5.2% below the China average
Ranked #470 of 577 cities · More expensive than 18.5% of cities worldwide
Compared to China average · See China ranking →
| Apartment | City Centre | Outside Centre | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | CNY 3,612/mo ≈ $540 | CNY 1,860/mo ≈ $278 | 49% |
| 3-Bedroom | CNY 8,929/mo ≈ $1,335 | CNY 3,171/mo ≈ $474 | 65% |
Prices in local currency, cross-referenced from multiple independent sources. October 2026.
Guangzhou has a cost of living index of 21.7 (New York = 100, rent included), the average of 2 of 3 data sources. Expatistan is left out because it sits more than 15% away from the others.
ShouldIMove price index: our own basket of real item prices plus rent.
Guangzhou is affordable by global standards (ranked #470 of 577 cities). It is 5.2% cheaper than the China average, based on 13 cities.
Groceries are average and dining out is average. The best value is rent and the priciest is groceries.
Workers in China earning CNY 375,829 gross take home CNY 21,825/month after tax (30.3% effective rate). See full China tax calculator →
Add your current city and salary to compare your take-home pay and living costs with Guangzhou.
Compare your salary in Guangzhou →Relocation Toolkit
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