Average Expenses of Studying in Universities in New First-tier Cities

New first-tier cities refer to cities like Hangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Qingdao. These cities have experienced rapid economic development but still have some gap compared to first-tier cities. They are rising rapidly and becoming the new economic centers of China.

The rise of new first-tier cities is due to the high-speed development of the Chinese economy. In recent years, the Chinese government has continuously promoted urbanization and supported economic construction in the central and western regions, while also strengthening intercity connectivity. These policies have created a favorable environment and conditions for the rise of new first-tier cities.

Compared to first-tier cities, although the economic development of new first-tier cities still has room for improvement, their development speed and potential cannot be underestimated. These cities have a large consumer market and an atmosphere of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the same time, they also possess rich cultural resources and historical heritage, attracting more and more people to invest, live, and work there. Overall, the rise of new first-tier cities represents the high-speed development of the Chinese economy and the acceleration of urbanization. These cities are rising rapidly and becoming the new economic centers of China, injecting new energy and vitality into its economic development. The average cost of living in new first-tier cities is lower than that of first-tier cities.

Cost of Living in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, which translates to the “heaven of the earth”, is the capital city of Zhejiang province. It is situated in the southern part of the

Yangtze River Delta, the western end of Hangzhou Bay and the lower reaches of the Qiantang River.

Hangzhou is a financial center, a traffic hub for southeast China and one of the wealthiest cities in the mainland. While Hangzhou has a

slightly higher cost of living, it remains to be a cheaper alternative to its neighboring cities, namely, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

With its prime location and peaceful ambiance, it is one of the cities in China with a large expat population.

Accommodation

A one-room decent apartment in Hangzhou costs less than US $150 monthly while a fully-furnished studio apartment less than $300

monthly.

Food

Hangzhou cuisine prominently makes use of pork and seafood. Meals in budget restaurants start at $0.88 to $2.64 for a serving of

dumplings and vegetables. If you eat out with friends or reward yourself, dinner in a high-end Chinese restaurant costs about $30 per

person.

Transportation

Denote tourist buses, locally known as “youke” ranges from $0.44 to $0.72. Buses charge $0.15 to 0.72 while air-conditioned ones $0.29

to $0.59. Taxis charge a flat rate of $2.46 for any destination under 3 km. Hangzhou has a cheap and extensive public bike system. Day rent

runs from $43 plus a deposit of $29.

Utilities

Basic utilities such as water, electricity, garbage disposal, heating and cooling can cost between $46 to $100. Data and unlimited internet

has an average rate of $13.

Education

Hangzhou offers quality education through top-tier universities such as Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang

International Studies University and Hangzhou Normal University. Depending on the program and the university, yearly tuition ranges from

$2,500 to $7,000.

Miscellaneous expenses

$100 for clothes and personal care is enough to live comfortably in Hangzhou. For a night out or a movie with friends, a $50 budget will

take you far in the city.

Average monthly cost of living

The average monthly cost of living in Hangzhou for a single person is $1,272.

If you wanna know more information about Beijing,please click here.

Cost of Living in Qingdao

Qingdao (formerly known as Tsingtao) is a beautiful city located in the north eastern coast of China, close to North and South Korea. As the

largest city in Shandong province, it has a population of about 9 million people. The cost of living in Qingdao is much lower than mega

cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Accommodation

Food

Transportation

Public transportation fees are relatively low in Qingdao with a one-way ticket averaging $.2, a monthly pass at $9 and a taxi ride for 5

kilometres at $3.58.

Utilities

Utilities which include electricity, heating, gas and water can range from $45 to $200 per month depending on usage, while data, messaging

and internet will cost you $15 to $25 per month.

Education

Some of Qingdao’s most renowned universities include Qingdao University, Qingdao University of Science and Technology and Qingdao

Technological University. These universities have much lower tuition fee compared to universities in Beijing or Shanghai. Depending on the

program, yearly tuition can range from $2,600 to $7,000.

Miscellaneous expenses

There are many things to do in Qingdao. You can get a taste of the world famous 3 ml Tsingtao beer for as low as $.28, dine out with friends

at $7 to $21 or watch a nice movie for $5.

Average monthly cost of living

The average monthly cost of living in Qingdao for a single person is $944.

Cost of Living in Tianjin

Tianjin is a metropolis in China that offers rich cultural experience and history and urban vitality. With its literal translation which means

“The Emperor’s Ford”, Tianjin has over 600 years of history and is famously known for its grand architecture and scenic landscapes.

Tianjin has a population of more than 15 million people. It is also home to the world’s fourth largest port which serves the thriving

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Compared to mega cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, Tianjin is a cheaper alternative when it

comes to cost of living.

Accommodation

The monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation ranges from US $410 to $890 while a a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio

ranges from $360 to $550.

Food

Transportation

If you drive a car, 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas will only cost $.91. Monthly ticket for public transport is $20 while the basic tariff for every 8

kilometers for a taxi trip is $4. Transportation rates are in Tianjin are one of the cheapest in China

Utilities

Basic utilities such as water, electricity, garbage disposal, heating and cooling can cost between $46 to $100. Data and unlimited internet

has an average rate of $13.

Education

Research-oriented Nankai University is located in the city. Hebei University of Technology (HEBUT) is also a notable university in the area.

Depending on the university and the program, yearly tuition ranges from $2,800 to $7,000.

Miscellaneous expenses

The cost for other expenses such as clothes and personal care depend on your usage and brand choice. A short visit to a private doctor

(15 minutes) costs $80. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are generally cheaper in China.

If you would like to go out with friends, relax or unwind, the cost in Tianjin is fairly affordable. A basic dinner in a neighborhood pub will

only cost $16, a ticket to the movies $6, a fancy meal at a restaurant is $51 and a beer/cocktail costs between $4 to $8.

Average monthly cost of living

The average monthly cost of living in Tianjin for a single person is $1,093.

Cost of Living in Xi’an

Compared to bigger cities on the east coast of China, Xi’an is a much affordable city to live in. The city can cater to certain Western needs,

it also offers an excellent living experience on a budget. You can eat, travel and shop in Xi’an without having to skimp on the essentials.

Accommodation

Food

Food in Xi’an is both delicious and cheap. A basic meal of rice or noodles will only cost you as low as 2 RMB while eating authentic

Xi’an cuisine in a restaurant can cost around $2 to $3.50.

Transportation

Utilities

Electricity is relatively cheaper in Xi’an compared to other cities in China. Cellphone and internet fees are around $28 to $56 and water

and garbage removal at $28 to $42.

Education

Xi’an’s most notable universities include the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Depending on the program, yearly tuition may cost between $2,800 to $42,000.

Average monthly cost of living

The average monthly cost of living in Xi’an for a single person in Xi’an is $710.

Know more about Xi'an, click here.

Cost of Living in Wuhan

Wuhan City is the capital of Hubei Province. As home to more than 11 million people, it is the most populous city in Central China. The city

is an important centre for finance and trade. However, it is best known for its scientific research, biology engineering and pharmaceutical

industries. More than being a business hub, Wuhan is a beautiful city and is a top tourist destination in China. Learn more about the cost

of living in Wuhan here.

Accommodation

For a one to two-bedroom apartment with decent furnishings, the average rate in Wuhan is US $360 to $500. If you want to live nearer to

the city centre, the price is higher but still cheaper compared to rates in Beijing and Shanghai.

Food

You can eat more than enough for an entire week for $20 to $50. Whether you grocery shop every week or eat at restaurants, food in

Wuhan is generally affordable. Two large chicken breasts will only cost you $3 to $4, a loaf of bread at $1.50 to $3 and a dozen eggs at $2.

Transportation

The taxi tariff in Wuhan starts at $2, every kilometre after is $.29. If you take the subway (depending on the number of stops), the rate is

between $0.22 to $1. The monthly ticket for public transport is $16.

Utilities

Utilities which include electricity, heating, gas and water can range from $29 to $130 per month, while data, messaging and internet will

cost you $6 to $20 per month.

Education

Wuhan is home to top-tier universities such as Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. For tertiary

education, the yearly tuition fee can range from $3,100 to $8,400.

Miscellaneous expenses

If you are not big on clothes, you can save a lot in your monthly expenses. However, if you like having fun from time to time, the cost of

entertainment is as low as the cost of living. For instance, a local beer will only cost $3, movie tickets at $5 or fine dining at a fancy

restaurant for only $28.

Average monthly cost of living

The average monthly cost of living in Wuhan for a single person is $794.

Know more about Wuhan，click here.

If you wanna know more information about Chengdu,click here.

These are basic cost of university in different cities in China,  of course, you can also adjust according to your needs and budget.

Here are some other countries ,click here.