Cost of Living in Shenzhen

Silicon Valley of Hardware; offers a youthful, fast-paced tech environment with tropical greenery and high wages.
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£990

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
60%
Groceries
19%
Eating Out
7%
Transportation
2%
Utilities
6%
Leisure
6%
Property
60%
Groceries
19%
Eating Out
7%
Transportation
2%
Utilities
6%
Leisure
6%

Innovation, makerspaces & theme parks

Tropical heat & green hills

Tech capital; youthful demographic

Cost of living breakdown for Shenzhen

You can expect to spend around £990 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£554Average rent per month
£9,720Price per m² (city centre)
£4,410Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index27
Quality of life index69
Safety index82
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Shenzhen average costs for food and drink.

£166Monthly groceries/person
£58Dining out average cost/person
£2Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Shenzhen average salaries and services.

£1,219Average Monthly Net Salary
£16Transport
Healthcare64
Salary & Services

Average living costs in China

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£554.01£432.40 - £1,081.00
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£334.18£194.58 - £528.61
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,333.37£972.90 - £2,162.01
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£663.05£486.45 - £1,081.00

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Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Shenzhen depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £436 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £1,587. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £554 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Shenzhen costs £0.38. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £16.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Shenzhen is currently £1,219.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen for a single person is £436, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Shenzhen, the estimated monthly costs are £1,587, not including rent.

Rent prices in Shenzhen depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £554, compared to £334 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,333 in the centre and £663 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Shenzhen (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £48 per month. Internet access typically adds another £9.