The City Tier System.
China categorizes its hundreds of cities into "Tiers" based on GDP, infrastructure, and commercial appeal. Here is what each tier means for your relocation.
The Global Megacities
The economic and political engines of China. These cities offer the highest salaries, the most advanced infrastructure, and a highly international lifestyle.
- Cost of Living
- Expat Community
- English Spoken
The Rising Powerhouses
Rapidly modernizing regional capitals and tech hubs. They offer an incredible balance of modern luxury, authentic local culture, and a lower cost of living.
- Cost of Living
- Expat Community
- English Spoken
The Local Foundations
Smaller manufacturing hubs and scenic cultural towns. Relocating here offers total immersion into traditional Chinese life and maximum purchasing power.
- Cost of Living
- Expat Community
- English Spoken
China Rental Price Index.
Average monthly rental costs (RMB) across major business hubs. Use this data to accurately forecast your housing budget per layout.
| City | Coliving Room | 1-Bedroom Apt | 2-Bedroom Apt | 3-Bedroom Apt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Tier 1 | ¥ 4,500 - 6,500 | ¥ 8,000 - 12,000 | ¥ 13,000 - 18,000 | ¥ 20,000+ |
| Beijing Tier 1 | ¥ 4,000 - 6,000 | ¥ 7,500 - 11,000 | ¥ 12,000 - 16,000 | ¥ 18,000+ |
| Shenzhen Tier 1 | ¥ 3,500 - 5,500 | ¥ 6,500 - 9,500 | ¥ 10,000 - 15,000 | ¥ 16,000+ |
| Guangzhou Tier 1 | ¥ 2,800 - 4,500 | ¥ 5,000 - 7,500 | ¥ 8,000 - 12,000 | ¥ 14,000+ |
| Hangzhou New Tier 1 | ¥ 2,500 - 4,000 | ¥ 4,500 - 7,000 | ¥ 7,000 - 10,000 | ¥ 12,000+ |
| Nanjing New Tier 1 | ¥ 2,000 - 3,200 | ¥ 3,500 - 5,500 | ¥ 6,000 - 8,500 | ¥ 10,000+ |
| Suzhou New Tier 1 | ¥ 2,200 - 3,500 | ¥ 3,800 - 6,000 | ¥ 6,500 - 9,000 | ¥ 11,000+ |
| Chengdu New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,800 - 3,000 | ¥ 3,000 - 5,000 | ¥ 5,500 - 8,000 | ¥ 9,000+ |
| Wuhan New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,700 - 2,800 | ¥ 2,800 - 4,500 | ¥ 5,000 - 7,500 | ¥ 8,500+ |
| Tianjin New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,800 - 3,000 | ¥ 3,000 - 4,800 | ¥ 5,500 - 7,500 | ¥ 9,000+ |
| Chongqing New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,500 - 2,600 | ¥ 2,600 - 4,200 | ¥ 4,800 - 7,000 | ¥ 8,500+ |
| Xi'an New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,600 - 2,500 | ¥ 2,500 - 4,000 | ¥ 4,500 - 6,500 | ¥ 8,000+ |
| Qingdao New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,700 - 2,800 | ¥ 2,800 - 4,500 | ¥ 5,000 - 7,000 | ¥ 8,500+ |
| Changsha New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,500 - 2,400 | ¥ 2,400 - 3,800 | ¥ 4,200 - 6,000 | ¥ 7,500+ |
| Zhengzhou New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,400 - 2,200 | ¥ 2,200 - 3,500 | ¥ 4,000 - 5,800 | ¥ 7,000+ |
| Shenyang New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,400 - 2,200 | ¥ 2,200 - 3,500 | ¥ 4,000 - 5,800 | ¥ 7,000+ |
| Dalian Tier 2 | ¥ 1,500 - 2,500 | ¥ 2,500 - 4,000 | ¥ 4,500 - 6,500 | ¥ 8,000+ |
| Foshan New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,500 - 2,400 | ¥ 2,400 - 3,800 | ¥ 4,200 - 6,000 | ¥ 7,500+ |
| Dongguan New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,600 - 2,500 | ¥ 2,500 - 4,000 | ¥ 4,500 - 6,500 | ¥ 8,000+ |
| Ningbo New Tier 1 | ¥ 1,800 - 2,800 | ¥ 3,000 - 4,500 | ¥ 5,500 - 7,500 | ¥ 9,000+ |
| Xiamen Tier 2 | ¥ 2,000 - 3,500 | ¥ 3,800 - 5,500 | ¥ 6,500 - 9,000 | ¥ 11,000+ |
Explore China.
Looking for a home outside of Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong? Select a city to see the local landscape and request a custom search from our nationwide network.
Select a City
Click on the map to explore provincial capitals and major hubs across China.
Our bespoke sourcing team can help you find premium housing in any major Chinese city through our verified partner network.