She Strengthens

The Hidden Costs of Expatriate Life in Shanghai

When considering a move abroad, one of the most pressing questions is: what will it cost me? While online research and expat advice can provide valuable insights, nothing compares to experiencing the realities of living in a new city firsthand. As I settled into life in Shanghai, I quickly discovered that my budget-conscious nature was put to the test.

Adjusting to Local Prices

Initially, I prioritized learning the local language and culture, sacrificing luxuries like a gym membership. However, as I became more comfortable in my new surroundings, I began to indulge in pricier activities that brought me joy, such as workout classes and the occasional brunch. Even after three years, I still encounter surprising price discrepancies – like paying under $5 for a filling meal at a hole-in-the-wall dumpling joint, only to spend nearly $20 on a single cocktail.

Surprising Costs from Fellow Expats

I reached out to other expats living in Shanghai to learn about the costs that caught them off guard. Here’s what they shared:

Rent and Real Estate

“Rent is shockingly comparable to prices in NYC, one of the most expensive cities in the world. And, ironically, Chinese herbal medicines are often more expensive in China than in Chinatowns abroad.” – 26, USA

Transportation

“I’m amazed by how affordable public transportation is. With options like the metro, bus, tram, and bike sharing, every ride costs less than $1 USD. It’s wonderful to have so many choices and be more sustainable.” – 25, USA

Healthy Living

“I’m surprised by how much I need to spend to live a healthy life in Shanghai. Yoga classes and boot camp sessions cost around $30 each, and eating healthy can be tricky, with high-quality meal options costing at least $10 USD per meal.” – 28, Japan

Food for Thought

“I’ll miss the delicious and affordable local foods when I leave. Authentic hand-pulled noodles for under $3? You wouldn’t even find this dish outside NYC Chinatown, let alone at such low prices.” – 28, USA

Overpriced Essentials

“Some everyday items, like deodorant, are hard to find and costly, while others, like replica dustpans and power boards, are abundant and cheap. And coffee? A small cup can cost $5, with varying quality.” – 28, Australia

Gourmet Surprises

“Good milk and cheese are expensive in Shanghai, and salads with protein can cost up to $18. However, fresh vegetables and fruits are affordable and benefiting from China’s growing organic farming and farm-to-table concepts.” – 25, USA

Seafood Shocker

“I wasn’t prepared for the lack of affordable seafood in Shanghai. Coming from The Bahamas, I miss being able to easily indulge in seafood.” – 31, The Bahamas

Fresh Vegetables Galore

“While imported goods can be pricey, I love that fresh vegetables are so affordable in Shanghai. A huge bag of 8 different kinds costs around $10 at the local market.” – 26, USA