Living Cost Comparison in Chinese Currency China Cities vs Dubai
In this case, when one is considering moving or even investing in a new city, it is important to know the cost of living. See below the comparison of expenses in different Chinese cities against Dubai in Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Discover the actual cost of living in China’s major cities in Chinese currency in comparison to the UAE. The details of particular expenses like rent or mortgage, food, utilities, and transportation are discussed and elaborated thus if one is moving around he or she can get to assess the overall cost of living and determine if they will be able to afforded the other expenses in the new area. Now you need to know which city has a more convenient cost of living experience, and that is not difficult to find out!

Housing Costs
Comparison between Chinese cities and Dubai shows Dubai has significantly higher rent prices.
Food Expenses
Overall food costs are higher in Dubai compared to major Chinese cities, especially dining out.
Transportation Costs
Public transportation in Chinese cities is cheaper than in Dubai, reflecting affordability.
Utility Costs
Utilities such as electricity and water are more expensive in Dubai than in China.
Entertainment Costs
Entertainment activities are generally more costly in Dubai compared to Chinese cities.
Beijing
City Center: ¥70,000 – ¥100,000 per sq meter
Outside City Center: ¥40,000 – ¥60,000 per sq meter
Rent (City Center): ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 per month
Rent (Outside City Center): ¥6,000 – ¥10,000 per month
Shanghai
City Center: ¥75,000 – ¥110,000 per sq meter
Outside City Center: ¥45,000 – ¥65,000 per sq meter
Rent (City Center): ¥12,000 – ¥18,000 per month
Rent (Outside City Center): ¥7,000 – ¥12,000 per month
Shenzhen
City Center: ¥70,000 – ¥105,000 per sq meter
Outside City Center: ¥40,000 – ¥55,000 per sq meter
Rent (City Center): ¥9,000 – ¥14,000 per month
Rent (Outside City Center): ¥5,000 – ¥9,000 per month
Guangzhou
City Center: ¥60,000 – ¥90,000 per sq meter
Outside City Center: ¥35,000 – ¥50,000 per sq meter
Rent (City Center): ¥8,000 – ¥12,000 per month
Rent (Outside City Center): ¥5,000 – ¥8,000 per month
Dubai
City Center: ¥45,000 (AED 23,000) per sq meter
Outside City Center: ¥25,000 (AED 12,000) per sq meter
Rent (City Center): ¥20,000 (AED 10,328) per month
Rent (Outside City Center): ¥11,500 (AED 5,846) per month
Housing Costs Comparison
Food Costs Comparison
Transportation Costs Comparison
Beijing
Monthly utility costs for a standard apartment: ¥500 – ¥1,000
Shanghai
Monthly utilities: ¥600 – ¥1,200
Dubai
Utility costs: ¥2,000 (AED 950) per month
Rice (1 kg)
Beijing: ¥10.36 | Shanghai: ¥11.00 | Dubai: ¥13.35 (AED 6.75)
Eggs (12)
Beijing: ¥24.03 | Shanghai: ¥25.00 | Dubai: ¥22.72 (AED 11.49)
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)
Beijing: ¥27.92 | Shanghai: ¥28.50 | Dubai: ¥40.32 (AED 20.39)
Beijing
Cinema Ticket: ¥50.00 – ¥80.00
Fitness Club (Monthly): ¥300.00 – ¥500.00
Shanghai
Cinema Ticket: ¥55.00 – ¥85.00
Fitness Club (Monthly): ¥320.00 – ¥550.00
Dubai
Cinema Ticket: ¥85.00 (AED 40)
Fitness Club (Monthly): ¥250.00 (AED 117)
Beijing
One-way Ticket: ¥5.00
Monthly Pass: ¥250.00
Taxi Start: ¥13.00
Shanghai
One-way Ticket: ¥5.50
Monthly Pass: ¥260.00
Taxi Start: ¥14.00
Dubai
One-way Ticket: ¥13.86 (AED 6.75)
Monthly Pass: ¥594.12 (AED 300)
Taxi Start: ¥23.76 (AED 12)

Although Dubai can boast of offering the best life and better infrastructure, it is expensive than the major cities in China. Living and Housing facilities and utilities alone are much cheaper in New York but Dubai has something different to offer in terms of lifestyle and investments. However, the living expenses in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen or Guangzhou are relatively cheaper including the cost of houses and other necessities.