London
Shanghai

London vs Shanghai — Cost of Living Comparison

London
United Kingdom
VS
Shanghai
China
Estimated average living costs are ~40% lower in Shanghai

London

$3,850

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,982,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

70/100

Cost
92
Safety
55
Life
70

Shanghai

$2,300

avg. monthly cost

Population

28,517,000

Safety

78/100

Quality

68/100

Cost
55
Safety
78
Life
68

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~40% lower in Shanghai

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

London

$3,850

estimated per month

Shanghai

$2,300

estimated per month

Difference

-40.3%

Monthly savings

$1,550

Yearly savings

$18,600

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)

$44,805

-$30,195/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

ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,200.00$1,000.00
-54.5%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,550.00$550.00
-64.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,900.00$2,200.00
-43.6%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,600.00$1,100.00
-57.7%
ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00$4.50
-75.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$80.00$30.00
-62.5%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$9.00$5.00
-44.4%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.30$2.00
+53.8%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.40$1.80
+28.6%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.80$1.10
-38.9%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$3.20$2.20
-31.2%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$8.50$4.50
-47.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.50$2.80
+12.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.40$1.50
+7.1%
ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$185.00$35.00
-81.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.50$0.55
-84.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$4.50$2.10
-53.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.20$0.35
-84.1%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.85$1.30
-29.7%
ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$250.00$75.00
-70.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$25.00$12.00
-52.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$38.00$15.00
-60.5%
ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$75.00$25.00
-66.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$95.00$35.00
-63.2%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$12.00$10.00
-16.7%
ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$55.00$45.00
-18.2%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$16.00$8.00
-50.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.50$4.50
0.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$7.50$3.50
-53.3%
ItemLondonShanghaiDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$78.00$55.00
-29.5%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$42.00$28.00
-33.3%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$95.00$80.00
-15.8%

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

Frequently asked questions: London vs Shanghai

Is London or Shanghai more expensive?
London is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 92 compared with 55 for Shanghai.
How much cheaper is Shanghai than London?
Living in Shanghai is around 40% cheaper than London, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between London and Shanghai?
London scores 92 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Shanghai scores 55 — where New York City equals 100.