What is the cost of living in Beijing?

The cost of living in Beijing is 69.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 30.9). Groceries are 60.7% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 72.3% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately CNY 6,281 per month. Local purchasing power index is 104.4 (NYC = 100).

How much tax do you pay in China?

In China, a gross salary of CNY 379,493 per year results in approximately CNY 22,015 per month take-home pay after income tax and social contributions (effective rate: 30.4%). Use our China tax calculator for a personalised breakdown.

🇨🇳 China · #372 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Beijing?

Q: Should I move to Beijing?

Beijing, China has a cost of living 69.1% cheaper than New York City (index: 30.9). It is ranked #372 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is strong (index: 104.4 vs NYC = 100). Workers in China earning CNY 379,493 gross take home approximately CNY 22,015/month after tax. Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

69.1% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-69.1%

vs NYC

CNY 6,281

1-BR, city centre

CNY 22,015

Net take-home

Strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Beijing?

Example: CNY 379,493 gross/year in China → CNY 22,015/month net after tax (30.4% effective rate). Full China tax breakdown →

Cost breakdown: Beijing

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

30.9 Mid-priced

Rent

22.7 Very affordable

Groceries

39.3 Affordable

Restaurants

27.7 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

104.4 Strong

Rent in Beijing

1-BR, city centre CNY 6,281/mo

1-BR, outside centre CNY 3,494/mo

3-BR, city centre CNY 15,841/mo

3-BR, outside centre CNY 7,525/mo

Save by going outside centre 44% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

China take-home pay

CNY 379,493 → CNY 22,015/Net take-home (30.4% effective rate, single filer)

Full China tax calculator →

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇨🇳 Shenzhen

China

CoL index 31.7

Compare Shenzhen vs Beijing →

🇨🇳 Shanghai

China

CoL index 28.8

Compare Shanghai vs Beijing →

🇨🇳 Hangzhou

China

CoL index 26.2

Compare Hangzhou vs Beijing →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Beijing after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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