Living Costs in China – City Budget Guide
Your stipend goes 2–3x further in a Tier 3 city than in Beijing. Here are realistic monthly costs for six cities so you can plan your real budget.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
Monthly Costs by City
Estimated monthly costs for a CSC scholar in six typical locations, from the most expensive to the cheapest.
Beijing (Tier 1)
| Monthly expense | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Food (eating out + cooking) | CNY 1,500–2,500 |
| Transport (metro + bus) | CNY 200–400 |
| Phone + Internet | CNY 100–200 |
| Misc (toiletries, etc.) | CNY 300–500 |
| Total (on campus) | CNY 2,100–3,600 |
Verdict: the PhD stipend (CNY 3,500) just barely covers expenses on campus. The Master's stipend (CNY 3,000) will be tight. Off-campus living adds CNY 2,000–4,000/month rent with only a CNY 700–1,000 subsidy.
Shanghai (Tier 1)
Similar to Beijing. Food costs CNY 1,400–2,200/month. Transport is slightly cheaper with the extensive metro. Off-campus rent: CNY 2,500–5,000/month. Shanghai has more international dining options, but they're expensive.
Guangzhou (Tier 1)
Slightly cheaper than Beijing and Shanghai. Food: CNY 1,200–1,800 (Cantonese cuisine is affordable and excellent). Rent: CNY 1,500–3,500 off campus. The weather is hot and humid — AC is essential, not optional.
Wuhan (Tier 2)
Significantly cheaper. Food: CNY 800–1,500/month. Transport: CNY 100–200. Off-campus rent: CNY 800–2,000. Home to Wuhan University and HUST. Your stipend will cover expenses comfortably. Summers are extremely hot (it's known as one of China's "furnace cities").
Chengdu (Tier 2)
Very affordable with an excellent quality of life. Food: CNY 700–1,300 (famous Sichuan cuisine is cheap and delicious). Transport: CNY 80–200. Off-campus rent: CNY 800–2,000. Known for its relaxed lifestyle, and home to Sichuan University.
Smaller cities (Tier 3+)
Best value. Food: CNY 500–1,000/month. Transport: CNY 50–150. Off-campus rent: CNY 400–1,200. Your stipend covers everything with savings possible. Fewer English speakers and international amenities, but the most authentic Chinese experience. Examples: Lanzhou, Kunming, Harbin, Hefei.
Banking & Payment Essentials
China is essentially cashless. You MUST set up mobile payment to function day to day.
WeChat Pay & Alipay
Everything in China uses mobile payment: restaurants, taxis, vending machines, even street food vendors. You must link a Chinese bank account to WeChat Pay and/or Alipay. Foreign cards sometimes work for Alipay, but with limitations. Get a Chinese bank account in your first week.
Opening a bank account
You'll need your passport, student ID, phone number and university enrolment certificate. ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) and Bank of China are the most common. Your CSC stipend will be deposited into this account monthly, and ATM withdrawals are free at your bank's ATMs.
Budget planned? Don't forget the internet situation — it affects everything — and the after selection checklist.