Chengdu
Guangzhou

Chengdu vs Guangzhou — Cost of Living Comparison

Chengdu
China
VS
Guangzhou
China
Estimated average living costs are ~25% lower in Chengdu

Chengdu

$1,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

16,300,000

Safety

76/100

Quality

64/100

Cost
42
Safety
76
Life
64

Guangzhou

$1,500

avg. monthly cost

Population

18,700,000

Safety

75/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
50
Safety
75
Life
62

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~25% lower in Chengdu

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Chengdu

$1,200

estimated per month

Guangzhou

$1,500

estimated per month

Difference

+25.0%

Monthly savings

$300

Yearly savings

$3,600

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)

$93,750

+$18,750/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

ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$520.00$680.00
+30.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$310.00$400.00
+29.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$1,500.00
+36.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$650.00$880.00
+35.4%
ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$3.80
+8.6%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$20.00$24.00
+20.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.80$5.00
+4.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.10$2.30
+9.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.50$1.70
+13.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.95$1.10
+15.8%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$2.00
+11.1%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$5.00
+11.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$2.50
+13.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$1.40
+7.7%
ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$40.00
+33.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.40$0.50
+25.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.20$1.40
+16.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30$0.35
+16.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.25
+4.2%
ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$55.00$65.00
+18.2%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$10.00$11.00
+10.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$14.00$16.00
+14.3%
ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$15.00$18.00
+20.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$25.00$30.00
+20.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$7.00$8.00
+14.3%
ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$38.00
+26.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$6.00$7.00
+16.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.50
+7.1%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$3.00
+20.0%
ItemChengduGuangzhouDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00$50.00
+4.2%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$22.00$25.00
+13.6%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00$80.00
+6.7%

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

Frequently asked questions: Chengdu vs Guangzhou

Is Chengdu or Guangzhou more expensive?
Guangzhou is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 50 compared with 42 for Chengdu.
How much cheaper is Chengdu than Guangzhou?
Living in Chengdu is around 16% cheaper than Guangzhou, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Chengdu and Guangzhou?
Chengdu scores 42 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Guangzhou scores 50 — where New York City equals 100.