1. Housing / Rent
- Shared Apartment (Outside City Center): ¥2,000–¥3,500
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center): ¥5,000–¥8,000
- Studio in Expat Areas (Sanlitun, Chaoyang): ¥6,000–¥10,000+
Tip: Use apps like Ziroom or check WeChat housing groups for better deals.
2. Transportation
- Metro: ¥3–¥6 per ride
- Bus: ¥1–¥2
- Taxi within city center: ¥30–¥60
- Monthly Metro Card (Unlimited Travel): Around ¥200
Public transport in Beijing is excellent and affordable.
3. Food & Groceries
- Street food meal: ¥15–¥25
- Western fast food (KFC, McDonald’s): ¥35–¥50
- Local restaurant meal: ¥30–¥60
- Groceries per month: ¥1,000–¥1,800
- Imported goods: Usually 2–3x local prices
4. Utilities & Internet
- Electricity, Water, Gas: ¥300–¥500 monthly
- Mobile SIM Plan (Unlimited Data): ¥100–¥200
- Wi-Fi (Home Internet): ¥100–¥150/month
5. Lifestyle & Extras
- Gym Membership: ¥200–¥600/month
- Clubbing/Bar Night Out: ¥100–¥300
- Netflix (VPN required): Around ¥60/month
- International Health Insurance: ¥500–¥1,000/month
6. Work Visa & Legal Fees
If not covered by an employer:
- Visa Fees & Processing: ¥1,000–¥2,500
- Translation/Authentication: Additional ¥500–¥800
7. Monthly Budget Estimate (Solo Expat):
- Low Budget Lifestyle: ¥4,000–¥6,000
- Mid-Range Lifestyle: ¥7,000–¥12,000
- Premium Lifestyle: ¥13,000+
Final Tip:
You don’t have to live in the city center to enjoy Beijing. Choose nearby suburbs with metro access and enjoy the same experience for a fraction of the cost.
