How much money do i need?

[lerider]

Hi!

I'm going to study in Chengdu the following academic year and I am trying to calculate costs. The problem is I have never been to Chengdu, so I'd like some help to estimate how much money I need.

I'd like to live a comfortable student life, not too lavish but still comfortable. This means I will never make food myself, lunch will probably be something light while dinner will be at a restaurant. I will not go on a shopping spree every day but I still want to be able to buy cloths now and then without having to cut down on other things.

I'd like to visit coffee-houses/tea-houses during the days and grab a few beers at the local restaurant on the evenings. Partying/karaoke/whatever on weekends.

I'll stay away from the expat areas since I am not going to China to speak english anyway, that will probably make things a little bit cheaper. I am probably going to spend most time on campus and downtown.

Care to help me break it down to weekly/daily costs? Rent is already paid so I don't need to take this into consideration.

[imron]

Did you try searching the forums for Chengdu living costs?

[lerider]

Yes, found information about other cities but not Chengdu

[Rincewind]

Chengdu is more than likely going to be the same as the other cities that have been discussed. Factor in 10% for inflation per year if it's an old thread. Only the mega cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong, are radically more expensive and your not going to some remote out of the way place that might be very cheap. Chengdu would be a pretty average place, price wise, I'd reckon.

[simonlaing]

As Chengdu is 2nd tier, Like Nanjing but probably cheaper,

I will give my estimate

1 bedroom apartment Nice, 900-1300 per month (pay 6 months in advance)

lunches dish with rice , or noodles (cheap) 5-10 yuan

Nice cheap dinner for 1 Chinese 1-2 dishes 15-30 yuan

Western dinner (no alcohol ) 25-70 yuan

Beverages

Refillable Tea pot in Tea shop 20-30 Yuan

Beer on the street 3-5 yuan (student hang out in Nanjing normal is on the street in front of the main gate)

Beer in a bar 15-40 yuan

Bottle of wine in a bar 80-200 yuan

Bottle of Jack Daniels with Mixers(soda)in a bar around 180 yuan

As with everything if you share a dinner the per person rate might go down a little.

It is hard to cook at home and beat the Chinese Lunch rate.

In Nanjing there are places you can find pasta, pasta sauce, taco ingredients and bread and meat of various kinds, I would think there would be more in Chengdu.

Also there is likely to be more Hot pot places than quick rice dish places as that is popular there. Get ready for spice.

There is a housing costing thread you can look at as well.

Good luck,

SimoN:)