Cost of Living in Shanghai
In truth, statistics can be misleading. One’s average monthly expenditure in Shanghai is determined by one’s lifestyle choices. There is wide variation in expat budgets which leads some to opt for a more economic lifestyle while others tend to live more luxuriously than they would back home, taking advantage of the cities luxuries and renowned nightlife.Regardless of which party best describes you, it's good to be informed on the basic costs of living in Shanghai before you arrive.
Food and beverage costs in Shanghai
IMPORTED GOODS: The great thing about buying groceries in Shanghai is that you can find just about anything at foreign supermarkets like City Shop. Imported produce is slightly more expensive than back home. Generally speaking, budget 250-300 RMB (roughly 37-45 USD) per person each week plus the cost of dining out to fully cover your meal needs.
LOCAL PRODUCE: A basket of vegetables from a local vendor might cost around 18 RMB (2-3 USD) per person each week. It would cost at least double that from a supermarket, but it would be ‘organic’.
VERY LOCAL RESTAURANTS: If you would like to live cheaply, you can ‘rough it’ like many locals and foreign students do by eating at a small ‘mian guan’ or a ‘tan’ for dinner for 10-20 RMB (1.50-2.50 USD).
LOCAL RESTAURANTS: Chinese-style restaurants would usually cost around 40 RMB per person (6 USD) plus the cost of a beverage (however, meals often include tea).
INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS: Restaurants serving foreign food typically cost around 100 RMB per person (15 USD) and up and up (drink costs excluded)! Occasionally, at more up-scale restaurants they will apply a service charge to your bill. Servers do not receive tips in Shanghai.
COFFEE: Starbucks is one of the cheaper international coffee chains. For caffeinated beverages at new western-style coffee and tea house chains, expect to pay from 20-40 RMB (3-6 USD) per beverage.
ALCOHOL: An alcoholic beverage in most bars and restaurants costs roughly 60 RMB (8 USD). If you choose a more up-scale venue for drinks, prices will become more expensive. Although the cost of alcohol may seem daunting, frequent promotions and "Happy Hours" run rampant in Shanghai, allowing everyone a chance to have some fun.
For those particularly money conscious, you can purchase local beer, wine and the notorious ‘bai jiu’ (tastes something like vodka and rubbing alcohol) at any convenient store at a much more affordable rate. Domestic wine labels can be purchased for as little as 35 RMB (5 USD) and a domestic bottle of beer for a price of 3.50 RMB (.50 USD).
Furthermore, some dingy bars like ‘Windows’ have become notorious for their astonishingly cheap booze. With a nightlife as active and diverse as Shanghai’s, expats should peek at a ‘That’s Shanghai’ or “City Weekend” guide to find venues that suit their tastes and wallets.
Getting around costs in Shanghai
Public transportation in Shanghai is very affordable. If you do not like large crowds, avoid travelling at rush hour.BUSES: 2 RMB per ride (.30 USD)
TAXIS: During the day, the meter starts at 12 RMB (< 2 USD); During the evening, the meter starts at 16 RMB (> 2 USD)
METRO: Each time you ride the metro, it will cost between 3-5 RMB (.45-.75 USD).
Telecommunication costs in Shanghai
MOBILE PHONES: Monthly expenditure on mobile phones in Shanghai is extremely reasonable when compared to North American and European nations. Depending on how frequently an expat uses their phone, 100 RMB (15 USD) is usually sufficient for a month’s worth of local texts and calls. If calling overseas, Skype is the most economic option.
Healthcare costs in Shanghai
PUBLIC: Healthcare costs vary dramatically. If you are comfortable enough to use public healthcare, generally, for a basic consultation and the required medicine, you would spend in the ball park of 40-200 RMB (6-30 USD) which would comprise of: 15 RMB (2 USD) to see the doctor, and the rest of the expense for the cost of Chinese medicine, x-rays etc.
For a comprehensive medical check-up, generally speaking you would spend from 300-1000 RMB (45-150 USD); depending on the thoroughness of the check-up and the hospital.
PRIVATE: For private health care, you would pay roughly 700 RMB (105 USD) to see a doctor or specialist, plus the additional cost of western medicines and any additional necessary procedures. A comprehensive physical at a private clinic would cost over 2000 RMB (300 USD) depending on the clinic.
EMERGENCIES: If you were in an emergency, fees at a private hospital would add up quite similarly to those in a Western country. Medical insurance would be essential.
Shopping costs in Shanghai
MARKETS: You will find some of the best bargains in local markets. Spread throughout the city, these places are a great way for savvy shoppers to find deals on pearls, electronics, antiques, books and brand name clothing. Quality, selection and authenticity may lack, but one can bargain prices down to a fraction of what they would be sold for abroad.
LUXURY BRANDS: Many luxury brand stores can be found occupying the malls on Nanjing Xi Road. Prices are in line with those in North America and Europe.
