East Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Chongqing
The average cost of living in Chongqing, China is $329 per month for a single person, and $1,126 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $369 per month. The local average net salary is $1,062 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 7.5 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $329 / month
- Family of 4
- $1,126 / mo
- Student
- $202 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Chongqing
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$1,062.05 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Chongqing | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Chongqing | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Chongqing | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Chongqing | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Chongqing | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Chongqing | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Chongqing | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Chongqing | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Chongqing | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Chongqing | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Chongqing FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Chongqing. |
Rent & Property Prices in Chongqing
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $369 | $176 – $535 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $183 | $118 – $275 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $788 | $368 – $1,376 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $385 | $221 – $688 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $2,600 | $1,912 – $3,450 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,626 | $1,176 – $2,025 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $369$176 – $535
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $183$118 – $275
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $788$368 – $1,376
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $385$221 – $688
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $2,600$1,912 – $3,450
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,626$1,176 – $2,025
Grocery Prices in Chongqing
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.62 | $1.47 – $1.76 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.58 | $1.10 – $2.21 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $0.59 | $0.44 – $0.88 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.99 | $1.35 – $2.65 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $18 | $7.35 – $29 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $3.31 | $1.76 – $7.35 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $9.85 | $8.82 – $16 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $1.50 | $1.18 – $2.94 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.29 | $1.18 – $1.47 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.20 | $0.88 – $2.35 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.21 | $0.88 – $1.47 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $0.62 | $0.59 – $1.03 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $0.96 | $0.74 – $1.47 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.85 | $0.22 – $1.47 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.62 | $0.44 – $0.88 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $8.75 | $5.88 – $29 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $0.77 | $0.59 – $1.18 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.65 | $1.18 – $2.35 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $2.94 | $2.94 – $7.35 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.62$1.47 – $1.76
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.58$1.10 – $2.21
- White Rice (1 kg) $0.59$0.44 – $0.88
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.99$1.35 – $2.65
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $18$7.35 – $29
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $3.31$1.76 – $7.35
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $9.85$8.82 – $16
- Apples (1 kg) $1.50$1.18 – $2.94
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.29$1.18 – $1.47
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.20$0.88 – $2.35
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.21$0.88 – $1.47
- Potatoes (1 kg) $0.62$0.59 – $1.03
- Onions (1 kg) $0.96$0.74 – $1.47
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.85$0.22 – $1.47
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.62$0.44 – $0.88
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $8.75$5.88 – $29
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $0.77$0.59 – $1.18
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.65$1.18 – $2.35
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $2.94$2.94 – $7.35
Public Transport & Car Costs in Chongqing
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.37 | $0.29 – $0.59 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $22 | $15 – $44 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $1.47 | $1.47 – $1.47 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.29 | $0.29 – $0.44 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $2.94 | $2.94 – $7.35 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.16 | $1.10 – $1.34 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $19,101 | $19,101 – $19,115 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $16,429 | $14,704 – $17,645 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.37$0.29 – $0.59
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $22$15 – $44
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $1.47$1.47 – $1.47
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.29$0.29 – $0.44
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $2.94$2.94 – $7.35
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.16$1.10 – $1.34
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $19,101$19,101 – $19,115
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $16,429$14,704 – $17,645
Utility & Internet Costs in Chongqing
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $41 | $29 – $59 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $7.31 | $4.41 – $12 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $7.18 | $4.41 – $12 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $41$29 – $59
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $7.31$4.41 – $12
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $7.18$4.41 – $12
Childcare & Preschool in Chongqing
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $283 | $221 – $441 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $24,997 | $11,763 – $36,760 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $283$221 – $441
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $24,997$11,763 – $36,760
Clothing Prices in Chongqing
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $40 | $12 – $66 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $29 | $15 – $44 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $64 | $51 – $74 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $62 | $44 – $147 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $40$12 – $66
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $29$15 – $44
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $64$51 – $74
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $62$44 – $147
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Chongqing
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $43 | $22 – $221 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $10 | $7.35 – $15 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $5.88 | $5.15 – $5.88 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $43$22 – $221
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $10$7.35 – $15
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $5.88$5.15 – $5.88
Restaurant Prices in Chongqing
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $2.94 | $2.21 – $3.68 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $22 | $18 – $29 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $4.71 | $4.41 – $5.88 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.18 | $0.74 – $1.18 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.99 | $1.32 – $2.35 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.22 | $1.47 – $4.71 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.44 | $0.44 – $0.51 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.29 | $0.29 – $0.29 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $2.94$2.21 – $3.68
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $22$18 – $29
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $4.71$4.41 – $5.88
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.18$0.74 – $1.18
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.99$1.32 – $2.35
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.22$1.47 – $4.71
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.44$0.44 – $0.51
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.29$0.29 – $0.29
Salaries & Mortgages in Chongqing
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,062 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 3.57% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,062
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 3.57%
Compare Chongqing with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
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China
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vs NYC
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China
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China
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China
Suzhou
Monthly / 1 person
$445
vs NYC
10.1/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Chongqing?
- An estimated $329 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Chongqing. A family of four needs around $1,126 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $202.
- How much money do I need to live in Chongqing?
- Plan for at least $329 per month as a single person, $1,126 per month for a family of four, or $202 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Chongqing.
- What is the average rent in Chongqing?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Chongqing rents for around $369 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $788 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Chongqing?
- The average monthly net salary in Chongqing is around $1,062. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 35% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Chongqing?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Chongqing costs around $2.94. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $32 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.62/L) and bread ($1.58/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Chongqing?
- A monthly public transport pass in Chongqing costs around $22. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Chongqing?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Chongqing costs around $7.18 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.