Is living in Shanghai Expensive? – A Detailed Overview of Cost of Living in Shanghai

Are you considering a move to Shanghai, but you’re concerned about its cost of living? Shanghai is a magnificent and modern city located on the eastern coast of China. It’s one of the biggest metropolises in the world. It’s also one of the most expensive. Fortunately, Shanghai also boasts a variety of affordable options, depending on which area you choose to live in. In this post, we’ll explore all of the factors that contribute to the cost of living in Shanghai, so you can better decide if it’s an affordable place to live.

The Cost of Renting or Buying Property

When considering the cost of living in Shanghai, property is most likely your first expense. Rental and housing prices can vary greatly depending on what part of the city you choose to live in. On one hand, luxury housing options can run quite steep, but there are many affordable options as well. Let’s explore each in more depth.

High-End Apartments

The high-end apartment scene in Shanghai has surged in recent years. If you have the budget to splurge, you can enjoy stunning interiors, balconies, and well-kept gardens. Luxury apartments tend to be found in the downtown core, like on the historic Bund and around Jingan. The cost of these apartments ranges anywhere from 30,000 up to 200,000 RMB per month ($4,500 – $30,000 USD).

Average Apartments

Most expats tend to look for more average apartments, which provide a good compromise between price and quality of lifestyle. Average apartments typically range anywhere from 6,000 to 25,000 RMB a month ($900 – $3,750 USD). The most common areas for average rentals are Pudong and Puxi (which is east of the Huangpu River), Xuhui and Putuo, Changning and Jingan, Hongkou and Luwan.

Cheap Houses and Apartments

For those with smaller budgets, there are more affordable apartments scattered around the city. These can range from 1,000 to 5,000 RMB per month ($150 – $750 USD). The catch is that these will likely be far from the city center and likely slightly older and more run down. Outside of the municipal district, there are plenty of areas to find low-cost housing solutions. This includes Kunshan, Qingpu and Songjiang. These all offer a variety of houses and apartments at lower rent levels and prices.

Other Expenses

In addition to housing costs, Shanghai has a few other everyday costs that expats should also consider when budgeting. To help you make better choices during your transition period, we’ve listed some of the basic expenses on monthly basis:

• Transportation: 200 – 500 RMB ($30 – $75 USD) for a metro/bus pass.
• Groceries: Your grocery bill will be dependent on your dietary choices and consumption level. Basic groceries like fruits and vegetables are quite cheap in local markets i.e., 2 – 3 RMB/kg ($0.3 – $0.5 USD/kg). However, imported food from places like Carrefour can be quite expensive.
• Utilities: Gas and electricity costs about 60 RMB ($9 USD) per month.
• Subscription services & entertainment: These include internet plans (20 – 600 RMB /$3 – $90 USD) ) gym or yoga membership (140 – 300 RMB/$21 – $45 USD) or eating out (50 – 800 RMB/$7.5 – $120 USD). All depend on your lifestyle choices.
• Medical care: Medical care in Shanghai is affordable but not free. Private clinics offer packages that start from 200 – 500 RMB ($30 – $75 USD).
• Phone Bills: Mobile phone bills vary based on your plan i.e., from 68 – 200 RMB ($10 – $30 USD) a month.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Shanghai varies widely depending on factors like location and lifestyle choices. However, even on a shoestring budget, many expats have found it relatively easy to manage their costs in Shanghai. As long as you plan wisely and shop around for bargains, living in this great metropolis doesn’t have to be expensive nor overwhelming! For more detailed information on this topic you can visit this article.

Insider’s Guide to Shanghai: Unveiling the City’s Hidden Gems

Shanghai, with its futuristic skyline, cultural heritage, and exciting food scene, offers a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modernity. While the city has plenty of tourist attractions, there is an entire world beyond the surface that remains hidden from the casual tourist. This insider’s guide to Shanghai will introduce you to these fascinating and often overlooked aspects of the city.

Local Attractions

Shanghai has much more to offer than famous landmarks like the Bund or the Oriental Pearl Tower. For a unique and local experience, visit the former French Concession area and explore the charming streets adorned with colonial architecture. Fuxing Park, located in the heart of the French Concession, offers a lush green haven for nature lovers to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

If you’re seeking an adventure, take a walk through the abandoned ‘Ghost Town’ located in Fengdu Country. This eerie and fascinating place formally known as the Shuangqiao District is sprouting up with graffiti and gives a rustic twist to the ever-so-modern city.

Dining Spots

Shanghai is renowned for its culinary richness, and no visit is complete without trying some delicacies unique to the city. Head over to Xi Shi Lounge to sample the traditional Shanghai breakfast of traditional side dishes and homemade soy milk. You also can’t say no to the ever-famous soup dumplings of Nanxiang or the sesame pancakes of Huanghe Lu.

Additionally, the city boasts some of the most unique bars that intertwine once forgotten pieces of architecture and mixology menu. Pelikan, a German bar located conveniently near the Bund, provides an exquisite atmosphere with its vast outdoor area, perfect for socializing with locals.

Cultural Experiences

Shanghai is an excellent destination for learning about Chinese culture and its nuances. The city is home to several notable museums, but for a more authentic and undiscovered experience, head to the Chinese Opera museum like the Kunqu Opera museum to witness the hundred-year-old style performance.

Another cultural experience worth trying is the art of Guzheng (古箏) performance. Visitors can expect to awaken their appreciation for traditional Chinese music by witnessing these mesmerizing performances.

Local History

Shanghai is famous for its multicultural history, and Taikang Road is the perfect place to explore its fascinating past. This vibrant street is home to several quirky boutiques, art galleries, and cafes that are built in sympathetic old-style architecture that tells stories of the past.

For a more intriguing experience, take a night walk through the old Chinese quarter that houses a modern edge located on Hunan Road. Here, you can sip an outstanding cup of traditional tea while listening to the storytellers sharing mind-boggling historical tales of the incredible lives Shanghai emigrants had lived for nearly a century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re seeking adventure or something less common, check out the abandoned “water towns” of Shanghai. Zhujiajiao is one such place that offers a unique experience to those willing to explore its scenic canals, old-style houses, and historical landmarks. Also, you can opt for a bike ride in the countryside to experience the various aspects of rural Chinese life.

In conclusion, Shanghai is a city with a rich culture, history, and cuisine that is not contained to the common tourist spots. With this insiders’ guide, you can experience the city’s unexplored wonders, helping you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.