Beijing
Shenzhen

Beijing vs Shenzhen — Cost of Living Comparison

Beijing
China
VS
Shenzhen
China
Estimated average living costs are ~16% lower in Shenzhen

Beijing

$2,150

avg. monthly cost

Population

21,540,000

Safety

80/100

Quality

65/100

Cost
52
Safety
80
Life
65

Shenzhen

$1,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

17,500,000

Safety

78/100

Quality

65/100

Cost
58
Safety
78
Life
65

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~16% lower in Shenzhen

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Beijing

$2,150

estimated per month

Shenzhen

$1,800

estimated per month

Difference

-16.3%

Monthly savings

$350

Yearly savings

$4,200

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)

$62,791

-$12,209/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

ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$900.00$850.00
-5.6%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$480.00$520.00
+8.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,850.00
-7.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$950.00$1,100.00
+15.8%
ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.00$4.50
+12.5%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$28.00$28.00
0.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.80$5.50
+14.6%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.90$2.40
+26.3%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.70$1.80
+5.9%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.00$1.20
+20.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.00$2.20
+10.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.20$5.50
+31.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.80
+12.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.40$1.60
+14.3%
ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$45.00
+50.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.45$0.55
+22.2%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.90$1.40
-26.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30$0.40
+33.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30$1.25
-3.8%
ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$75.00
+15.4%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$11.00$12.00
+9.1%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$13.00$18.00
+38.5%
ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$22.00$22.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$30.00$35.00
+16.7%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$9.00$10.00
+11.1%
ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$40.00$45.00
+12.5%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$7.50$8.00
+6.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.30$5.00
+16.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.00$3.50
+16.7%
ItemBeijingShenzhenDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$52.00$55.00
+5.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$26.00$28.00
+7.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$78.00$85.00
+9.0%

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

Frequently asked questions: Beijing vs Shenzhen

Is Beijing or Shenzhen more expensive?
Shenzhen is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 58 compared with 52 for Beijing.
How much cheaper is Beijing than Shenzhen?
Living in Beijing is around 10% cheaper than Shenzhen, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Beijing and Shenzhen?
Beijing scores 52 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Shenzhen scores 58 — where New York City equals 100.