Nanjing vs Changsha on CNY 750,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026

On a gross salary of CNY 750,000 a year, a single employee takes home CNY 43,933 a month in Nanjing (70% of gross) and CNY 43,933 a month in Changsha (70%), after income tax and social security contributions.

Changsha is 6% cheaper than Nanjing overall (cost-of-living index 21.8 vs 23.1, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about CNY 1,775 a month in Changsha and CNY 3,512 in Nanjing, which leaves CNY 42,158 and CNY 40,421 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about CNY 35,242 a month in Changsha — this salary leaves CNY 8,692 a month on top.

By category, groceries cost 17% more in Changsha than in Nanjing, eating out 1% less and rent 45% less.

Nanjing Changsha
Gross salary per yearCNY 750,000CNY 750,000
Take-home pay per monthCNY 43,933CNY 43,933
One-bedroom rent, city centreCNY 3,512CNY 1,775
Left after rentCNY 40,421CNY 42,158
Cost-of-living index (New York = 100)23.121.8

How each figure is taxed: China tax calculator and China tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.

Questions about Nanjing vs Changsha

Is Changsha, China more expensive than Nanjing, China?

Changsha, China is 6% cheaper than Nanjing, China overall. On a gross salary of CNY 750,000 a year, you take home CNY 43,933 a month in Nanjing, China and CNY 43,933 a month in Changsha, China after income tax and social contributions.

How much can I save living in Changsha, China vs Nanjing, China?

Keeping the same standard of living as in Nanjing, China, you could save about CNY 8,692 a month (CNY 104,298 a year) in Changsha, China on this salary, after rent and living costs.

What taxes will I pay in China vs China?

On CNY 750,000 gross a year you take home CNY 43,933 a month in China and CNY 43,933 a month in China. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.