The Cost of Living in Tianshui, China: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re considering moving to Tianshui or simply planning to visit, it’s important to understand the cost of living in this city. Tianshui is located in the Gansu province of China and is an excellent place to live or visit for those who prefer less crowded and less expensive cities. In this article, we’ll delve into the cost of living in Tianshui and provide you with detailed information to help you budget accordingly.

Accommodation

Tianshui offers a range of accommodation options suitable for different budget types. Generally, the closer you are to the city centre, the more expensive the accommodation. In Tianshui, rental costs for a two-bedroom apartment located in the city centre ranges from 2500 CNY to 4000 CNY. One-bedroom apartment costs about 1500 CNY to 2300 CNY. On the outskirts of Tianshui, accommodation costs are slightly lower with two-bedroom apartments ranging from 1300 CNY to 2100 CNY and one-bedroom apartments from 1000 CNY to 1800 CNY.For those planning to purchase property in Tianshui, an apartment in the city centre can cost up to 30000 CNY per square meter. A property located on the outskirts costs around 15000 CNY per square meter.

Transportation

One of the biggest advantages of living in Tianshui is the affordable transportation cost. Tianshui has a well-organized public transportation system consisting of buses that operate throughout the city. The bus fare ranges from 1 CNY to 2 CNY. Additionally, taxis are available at a starting price of 6 CNY and 1.6 CNY per kilometre.

Food

Food expenses hugely depend on your dining choices. Tianshui provides numerous options, ranging from local food and street food vendors to high-end restaurants. The average cost for a meal at a modest restaurant ranges from 10 CNY to 20 CNY per person. For non-Chinese food or in a more upscale eating place, the cost can go up to 50 CNY per person.Grocery costs in Tianshui are relatively affordable, and most food items can be found at local markets like Gansu Xinkai Tropical & Subtropical Fruits Market, Xintianlou, and Supermarkets. Expect to pay around 20 CNY to 30 CNY for a kilogram of rice, 5 CNY to 10 CNY for a kilogram of vegetables or fruits, and around 50 CNY for a kilogram of meat.

Utilities

Utility costs in Tianshui are at par with the other second-tier cities in China. Utility costs for an average of 85 square meter apartment will add up to an average of 400 CNY per month. This estimate includes basic utilities such as water, electricity, and gas.

Education and Healthcare

Tianshui has reliable healthcare facilities that offer affordable healthcare services. The healthcare services are about 75% lower than in western countries. Most private hospitals and clinics offer consultations at a starting rate of 30 CNY, and common prescription drugs could cost around 10 CNY. Cost for health insurance coverage for an individual and a company is reasonable, even though it can vary widely depending on the coverage aspects.The city features plenty of schools from kindergartens to universities, both public and private. Even though some international schools tend to charge much higher rates, local schools offer strong education services at reasonable fees. Fees for students in public primary and high schools range from 500 CNY to 2000 CNY annually, while universities and private schools typically charge 20,000 CNY to 40,000 CNY per year.

Clothing and Entertainment

Tianshui has a lively shopping scene with numerous options available to shoppers to choose from. An average pair of jeans costs around 150 CNY to 300 CNY, and an average pair of shoes ranges from 250 CNY to 500 CNY.Regarding entertainment, Tianshui has numerous opportunities like bars, clubs, and cinemas that offer quality entertainment at affordable prices. A movie ticket costs around 30 CNY per person, and a beer at a local bar or pub costs around 15 CNY.

Summary

Overall, Tianshui is a relatively affordable city. With a cost of living index of 32.42, Tianshui is much cheaper than the country’s capital Beijing, which has an index of 100. Tianshui offers a more affordable lifestyle without compromising on convenience and quality of life. It’s one of the city’s most attractive features that include low housing costs, affordable transportation, low-cost healthcare, and education facilities at reasonable rates.Tianshui is also an excellent place for tourists to visit. The city boasts several historical and cultural landmarks like the Maiji Mountain Grottoes and the Fuxi Temple. The affordable cost of living coupled with tourist attractions makes Tianshui a great option to visit or even to live.