East Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Shenzhen
The average cost of living in Shenzhen, China is $665 per month for a single person, and $2,207 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $743 per month. The local average net salary is $1,709 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 15.1 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $665 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,207 / mo
- Student
- $390 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Shenzhen
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
$1,708.72 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Shenzhen | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Shenzhen | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Shenzhen | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Shenzhen | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Shenzhen | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Shenzhen | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Shenzhen | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Shenzhen | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Shenzhen | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Shenzhen | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Shenzhen FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Shenzhen. |
Rent & Property Prices in Shenzhen
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $743 | $588 – $1,470 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $471 | $265 – $735 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,775 | $1,323 – $2,941 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $901 | $662 – $1,470 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $13,049 | $10,293 – $19,704 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $5,993 | $4,411 – $8,822 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $743$588 – $1,470
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $471$265 – $735
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,775$1,323 – $2,941
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $901$662 – $1,470
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $13,049$10,293 – $19,704
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $5,993$4,411 – $8,822
Grocery Prices in Shenzhen
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.69 | $1.47 – $2.50 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.89 | $1.18 – $2.94 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.24 | $0.73 – $2.94 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $1.79 | $1.18 – $2.65 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $16 | $7.35 – $53 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $3.95 | $2.35 – $5.88 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $14 | $9.73 – $18 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $2.04 | $1.18 – $2.63 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.48 | $0.88 – $2.21 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $1.63 | $0.88 – $2.94 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $1.31 | $0.74 – $1.62 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.04 | $0.59 – $2.06 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.40 | $0.59 – $2.21 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.61 | $0.29 – $1.46 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.62 | $0.44 – $0.88 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $14 | $4.41 – $29 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $0.96 | $0.74 – $1.47 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.00 | $1.32 – $2.94 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.82 | $3.38 – $5.00 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.69$1.47 – $2.50
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.89$1.18 – $2.94
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.24$0.73 – $2.94
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $1.79$1.18 – $2.65
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $16$7.35 – $53
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $3.95$2.35 – $5.88
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $14$9.73 – $18
- Apples (1 kg) $2.04$1.18 – $2.63
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.48$0.88 – $2.21
- Oranges (1 kg) $1.63$0.88 – $2.94
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $1.31$0.74 – $1.62
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.04$0.59 – $2.06
- Onions (1 kg) $1.40$0.59 – $2.21
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.61$0.29 – $1.46
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.62$0.44 – $0.88
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $14$4.41 – $29
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $0.96$0.74 – $1.47
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.00$1.32 – $2.94
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.82$3.38 – $5.00
Public Transport & Car Costs in Shenzhen
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.44 | $0.29 – $0.88 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $22 | $18 – $29 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $1.47 | $1.47 – $1.91 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.40 | $0.29 – $0.44 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $7.06 | $7.06 – $8.82 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.21 | $1.10 – $1.34 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $19,101 | $19,101 – $19,298 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $18,223 | $17,174 – $22,056 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.44$0.29 – $0.88
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $22$18 – $29
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $1.47$1.47 – $1.91
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.40$0.29 – $0.44
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $7.06$7.06 – $8.82
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.21$1.10 – $1.34
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $19,101$19,101 – $19,298
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $18,223$17,174 – $22,056
Utility & Internet Costs in Shenzhen
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $65 | $44 – $130 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $9.01 | $4.41 – $20 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $12 | $4.41 – $22 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $65$44 – $130
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $9.01$4.41 – $20
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $12$4.41 – $22
Childcare & Preschool in Shenzhen
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $510 | $294 – $980 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $21,076 | $14,704 – $29,408 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $510$294 – $980
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $21,076$14,704 – $29,408
Clothing Prices in Shenzhen
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $47 | $22 – $88 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $36 | $22 – $51 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $71 | $44 – $88 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $95 | $47 – $147 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $47$22 – $88
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $36$22 – $51
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $71$44 – $88
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $95$47 – $147
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Shenzhen
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $50 | $22 – $118 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $16 | $10 – $22 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $6.62 | $5.88 – $8.82 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $50$22 – $118
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $16$10 – $22
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $6.62$5.88 – $8.82
Restaurant Prices in Shenzhen
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $3.68 | $2.21 – $5.15 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $29 | $22 – $37 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.15 | $4.41 – $5.88 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.32 | $0.74 – $2.65 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.21 | $1.47 – $4.41 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.06 | $1.47 – $4.85 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $0.53 | $0.44 – $0.74 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.31 | $0.22 – $0.44 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $3.68$2.21 – $5.15
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $29$22 – $37
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.15$4.41 – $5.88
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.32$0.74 – $2.65
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.21$1.47 – $4.41
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.06$1.47 – $4.85
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $0.53$0.44 – $0.74
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.31$0.22 – $0.44
Salaries & Mortgages in Shenzhen
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $1,709 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 3.48% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $1,709
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 3.48%
Compare Shenzhen with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
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China
Beijing
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$752
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 Shenzhen?
- An estimated $665 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Shenzhen. A family of four needs around $2,207 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $390.
- How much money do I need to live in Shenzhen?
- Plan for at least $665 per month as a single person, $2,207 per month for a family of four, or $390 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 Shenzhen.
- What is the average rent in Shenzhen?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Shenzhen rents for around $743 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,775 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Shenzhen?
- The average monthly net salary in Shenzhen is around $1,709. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 43% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Shenzhen?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Shenzhen costs around $3.68. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $39 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.69/L) and bread ($1.89/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Shenzhen?
- A monthly public transport pass in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Shenzhen costs around $12 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.