I just read a forum post where several expats in Shanghai were saying that 10,000 RMB per month is not enough for an expat to live here comfortably. That 10K RMB pay is on top of what’s typically included in an expat package (rent and flights home paid for, sometimes more).
So I did a bit of calculation of my own to see what my monthly cost of living is like. Here’s a breakdown.
Necessities
Rent + utilities: 0
Mobile phone service: 100 RMB/month
Groceries: 70 RMB/week
Dinner: 20 RMB/day average
Beverages: 4 RMB/day average
Haircut: 40 RMB/mo (Upper-body massage included!)
Subtotal: 1123 RMB per month
That’s right, typical cell phone bill in China would be about $15 USD. Fuck USA providers and their $49.99 per month plus fees! So anyway, if I stay home all the time and just surf the web, my expense in Shanghai would be a little over 1000 RMB per month. Unfortunately I have hobbies, a few friends, and a woman.
Dinner with friend after work
Metro to downtown: 5 RMB
Dinner: 120 RMB
Metro and taxi back home: 32 RMB
Number of times per week: 2
Subtotal: 1391 RMB per month
I live in the suburb, so going to downtown for a meal and coming home basically take up an entire evening. Twice per week is about all I can take. But it is nice to have real food at a decent restaurant once in a while instead of the same crap I always eat (like McDonald’s, KFC).
Weekend stroll
Bus and metro to downtown: 9 RMB
Meal or other activity: 120 RMB
Metro and taxi home: 32 RMB
Number of times per weekend: 1
Subtotal: 713 RMB per month
I have time on weekends so I’m willing to take the bus partway to downtown. But on my way home at night, I like to take the taxi and count the number of barbershops I pass by that use pink lights.
Bar or club
Taxi to downtown: 40 RMB
Drinks: 150 RMB
Yangrouchuan x2: 4 RMB
Taxi home: 70 RMB
Number of times per week: 1
Subtotal: 1170 RMB per month
If you don’t drink a lot, or if you go to a really cheap dive, and you believe girls should buy you drinks and not the other way around, 150 RMB is enough. Just make sure you have enough cash for the taxi because the fare goes up late at night (and there’s no bus and metro after 10:30ish).
Other stuff
King Drink pills: 30 RMB/mo
Clothing or other: 250 RMB/mo
Disc Kart tickets: 350 RMB/2mo
Subtotal: 455 RMB per month
King Drink is this brand of anti-hangover pills that really work. Its name in Chinese is Hai Wang something. After taking it I’d still get a little dizzy the next day, but no headache. I’m told it also protects your liver.
Websites
Hosting fees: 70.50 USD (480.68 RMB) per half-year
Domain names: 119.98 USD (819.24 RMB) per year
Subtotal: 148 RMB per month
My only remaining bills from the US (that I can remember) are for my websites. I can’t believe I have 14 domain names. I’m not even a web designer. Stupid hobby.
Anyway, add up them subtotals and my monthly expense comes out to be 5000 RMB exactly. (Hah! Weird huh?) I suppose some people wouldn’t consider my lifestyle comfortable, but I think it’s all right. It’s definitely not luxurous, but I’m fairly comfortable. Maybe I’ve adapted and become Chinese? Gasps!
If somebody can’t make ends meet off 10,000 in Shanghai, I’d hate to see what their budget looks like in the West.
Haircut: 40 RMB/mo (Upper-body massage included!)
How long is your hair? It should be 10-15 RMB with shampoo and cut.
Yangrouchuan x2: 4 RMB
:)
At least you’ve proven the claims otherwise that it is possible to live in Shanghai for half the price most of them claim it costs.
Cheers to your lifestyle. Whatever makes you happy is the most important–at least you’re not troubling other people financially, or you’re not loaded with debt beyond repair.
Oh and I just had to say this: I love your post ender! It cracked me up a lot!
Nice post!
I have short hair. Yes I’m paying too much for a haircut, but I like that place’s 45-min massage. :)
I actually spend less than 5000 RMB/mo. The truth is (and I dunno if I should post this info here but whatever) 5000 RMB/mo is how much I make, so this post is sort of a lame inside joke for those who know me.
All the costs I listed are accurate though, except I don’t go out that much. Eat out twice a week on workdays? Bar or club every weekend? Totally not me. My woman says I’m a “宅男”.
Your budget is great for you..but you don’t pay rent it seems and most expats have to pay rent and that is going to start at 10K per month unless you’re living in a hovel. Sure locals can live on less..but unless you’re a backpacker and camping out…10K rmb a month is not going to cut it.
yeah,i’m gonna send this to my boss