What’s the average living expenses in Hangzhou China?
I might be moving to Hangzhou or Shanghai from NYC, and am wondering the living expense difference?? I would be making the same salary I make here (about 45K) but wondering what this would transfer to overseas.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Shanghai is way different than Hangzhou. Hangzhou would be good on 8k RMB per month, but you are making 25600 RMB per month. That is enough for Shanghai. You are going to be making way more in a cost of living sense than you did in NYC.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
It depends on how you choose to live. Are you going to live in a 1 bed apartment or a 5 bed villa, will you use the bus or employ a full time driver and car etc. Homes here are not well insulated so cost a lot to heat in the winter and you will need air-con in the summer. Local food is cheap but imported food eg breakfast cereals are very expensive. I think China has got a lot more expensive in the few years I have been here but this is mainly because of the change in exchange rates. You should look carefully at the contract you are being offered. Most expat "packages" include a rent allowance, a number of flights home per year, medical insurance and school fees if you have kids. Some include a living allowance on top of your salary. China have just changed their tax laws so this sort of thing is now being taxed so this makes a big difference. Living in China has been a great experience. Just come with an open mind and a sense of humour.