Beijing 2008 - Expensive?

[WilsonFong]

I'm thinking about going to Beijing to study in a couple of years ( spring or summer 2008 ). Will the cost of living be much higher than it is now because of the olympics?

[Qcash3]

In short yes. But it will still be relatively cheap compared to western standards. I just arrived in beijing yesterday, and I was a little taken aback at how much more expensive things seemed to me, than when I was here two years ago. Also, the value of the dollar has fallen. Two years ago I believe it was around 8.3 RMB, but now it is around 7.87 RMB so obviously you get less for your dollar. It's times like these when I wish I had pounds.... Still, things are very affordable and you should not let the coming olympics deter you from studying here, it's still awesome. Athough, there are no more 1.60 RMB cabs anymore, that really makes me sad.

[roddy]

Will it be more expensive - yes. I don't think there's anywhere in China where the cost of living is falling. More expensive because of the Olympics - I don't think so. Maybe a small extra increase.

[venture160]

To add upon what Roddy said, of course things will be more expensive in 2008, with China's economy moving at full steam, market prices are now well "sort of" fluctuating at market prices(even though the united states officialy calls china a "non-free market economy". So as there is more money in the pockets of Mr. Li and Ms. Chan, as will consumer prices continue to rise. Although, if you go out west or north, just anywhere away from the east, things are still far cheaper, think Beijing 5 years ago. In harbin taxis are all 1.8 and start at 8 kuai. I can get an awesome Japanese buffet for 52rmb (its like 150 in Beijing!!!!) Or, for more simple things, a bottle of water in harbin is 1 yuan. In beijing it is 1.5-2 yuan on the street. Get out of beijing and the east coast if you want to save money.