Shanghai is China's bustling financial hub offering excellent international schools and a sophisticated expat lifestyle. The city combines modern skyscrapers with historic neighborhoods, providing rich cultural experiences. Families benefit from world-class healthcare, efficient public transportation, and diverse dining options. The expat community is well-established with numerous international amenities. However, air quality can be concerning, and navigating bureaucracy requires patience. Language barriers exist but are manageable in expat areas. The city offers excellent career opportunities and cultural immersion while maintaining international standards of living.

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

33°C

Hottest (Aug)

1°C

Coolest (Jan)

Sunny days/mo avg

930mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowSea tempRainfall

8°

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🌊 May

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💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$2,800

Avg. rent /mo

$8.00

Budget meal

$60

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$5.50

Domestic beer$1.50

Imported beer$5.00

Water (1.5L)$0.60

Groceries

Loaf of bread$2.50

Milk (1L)$2.50

Dozen eggs$2.80

Chicken (1 kg)$4.80

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$2.20

Taxi per km$0.45

Monthly transit pass$35

Gasoline (per liter)$1.30

Monthly Bills

Internet$20 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$100 /mo

Gym membership$80 /mo

Domestic help$600 /mo

Preschool / nursery$1,200 /mo

Comfortable

A family in a 2-bedroom local apartment in Changning or Minhang, using the Metro, mix of local markets and imported groceries, children at a bilingual or mid-tier international school.

$5,370/mo

Rent$1,500

Groceries$500

Lifestyle & leisure$300

Transport$100

Utilities$120

Dining out$350

Healthcare$300

School fees (per child)$1,800

Domestic help$400

Established

A serviced 3-bedroom apartment in the Former French Concession or Jing'an, children at reputable schools like YCIS or Concordia, regular restaurant dining, gym, weekend getaways.

$11,300/mo

Rent$3,500

Groceries$900

Lifestyle & leisure$700

Transport$300

Utilities$200

Dining out$800

Healthcare$600

School fees (per child)$3,500

Domestic help$800

Premium

A luxury villa in Pudong or Hongqiao compounds, children at SAS or Dulwich, private driver, premium gym and club memberships, fine dining, frequent domestic and international travel.

$20,650/mo

Rent$7,000

Groceries$1,500

Lifestyle & leisure$1,500

Transport$800

Utilities$350

Dining out$1,500

Healthcare$1,000

School fees (per child)$5,500

Domestic help$1,500

Shanghai is China's most expensive city and rivals Hong Kong and Singapore for expat living costs, particularly for housing in premium compounds and international schooling. However, local food, transport, and domestic services remain very affordable. The gap between expat-bubble living and local-style living is enormous. All figures in USD at approximately 1 USD = 7.2 CNY.

🌬️ Air Quality

Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)

130

Jan

115

Feb

100

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

100

Aug

Sep

Oct

110

Nov

135

Dec

Good (0–50)Moderate (51–100)USG (101–150)Unhealthy (151+)

Yearly average AQI is 100. Best air quality Mar–Oct (best: May at 75). Jan–Dec air quality worsens due to heat, humidity, and dust (peak: Dec at 135). Families with children who have asthma or respiratory conditions should plan indoor activities during summer months.