Cost of Living in Shanghai
Pearl of the Orient; offers a glamorous, futuristic urban lifestyle with high expat salaries and convenience.
Moving abroad? The Wise account makes relocation easy.
£1,124
Average cost per month
Distribution of Expenses
The Bund glamour & rooftop bars
River delta & skyline views
Financial capital; cosmopolitan & chic
Cost of living breakdown for Shanghai
Living costs in Shanghai can vary. You can expect to spend around £1,124 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.
Housing
Standard of Living
Food & Drink
Shanghai average costs for food and drink.
Salary & Services
Shanghai average salaries and services.
Average living costs in Shanghai
| Item | Average price | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £666.49 | £432.40 - £1,081.00 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £416.40 | £237.82 - £648.60 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month | £1,669.32 | £1,081.00 - £2,594.40 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month | £878.90 | £648.60 - £1,297.20 |
.png)
Cities in China
Relocation made simple
Whatever you're relocating for, the Wise account is made to support you.
4.8★ on App Store 152k reviews
4.8★ on Google Play 1.3m reviews
Our smart app makes relocation easy
Frequently asked questions
The cost of living in Shanghai depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £458 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £1,689. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £666 on average.
Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Shanghai costs £0.32. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £22.
The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Shanghai is currently £1,210.
Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Shanghai costs approximately £3, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £22.
The estimated monthly cost of living in Shanghai for a single person is £458, excluding rent.
For a family of four living in Shanghai, the estimated monthly costs are £1,689, not including rent.
Rent prices in Shanghai depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £666, compared to £416 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,669 in the centre and £879 in suburban areas.
Basic utilities in Shanghai (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £43 per month. Internet access typically adds another £8.