in smaller or western cities in China, where living expenses can be 20% to 30% lower. These cities include Xi’an, Chengdu, Wuhan and Changsha.

While we have covered accommodation, food, utilities, and other essentials to outline the key elements of the cost of living in China for a single person, feel free to reach out to us with any further queries you may have.

By strategically planning your living expenses and exploring available scholarship opportunities, you can turn your dream of studying in China into a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions