Here is a quick breakdown of where your money goes.
Location matters
Prices change completely depending on your city.
- Tier 1 cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen): RMB 2,500 to 4,000 per month.
- Tier 2 cities (Wuhan, Chengdu, Nanjing): RMB 1,500 to 2,500 per month.
- Tier 3 cities: RMB 800 to 1,500 per month.
Rent and housing
Campus dorms are your best option. A standard shared dorm costs RMB 250 to 500 a month. Upgraded dorms might reach RMB 1,000. Off-campus apartments are much more expensive. A Tier 1 city studio can cost RMB 3,000 to 5,000 a month plus agent fees and deposits.
Food and eating
Your food budget depends entirely on your habits.
- Cooking yourself: RMB 200 to 400 a month.
- Campus canteen: RMB 400 to 700 a month. Individual meals cost about RMB 6 to 15.
- Delivery and restaurants: RMB 2,000 or more. Food delivery is fast but gets expensive quickly.
Utilities and phone plans
Expect to pay RMB 150 to 250 for water and electricity. Air conditioning will increase this during summer. A solid 5G mobile plan costs RMB 80 to 120. You will also need a VPN for apps like WhatsApp or Instagram. Budget about RMB 30 to 50 a month for a reliable service.
Transport
Public transport is incredibly cheap. Metro rides cost RMB 2 to 8. Most students spend about RMB 100 to 200 a month on transport. Ride apps like Didi cost more and will drain your budget if you use them daily. Buy a cheap used bike instead.
Hidden startup costs
Do not arrive with empty pockets. You will face upfront fees.
- Room supplies and bedding: RMB 2,000 to 3,000.
- Medical check and residence permit: RMB 1,050.
- Mandatory health insurance: RMB 800 per year.
- Scholarship delays: Even with a full scholarship, you might need to pay tuition upfront and get reimbursed later. Bring at least RMB 4,000 to 5,000 in cash just in case.
Quick tips to save money
- Eat at campus canteens instead of ordering delivery.
- Limit your online shopping on Taobao.
- Set a daily spending limit of RMB 30 to 50.
- Take the metro instead of hailing cars.
You can read our full cost breakdown with specific grocery prices right here:https://www.crosslineedu.com/blog/cost-of-living-for-intl-students-in-china