Cost of Living in Shanghai, China
Shanghai is a city in China, where a single person can expect to spend about $1,180 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $828 per month, or $520 outside the centre. Internet is fast at around 223 Mbps median download speed. On safety, Shanghai scores 60/100 — moderately safe for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 90°F and winter highs around 50°F, with roughly 159 sunny days a year.
Shanghai Cost of Living Breakdown
🍽️ Dining
🛒 Groceries
🚌 Transportation
⚡ Utilities & Tech
🎬 Lifestyle
👔 Clothing
🏠 Housing
📊 Summary
Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Shanghai
How Shanghai Ranks Among 340 Cities
Of the 340 cities Voyica tracks, Shanghai ranks in the top 4% for public transit, but sits in the bottom 2% for air quality. It is cheaper than 66% of them.
| Metric | Shanghai | World rank | Rank in Asia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $1,180 | #116 of 340 | #50 of 65 |
| Safety | 60/100 | #186 of 340 | #46 of 65 |
| Healthcare | 67/100 | #179 of 340 | #29 of 65 |
| Internet speed | 223 Mbps | #115 of 340 | #19 of 65 |
| Walkability | 72/100 | #76 of 340 | #9 of 65 |
| Public transit | 85/100 | #12 of 340 | #6 of 65 |
| Food scene | 92/100 | #15 of 340 | #6 of 65 |
| Air quality | 26/100 | #335 of 340 | #62 of 65 |
Rank 1 = most affordable, safest, and so on. Computed across every city in Voyica's dataset (June 2026 snapshot); ties share a rank.
Cheaper Alternatives to Shanghai
Cities with a similar mix of safety, food, culture, walkability and climate that cost at least 15% less per month than Shanghai.
- Chengdu, China — $729/mo, 38% cheaper, safety 58/100
- Guangzhou, China — $960/mo, 19% cheaper, safety 55/100
- Xi'an, China — $740/mo, 37% cheaper, safety 58/100
- Hanoi, Vietnam — $775/mo, 34% cheaper, safety 70/100
Shanghai FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Shanghai?
A single person should budget around $1,180 per month in Shanghai, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs.
How much is rent in Shanghai?
A one-bedroom apartment in central Shanghai averages $828 per month, dropping to about $520 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $2,154.
Is Shanghai safe?
Shanghai scores 60/100 on safety, which is moderately safe. Tourist safety is rated 80/100.
How fast is the internet in Shanghai?
Median download speeds in Shanghai are around 223 Mbps — fast for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 85 coworking spaces in the city.
Does China offer a digital nomad visa?
China does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. US passport holders should check current entry requirements before traveling.
What is the weather like in Shanghai?
Shanghai sees summer highs around 90°F and winter highs near 50°F, with about 159 mostly sunny days a year and at least 1 mm of rain on about 100 days.
Visa Requirements for China
Add your passport to see whether you need a visa for China and how to apply.
Explore More
See Shanghai on the interactive map →