Beijing
Chengdu

Beijing vs Chengdu — Cost of Living Comparison

Beijing
China
VS
Chengdu
China
Estimated average living costs are ~44% lower in Chengdu

Beijing

$2,150

avg. monthly cost

Population

21,540,000

Safety

80/100

Quality

65/100

Cost
52
Safety
80
Life
65

Chengdu

$1,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

16,300,000

Safety

76/100

Quality

64/100

Cost
42
Safety
76
Life
64

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~44% lower in Chengdu

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Beijing

$2,150

estimated per month

Chengdu

$1,200

estimated per month

Difference

-44.2%

Monthly savings

$950

Yearly savings

$11,400

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$41,860

-$33,140/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBeijingChengduDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$520.00
-42.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$480.00$310.00
-35.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,100.00
-45.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$950.00$650.00
-31.6%
ItemBeijingChengduDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.00$3.50
-12.5%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$28.00$20.00
-28.6%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.80$4.80
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.90$2.10
+10.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.70$1.50
-11.8%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.00$0.95
-5.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.00$1.80
-10.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.20$4.50
+7.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.20
-12.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.40$1.30
-7.1%
ItemBeijingChengduDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$30.00
0.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.45$0.40
-11.1%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.90$1.20
-36.8%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30$0.30
0.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30$1.20
-7.7%
ItemBeijingChengduDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$55.00
-15.4%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$11.00$10.00
-9.1%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$13.00$14.00
+7.7%
ItemBeijingChengduDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$22.00$15.00
-31.8%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$30.00$25.00
-16.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$9.00$7.00
-22.2%
ItemBeijingChengduDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$40.00$30.00
-25.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$7.50$6.00
-20.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.30$4.20
-2.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.00$2.50
-16.7%
ItemBeijingChengduDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$52.00$48.00
-7.7%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$26.00$22.00
-15.4%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$78.00$75.00
-3.8%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Beijing vs Chengdu

Is Beijing or Chengdu more expensive?
Beijing is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 52 compared with 42 for Chengdu.
How much cheaper is Chengdu than Beijing?
Living in Chengdu is around 19% cheaper than Beijing, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Beijing and Chengdu?
Beijing scores 52 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Chengdu scores 42 — where New York City equals 100.