China
Cost of Living in Shanghai
Monthly Total
$1,327
$23,223
Housing (1BR Mid-range)
$621
Daily Spend (ex. rent)
$24
Based on a typical lifestyle for international residents: 1BR furnished apartment, mix of cooking/eating out, rideshare transportation, moderate entertainment. Last updated: 3/31/2026.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Housing (Rent)
1BR furnished apartment in mid-range neighborhood
$621
$10,868
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, and internet
$62
$1,085
Groceries
Groceries from supermarkets
$102
$1,785
Dining Out
Mix of casual restaurants, ~12 meals/month
$48
$840
Transportation
Rideshare (Uber/Didi), ~30 rides/month
$120
$2,100
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Entertainment, occasional cleaning service
$217
$3,798
Healthcare
Basic private health insurance
$133
$2,328
Phone & Subscriptions
Phone plan and streaming subscriptions
$24
$420
Monthly Total
$1,327
$23,223
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Living in Shanghai
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