The Cost of Living in Kunshan: All You Need to Know

Kunshan is a beautiful and rapidly growing city in China’s eastern province of Jiangsu, which is located in the southeastern part of the country. Its economy is increasingly robust, and as a result, it has many facilities, services, and events. The cost of living in Kunshan may be lower or higher than other Chinese cities, depending on your lifestyle and your preferences. This post will give you a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in Kunshan and help you to plan your budget accordingly.

Accommodations

Kunshan’s housing market is highly competitive, and the cost of living in Kunshan varies depending on the type of home you prefer. In general, renting an apartment in the city center can cost between ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 per month, and outside of the city center can be around ¥2,000 to ¥4,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you want to rent a larger apartment or villa, you may have to adjust your budget to ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per month.

Transportation

Transportation in Kunshan is relatively cheap, and the city offers a range of options for getting around. The cost of a one-way ticket on the Kunshan metro is around ¥2 to ¥4, depending on the distance you are travelling. Taking a taxi is also a cheap option, with the initial fare being around ¥10, and then ¥2.5 per kilometer. If you plan to travel frequently outside the city, it is advisable to own a car. In Kunshan, the cost of owning and running a car ranges from ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 per month on average, including fuel and insurance rates.

Food

There are numerous food options in Kunshan, with a mix of traditional Chinese and international cuisine. On average, the cost of a meal in a mid-range restaurant is around ¥30 to ¥60 per person. However, if you prefer street food, you can find some delicious and affordable options for as little as ¥10 per meal. Supermarkets also offer a range of affordable groceries, and the cost of living in Kunshan for a family of four is approximately ¥3,500 to ¥5,000 per month on food expenses.

Utilities

Utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, are usually low in Kunshan. For a family of four living in a two-bedroom apartment, it would cost around ¥400 to ¥500 per month on average. Internet and cable television services are also reasonable, with packages starting around ¥100 to ¥200 per month.

Entertainment

Kunshan is also home to many tourist destinations, such as the Tingling Garden, Qiandeng Old Town, and Yangcheng Lake. The cost of admission to these attractions is around ¥80 to ¥100 per person. Also, recreational activities, such as going to a movie theater or playing sports, are reasonably priced at around ¥50 to ¥100 per person.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of living in Kunshan is relatively low when compared to other major Chinese cities. Accommodation, transportation, food, utilities, and entertainment expenses are all cheaper than many other Chinese cities. Kunshan can be a fantastic place to live and work, with a stunning environment and an ever-growing number of job opportunities. We hope that this guide has given you a helpful overview of the cost of living in Kunshan and helped you plan your budget accordingly. With these insights, you are now well-equipped to make informed decisions about your future life in this fantastic city.

An Insider’s Guide to Kunshan

Kunshan is located in the southeastern part of Jiangsu province in China. It has a unique culture influenced by its location between the Yangtze River Delta and the Taihu Lake. This city is a blend of natural beauty, history, and modern development. Kunshan is becoming quite famous among tourists due to its affordable cost of living compared to other cities in China. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of living in Kunshan as a tourist, its local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Cost of Living in Kunshan: All You Need to Know

Kunshan’s cost of living is quite low compared to other big cities in China. The locals enjoy a good quality of life at an affordable rate, which means you can too! The cost of food, transportation, and accommodation is relatively modest.

Accommodation

If you are traveling on a budget, you can find a hotel room in Kunshan for $25 to $50 per night. A luxury hotel room price may range between $120 to $300 per night.

Transportation

The most convenient way of traveling around the city is by taxi or private car hire. Taxis start from $2, and the price increases with the distance you travel. Moreover, public transportation is also cheap in Kunshan, with a single bus fare starting at $0.5.

Food

Kunshan has a wide range of dining options. There are plenty of street food stalls serving cheaper meals starting at $1.5. However, if you want to enjoy a fancy dinner in a high-end restaurant, you can expect to spend around $20 to $50 per person.

Local Attractions in Kunshan

Now that you know about the cost of living in Kunshan let’s explore some of its local attractions.

Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang is one of the beautiful water towns near Kunshan that attracts many visitors. It is known for its ancient buildings, beautiful bridges, and canals. The best time to visit Zhouzhuang is during the spring season, when the trees are in bloom.

Jinxi Ancient Town

Jinxi Ancient Town is another beautiful water town near Kunshan. The town is famous for its Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, ancient bridges, and old-style streets. The town also has numerous unique handicrafts and exquisite snack shops, making it the perfect place for tourists to explore.

Best Dining Spots in Kunshan

Kunshan’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the local culture and traditions. Here are some of the best dining spots in Kunshan that you should not miss.

Chunfeng Songyue Lou Restaurant

Chunfeng Songyue Lou Restaurant is famous for its pork belly and tofu dishes. The restaurant’s setting is also quite unique. It is located in a traditional Chinese courtyard house, which adds to its charm.

Huaiyang Cuisine

Huaiyang cuisine is a popular cuisine in Kunshan and is known for its delicate flavors. The dishes are often light and refreshing, and the use of seafood is quite evident. Some of the best restaurants serving Huaiyang cuisine include Taohua Zhuangyuan and Fumanlou.

Cultural Experiences in Kunshan

Kunshan’s culture is rich and unique, influenced by its location between the Yangtze River Delta and the Taihu Lake. Here are some of the cultural experiences you can enjoy in Kunshan.

Kunqu Opera

Kunqu Opera is a form of traditional Chinese opera that originated from Kunshan. It is known for its gentle and refined singing style, which is often accompanied by percussion instruments. If you are interested in this opera form, you can visit the Master of Nets Garden to witness a live performance.

Visit the Kunshan Museum

The Kunshan Museum is located in the beautiful Tinglin Park. The museum displays a variety of cultural artifacts and objects that tell the history of the city. There are also temporary exhibitions held throughout the year.

Local History in Kunshan

Kunshan has a history that dates back over 2000 years. Here are some of the local history highlights that you should not miss.

Yangcheng Lake Crab Festival

Yangcheng Lake is famous for its hairy crabs, which are harvested during the autumn season. The lake attracts many visitors during this time for the annual Yangcheng Lake Crab Festival.

Visit the Qiandeng Town

Qiandeng Town is an antique town that blends modern development and historical architecture. The town is famous for its traditional Chinese architecture, including Yishi’s former residence, the former residence of the Guangfu Township Head, and the former residence of the wealthy merchant family.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to experience the local culture and traditions of Kunshan, we have some off-the-beaten-path suggestions for you.

Xiangshan Temple

Xiangshan Temple is located on a hill overlooking the city of Kunshan. The temple is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the sunset. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Yufeng Mountain

Yufeng Mountain is Kunshan’s highest peak, and it is located in the suburbs. The ascent to the peak is relatively easy and suitable for all ages. At the peak, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

In conclusion, Kunshan, China, is a unique blend of nature, culture, and modern development that is perfect for tourists to explore. The cost of living is also quite affordable, which means you can enjoy a good quality of life at an affordable price. Follow this guide, explore the local attractions, try the delicious cuisine, experience the local culture, learn about its history, and take up off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most out of your trip.