Is Shanghai more expensive than Nanjing?

Shanghai is 27.7% more expensive than Nanjing overall. Rent is 109.5% higher, groceries 20.8% more expensive, and restaurants 7.6% more expensive.

Which city has better purchasing power, Nanjing or Shanghai?

Nanjing has a purchasing power index of 112.4 while Shanghai has 94.6 (NYC = 100). Nanjing offers better purchasing power.

Nanjing vs Shanghai: Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

Category	🇨🇳 Nanjing	🇨🇳 Shanghai	Difference
Cost of Living	31.8	40.6	+27.7%
Rent	11.6	24.3	+109.5%
Groceries	35.6	43.0	+20.8%
Restaurants	23.8	25.6	+7.6%
Purchasing Power	112.4	94.6	-15.8%

Data verified Q1 2026 · Source: Numbeo cost-of-living indices (NYC = 100 baseline) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.

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🇨🇳 Cost of Living in Nanjing

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🇨🇳 Nanjing vs 🇨🇳 Shanghai

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