Cost of living

Cost of living

Below are examples of how much you could expect to spend in Suzhou each month:

STUDENT ONE

Lixiao lives in international halls and lives on a budget, for example, only eats Chinese food from the university canteen, doesn’t participate in nightlife, and occasionally takes the bus or metro into the old town.

EXPENSE APPROXIMATE EXPENDITURE (RMB)
Rent 2,200
Utilities 200
Food 800
Transport 50
Luxuries 0
Total monthly 3,250
Holidays Lixiao isn’t keen on luxuries when he’s travelling. He travels by train and stays in youth hostels.
Cost of a week-long holiday Total cost: 1,000-2,000
Hotel/night: 10-50
Tickets: <200/day
Food: <40/day

STUDENT TWO

Sami lives in international halls and lives on a budget during the week, but occasionally treats himself to food from a nicer restaurant. He participates in nightlife once a month. He normally takes the bus but takes a taxi three or four times a month.

EXPENSE APPROXIMATE EXPENDITURE (RMB)
Rent 2,200
Utilities 300
Food 2,000
Transport 300
Luxuries 1,000
Total monthly 5,800
Holidays Sami doesn’t like to spend a lot of money, but likes the odd luxury. Bed instead of seat on the train. Generally stays in hostels or cheap hotels.
Cost of a week-long holiday Total cost: 3,000-5,000
Hotel/night: 180-300
Tickets: 200-500/day
Entry tickets: 120/day
Food: 100/day

STUDENT THREE

David lives the expat lifestyle normally eating in Western restaurants and participating in nightlife. He owns an e-bike and takes occasional taxis.

EXPENSE APPROXIMATE EXPENDITURE (RMB)
Rent 3,000
Utilities 500
Food 3,000
Transport 300 (+2,000 for purchasing e-bike)
Luxuries 2,000
Total monthly 8,800
Holidays David likes to be comfortable, only stays in four star hotels and usually travels by plane.
Cost of a week-long holiday Total cost: 8,000-10,000
Hotel/night: 700-900
Tickets: 500-900/day
Entry tickets: 120/day
Food: 300/day