What is the cost of living in Qingdao?

The cost of living in Qingdao is 82.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 17.3). Groceries are 63.1% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 79.6% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately CNY 2,350 per month. Local purchasing power index is 120.8 (NYC = 100).

🇨🇳 Shandong, China · #524 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Qingdao?

Q: Should I move to Qingdao?

Qingdao, Shandong, China has a cost of living 82.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 17.3). It is ranked #524 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 120.8 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

82.7% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

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

-82.7%

vs NYC

CNY 2,350

1-BR, city centre

120.8

Purchasing Power

Very 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 Qingdao?

Cost breakdown: Qingdao

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

17.3 Very affordable

Rent

7.9 Very affordable

Groceries

36.9 Affordable

Restaurants

20.4 Very affordable

Purchasing Power

120.8 Very strong

Rent in Qingdao

1-BR, city centre CNY 2,350/mo

1-BR, outside centre CNY 1,325/mo

3-BR, city centre CNY 5,056/mo

3-BR, outside centre CNY 2,812/mo

Save by going outside centre 44% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

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