In recent years, China has become one of the best countries in the Middle East for travel and living due to its significant economic advancements. In this article, we will explore the best and most affordable cities in China for travel and living, addressing your questions about the cost of living and travel in China’s affordable cities. You will find all the information you need about the best cities in China. So, stay with us at HiTopTourism until the end of the article.
If you plan to live or study in the most affordable cities in China, this article will help you stay informed about the prices of food, real estate, transportation, and other essential costs. Based on job opportunities, amenities, and colleges in each city, you can choose the best city in China for living or studying according to your needs, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful experience.
1. Chengdu
| Item | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 300 |
| Taxi Start Price | 10 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone) | 250 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 3,500 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 5,500 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 35,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 25,000 |
Chengdu is one of the most affordable cities in China, with lower living costs compared to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. In return, you can experience a similar level of amenities and quality of life in this city, where the average monthly cost for a single person is estimated at $850.
Chengdu is known for its various industries and companies, including automotive manufacturing and medical equipment production, playing a significant role in the country’s industry. The presence of diverse and numerous job opportunities also makes this city one of the best affordable locations in China.
From an economic perspective, Chengdu’s attractions speak for themselves, as this city is rich in both natural and modern sightseeing spots. It is worth mentioning that in recent years, due to the city’s growing popularity and the influx of migrants, property purchase and rental prices have increased somewhat. However, they remain affordable compared to other cities.
2. Qingdao
| Expense | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 250 |
| Taxi Start Price | 70 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone, Charges) | 400 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2000 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 4800 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 15750 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 10366 |
The port city of Qingdao in China, located in Shandong Province in eastern China, is one of the most economically vibrant cities in the country. Situated on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, it has connections to over 450 ports in 130 countries around the world, establishing itself as an important transportation hub that makes the city significant in China.
Ideal job opportunities, along with suitable amenities and low living costs, make this city one of the best and most affordable places to live in China.
3. Xi’an
| Item | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 250 |
| Taxi Start Price | 11 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone) | 300 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 3,000 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 4,800 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 30,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 20,000 |
Xi’an is also one of the cities that is considered economical and affordable compared to other cities in China. This city is known for its inexpensive food, travel, and transportation. On average, an individual needs about $500, and a family of four requires approximately $1,600 to experience a fairly good and ordinary life, excluding housing costs.
This city has become one of the most immigrant-friendly places in China due to the ancient Silk Road beginning here and its connections with over 60 countries. It is recognized for its production of equipment, agricultural processing, and other industries, complemented by high-level universities, making it an ideal city for living. Rent in this city starts from $200, while the cost of purchasing property begins at $2,700, with prices varying based on location and size of the house. All these reasons combined position Xi’an among the most affordable cities in China for work and living.
4. Wuhan
| Expense | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 320 |
| Taxi Start Price | 70 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone, Charges) | 389 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 2,487 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 2,785 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 30,225 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 18,125 |
This city is one of the important centers of finance and commerce in China, which has led to the creation of various job opportunities for those who wish to live here. Wuhan can be placed on the list of beautiful, commercial, and top tourist destinations in China, with its excellent transportation system, affordable metro, and international airport making it a complete city for living and traveling.
It may be hard to believe, but Wuhan is among the most affordable cities in China, requiring an average of $850 for an individual and $1,900 for a family to experience a normal life with adequate amenities. Additionally, this city offers all the advantages and services needed for a pleasant stay at affordable prices.
5. Guangzhou
| Item | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 350 |
| Taxi Start Price | 12 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone) | 400 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 6,000 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 9,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 60,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 35,000 |
Guangzhou is one of the most prominent cities in China, known as the southern gateway of the country. This city is also on the list of the most affordable cities in China. In addition to being a suitable tourist destination with diverse attractions, the availability of various job opportunities, reasonable costs, and appropriate recreational options make this city one of the best places in China for travel and living. It can certainly be one of your options for residence or tourism.
6. Hangzhou
| Expense | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 300 |
| Taxi Start Price | 13 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone, Charges) | 294 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 3,765 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 5,109 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 52,205 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 30,687 |
If you are wondering which city is the cheapest in China, you will find your answer in this paragraph. Yes, the student city of Hangzhou ranks first among the most affordable cities in China, housing a significant number of international students, which has contributed to minimizing the cost of living in the city.
This city is recognized as an economic and commercial hub in China, with Alibaba being the largest company based there, a name you may have heard before. Several important domestic and international companies also operate in this city, making it an ideal destination with peace of mind regarding job opportunities, which can provide a suitable standard of living for those who wish to reside in Hangzhou.
7. Tianjin
| Item | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 250 |
| Taxi Start Price | 12 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone) | 280 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 3,000 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 4,500 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 47,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 28,000 |
Tianjin is another important port and one of the cheapest cities in China, known as an economic center. It boasts a variety of historical sites and tourist attractions, which are divided into two parts: the main city area, including old districts, and a new section featuring modern buildings.
This city is home to prestigious colleges and universities with high global recognition, which has led to the provision of a wide range of facilities for students, making the cost of living in the city affordable. As a result, it has become one of the cheapest cities in China for living. Additionally, it requires about $1,964 for a family of four and $552 for an individual to live in this city.
8. Shenzhen
| Item | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 400 |
| Taxi Start Price | 14 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone) | 400 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 5,000 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 8,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 80,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 50,000 |
Shenzhen is one of the most beautiful cities, and if you visit the tourist attractions in Shenzhen, China, you’ll discover the various charms this city has to offer. Economically, it is one of the important cities in China, having achieved a good rank in the country’s economy by attracting various investments. At first glance, you can sense the modernity of the city, which is also very strong in terms of education. Undoubtedly, Shenzhen is one of the best cities in China for work and living, and it does not require exorbitant expenses to thrive in this city.
9. Xiamen
| Expense Type | Amount (CNY) |
|---|---|
| Food | 450 |
| Taxi Start Price | 14 |
| Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas, Phone) | 400 |
| Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment | 4,500 |
| Rent for 3-Bedroom Apartment | 7,500 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (City Center) | 75,000 |
| Cost of Buying Apartment per Square Meter (Suburb) | 55,000 |
Xiamen is one of the most beautiful cities in China, attracting a large number of tourists each year due to its diverse and numerous attractions, particularly its historical sites. If you are looking to engage in economic activities, this city is suitable for you. This coastal city, with its thriving economy alongside suitable educational and job facilities, ranks among the cheapest cities in China. Job opportunities in fields such as manufacturing, technology, finance, and tourism are available in this city, which has solid infrastructure and guarantees a good quality of life for you.
Conclusion
China is a leading country in various industries, and by creating diverse job opportunities, it has opened numerous employment possibilities for those looking to migrate or work in the country. The presence of reputable international universities in China’s affordable cities has attracted many students from around the world to study in this country. By identifying the best affordable cities in China, you can experience a quality life with high standards, taking advantage of suitable amenities and sightseeing opportunities at minimal costs.
If you travel to these cities, share your tips and budget with us.
FAQs About the Cheapest Cities in China
What is the cheapest city in China?
Chengdu is considered a cheap city in China due to its various costs.
Which part of China is cheapest to visit?
Cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Beijing are among the cities that have diverse tourist attractions and high standards at affordable prices, and you can visit historical, natural, modern, and other attractions with an economical trip to Chinese cities.
Is living in China cheap?
In general, it is important to compare China with a country, and if we want to compare it with the United States, for example, yes, China is significantly cheaper compared to the United States, while at the same time having a high quality and standard of living.
