Shenzhen
Tokyo

Shenzhen vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Shenzhen
China
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~89% lower in Shenzhen

Shenzhen

$1,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

17,500,000

Safety

78/100

Quality

65/100

Cost
58
Safety
78
Life
65

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 ~89% lower in Shenzhen

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Shenzhen

$1,800

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+88.9%

Monthly savings

$1,600

Yearly savings

$19,200

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)

$141,667

+$66,667/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

ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$850.00$1,150.00
+35.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$520.00$720.00
+38.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,850.00$2,650.00
+43.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$1,550.00
+40.9%
ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$4.50$7.50
+66.7%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$28.00$45.00
+60.7%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.50$6.50
+18.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.40$2.10
-12.5%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.80$2.20
+22.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$4.50
+275.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.20$2.80
+27.3%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$8.50
+54.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.80$6.50
+132.1%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.60$3.80
+137.5%
ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$45.00$100.00
+122.2%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.55$1.80
+227.3%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$1.40$4.50
+221.4%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.40$3.20
+700.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.25$1.35
+8.0%
ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$75.00$195.00
+160.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$12.00$35.00
+191.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$18.00$40.00
+122.2%
ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$22.00$35.00
+59.1%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$35.00$55.00
+57.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$10.00$15.00
+50.0%
ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$45.00$75.00
+66.7%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$8.00$13.00
+62.5%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.00$4.20
-16.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$3.50$5.00
+42.9%
ItemShenzhenTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$55.00$65.00
+18.2%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$28.00$38.00
+35.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$85.00$85.00
0.0%

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

Frequently asked questions: Shenzhen vs Tokyo

Is Shenzhen or Tokyo more expensive?
Tokyo is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 82 compared with 58 for Shenzhen.
How much cheaper is Shenzhen than Tokyo?
Living in Shenzhen is around 29% cheaper than Tokyo, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Shenzhen and Tokyo?
Shenzhen scores 58 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Tokyo scores 82 — where New York City equals 100.