Chengdu
Tokyo

Chengdu vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Chengdu
China
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~183% 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

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~183% lower in Chengdu

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Chengdu

$1,200

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+183.3%

Monthly savings

$2,200

Yearly savings

$26,400

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)

$212,500

+$137,500/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

ItemChengduTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$520.00$1,150.00
+121.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$310.00$720.00
+132.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$2,650.00
+140.9%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$650.00$1,550.00
+138.5%
ItemChengduTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$3.50$7.50
+114.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$20.00$45.00
+125.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.80$6.50
+35.4%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.10$2.10
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.50$2.20
+46.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.95$4.50
+373.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.80$2.80
+55.6%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50$8.50
+88.9%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.20$6.50
+195.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.30$3.80
+192.3%
ItemChengduTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$30.00$100.00
+233.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.40$1.80
+350.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.20$4.50
+275.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30$3.20
+966.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.35
+12.5%
ItemChengduTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$55.00$195.00
+254.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$10.00$35.00
+250.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$14.00$40.00
+185.7%
ItemChengduTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$15.00$35.00
+133.3%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$25.00$55.00
+120.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$7.00$15.00
+114.3%
ItemChengduTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$75.00
+150.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$6.00$13.00
+116.7%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.20$4.20
0.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$5.00
+100.0%
ItemChengduTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$48.00$65.00
+35.4%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$22.00$38.00
+72.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$75.00$85.00
+13.3%

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

Frequently asked questions: Chengdu vs Tokyo

Is Chengdu or Tokyo more expensive?
Tokyo is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 42 for Chengdu.
How much cheaper is Chengdu than Tokyo?
Living in Chengdu is around 49% cheaper than Tokyo, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Chengdu and Tokyo?
Chengdu scores 42 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.