Cost Of Living For a Family in Kunming 2024

Family cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Kunming

Average monthly spending for families in Kunming

We consider a family to be a member of four members, two adults and two children. This is the most common type of family. From the figures below, it should be fairly easy to calculate the average spending for families of different sizes.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: CNY
6,900 20,000 130,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$950 $2,700 $18,000

How much money does a family need in a month to survive in Kunming?

Families in Kunming spend around 20,000 CNY per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a family can survive with a monthly budget as low as 6,900 CNY or as high as 130,000 CNY. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kunming


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Kunming

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

15 CNY 30 CNY 49 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $4.1 $6.8

Restaurant meal for one

47 CNY 70 CNY 140 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $19

Fine dining meal for one

94 CNY 140 CNY 560 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $78

Cappuccino or latte

12 CNY 20 CNY 30 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.7 $4.1

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

9.9 CNY 12 CNY 15 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.6 $2.1

12 eggs

7.4 CNY 9.9 CNY 15 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2.1

Fresh whole chicken

17 CNY 22 CNY 31 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3 $4.3

Pack of beef

20 CNY 30 CNY 59 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.1 $8.2

Medium bag of rice

7.9 CNY 11 CNY 15 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.1

Bag of tomatos

3 CNY 3.9 CNY 7.4 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.55 $1

Bag of apples

5.3 CNY 6.9 CNY 11 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $0.96 $1.6
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kunming


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

12 CNY 14 CNY 28 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $1.9 $3.9

Average car full tank

74 CNY 99 CNY 200 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $27

Average car 1-day rental

66 CNY 89 CNY 130 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $12 $18

Average car price

37,000 CNY 74,000 CNY 99,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,100 $10,000 $14,000

Bus ticket one way

2.2 CNY 3.3 CNY 6.6 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.31 $0.46 $0.92

Car Service

89 CNY 130 CNY 270 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $18 $37
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kunming


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Family

340 CNY 980 CNY 6,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $140 $890

Internet and cable

74 CNY 150 CNY 200 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $21 $27

Mobile phone charges

59 CNY 99 CNY 300 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $14 $41

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

37 CNY 49 CNY 74 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.8 $10

One month gym membership

110 CNY 130 CNY 270 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $18 $37
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kunming


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

78 CNY 110 CNY 170 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $23

Woman dress

74 CNY 100 CNY 330 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $14 $46

Woman shoes

70 CNY 95 CNY 220 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.7 $13 $31

Men's shoes

60 CNY 74 CNY 150 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.4 $10 $20

Men suit

66 CNY 83 CNY 440 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.2 $12 $61

Regular t-shirt

33 CNY 44 CNY 130 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.6 $6.1 $18
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kunming


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,100 CNY 1,700 CNY 4,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $610

1-bedroom apartment

1,700 CNY 2,700 CNY 6,600 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $370 $920

2-bedroom apartment

2,200 CNY 3,300 CNY 8,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

220,000 CNY 330,000 CNY 660,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $46,000 $92,000

1-bedroom apartment

270,000 CNY 440,000 CNY 1.7M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37,000 $61,000 $230,000

2-bedroom apartment

440,000 CNY 1.3M CNY 2.7M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61,000 $180,000 $370,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kunming


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,500 CNY 1,800 CNY 2,500 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $260 $340

Double Bed

990 CNY 1,500 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $210 $260

Single Bed

870 CNY 1,100 CNY 1,500 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $160 $210

Living Room

1,600 CNY 2,100 CNY 7,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $290 $1,000

Dining Table

740 CNY 990 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $140 $260

Sofa or Couch

990 CNY 1,300 CNY 3,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $190 $410
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kunming


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

990 CNY 1,500 CNY 3,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $210 $410

Fridge or Freezer

870 CNY 1,300 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $190 $260

Washing Machine

1,100 CNY 1,600 CNY 3,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $230 $410

Stove or Cooker

1,100 CNY 1,300 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $190 $260

Mobile Phone

1,200 CNY 1,500 CNY 2,100 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $210 $290

Laptop or Computer

1,300 CNY 1,600 CNY 3,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $230 $410
Family cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kunming

Family expenditure to income ratio in Kunming

Analysing the how affordable it is for families to live in Kunming

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Families usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a family of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

79%

72% to 87%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Families in Kunming spend around 79% of their monthly income. Some families spend as low as 72% of their income while some as high as 87%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a family in Kunming

How do families spend their money in Kunming?

We asked thousands of families about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for families

Accomodation Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (21% to 36%)

LOW$310   2,200 CNY
AVERAGE$870   6,300 CNY
HIGH$5,700   41,000 CNY
Per Month

Families in Kunming typically spend from 21% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 26% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 6,300 CNY with expenditure ranging from 2,200 CNY to 41,000 CNY. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for families

Cost of utilities5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)

LOW$48   340 CNY
AVERAGE$140   980 CNY
HIGH$890   6,400 CNY
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kunming ranges from 3% to 8% of total expenses with 5% being the average for most families. The average monthly cost of utilities is 980 CNY with 340 CNY and 6,400 CNY being the upper and lower limits for a family of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for families

Cost of transport and fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$95   690 CNY
AVERAGE$270   2,000 CNY
HIGH$1,800   13,000 CNY
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a family resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a family would expect to spend from 690 CNY to 13,000 CNY in a month on commuting with 2,000 CNY being the norm for most families. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 7%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for families

Food and Groceries Cost21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$170   1,200 CNY
AVERAGE$490   3,500 CNY
HIGH$3,200   23,000 CNY
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical family in a month in Kunming is 3,500 CNY. The cost of groceries can range between 1,200 CNY to 23,000 CNY. Families spend on average about 21% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 14% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for families

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$86   620 CNY
AVERAGE$270   2,000 CNY
HIGH$1,400   10,000 CNY
Per Month

Families in Kunming allocate 7% to 16% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 620 CNY to 10,000 CNY with 2,000 CNY being the norm for most families.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for families

Cost of leisure and shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$48   340 CNY
AVERAGE$140   980 CNY
HIGH$890   6,400 CNY
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 340 CNY to 6,400 CNY with 980 CNY being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 1% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most families.

Education and schooling expenditure for families

Cost of education and schooling13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$130   960 CNY
AVERAGE$380   2,700 CNY
HIGH$2,500   18,000 CNY
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different families. On average, education constitutes 13% of the monthly expenditure of families with 6% and 21% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 2,700 CNY per month with 960 CNY being the minimum spent amount and 18,000 CNY being the maximum.

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$76   550 CNY
AVERAGE$220   1,600 CNY
HIGH$1,400   10,000 CNY
Per Month
Percentage of families who manage to save money from their income every month in Kunming

What percentage of families in Kunming are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of families that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
49%
Not Saving
51%

Almost 49% of surveyed families in Kunming said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 51% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Family savings to income ratio in Kunming

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do families manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

8% 14% of income 25%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,400 CNY
$340
6,900 CNY
$960
45,000 CNY
$6,300
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%38%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%6%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families that are able to save money can put anywhere from 8% to 25% of their monthly income to their savings, with 14% being the average for most families. The average monthly amount of money that families can put aside is 6,900 CNY with 2,400 CNY and 45,000 CNY being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money in Kunming

Saving Challenges in Kunming

Reasons that make it difficult for families to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping families from maximizing their savings in Kunming. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans14%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending11%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later20%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the families said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 14% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 11% of families blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 20% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do families choose to put their savings in Kunming

Typical saving choices for families in Kunming

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold12%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings20%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for families to live in Kunming

Affordable living in Kunming

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked families one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kunming?


Yes
57%
No
43%

Around 57% of surveyed families think that living in Kunming is affordable with proper budgeting while 43% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for families. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kunming

Low-cost alternatives in Kunming

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked families how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options51%

Few low-cost options49%


Based on the survey, 51% of the families living in Kunming have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 49% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Families

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked families of Kunming whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes55%

No45%


Based on the survey, 45% of the families living in Kunming said that they don't have an emergency fund while 55% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for families in Kunming

Financial Literacy in China

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy59%


We asked family guardians and parents in Kunming whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 41% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 59% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether families of China have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 37% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 63% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance37%

Easily manages finances63%

Financial goals and targets of families living in Kunming

Financial goals of families in Kunming

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kunming, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction41%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing7%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses13%
Financial Independence6%

Around 8% of families said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 41% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 7% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 13% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of families who are in debt in Kunming

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kunming


Percentage of families who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the families in Kunming have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kunming

Debt-to-income ratio in Kunming

Debt to income ratio

27%

19% to 35%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 27% of a family's monthly income in Kunming goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%17%
40% - 50%14%
30% - 40%16%
20% - 30%11%
10% - 20%13%
0% - 10%26%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kunming pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 17% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 14% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 16% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 11% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kunming

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage9%
Auto Loan16%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card29%
Personal Loan42%

9% of debtors in Kunming confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 29% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 16% of people and personal loans rose at 42%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Kunming.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kunming

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked families of Kunming how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never51%
Once a year24%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kunming

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kunming

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kunming

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 CNY 1,700 CNY 4,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $230 $610

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,700 CNY 2,700 CNY 6,600 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230 $370 $920

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,200 CNY 3,300 CNY 8,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $460 $1,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,700 CNY 4,400 CNY 12,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $610 $1,700

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

5,300 CNY 13,000 CNY 27,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$740 $1,800 $3,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

4,400 CNY 6,600 CNY 19,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $920 $2,600

House monthly rent cost

5,300 CNY 13,000 CNY 27,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$740 $1,800 $3,700

Villa monthly rent cost

6,600 CNY 17,000 CNY 27,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$920 $2,300 $3,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kunming ranges between 1,100 CNY and 4,400 CNY, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 1,700 CNY to 6,600 CNY. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,200 CNY and 8,900 CNY per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 2,700 CNY to 12,000 CNY. The average rent of a townhouse in Kunming is around 6,600 CNY while house rental costs can be as high as 13,000 CNY per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 6,600 CNY to 27,000 CNY per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kunming

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

220,000 CNY 330,000 CNY 660,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $46,000 $92,000

1-bedroom apartment price

270,000 CNY 440,000 CNY 1.7M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37,000 $61,000 $230,000

2-bedroom apartment price

440,000 CNY 1.3M CNY 2.7M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61,000 $180,000 $370,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.5M CNY 2.2M CNY 6.6M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200,000 $310,000 $920,000

Townhouse price

1.9M CNY 4.4M CNY 17M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $610,000 $2.3M

House price

2.2M CNY 13M CNY 19M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310,000 $1.8M $2.6M

Villa price

2.7M CNY 15M CNY 22M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370,000 $2M $3.1M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kunming can range from 220,000 CNY to 660,000 CNY depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 270,000 CNY to 1.7M CNY. A villa can cost you 15M CNY on average with prices ranging from 2.7M CNY to 22M CNY.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kunming will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


32 x93 monthly income 180
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kunming can be x93 to x180 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x93 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kunming.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


18% 27% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kunming is around 27%. This means that people pay 27% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 35% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
24%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
3.9%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


20 CNY 260 CNY 2,600 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Kunming

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kunming

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

340 CNY 980 CNY 6,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48 $140 $890

Internet and cable cost

74 CNY 150 CNY 200 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $21 $27

Mobile phone bill and charges

59 CNY 99 CNY 300 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.2 $14 $41

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of families is around 980 CNY. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 74 CNY to 200 CNY with 150 CNY being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 99 CNY but can range between 59 CNY and 300 CNY depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.7% 5.3% of income 8.9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kunming is around 5.3%. This means that people pay 5.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.7% to 8.9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kunming

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kunming

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

15 CNY 30 CNY 49 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $4.1 $6.8

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kunming is approximatly 30 CNY with meal cost ranging from 15 CNY to 49 CNY. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

47 CNY 70 CNY 140 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.5 $9.7 $19

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 47 CNY and 140 CNY with 70 CNY being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kunming.

Fine dining meal for one price

94 CNY 140 CNY 560 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $78

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 94 CNY to 560 CNY with the average cost being 140 CNY for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kunming.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

12 CNY 20 CNY 30 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.7 $4.1

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kunming is around 20 CNY. Price ranges between 12 CNY and 30 CNY depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

9.9 CNY 12 CNY 15 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.4 $1.6 $2.1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kunming is 12 CNY. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 15 CNY and the minimum being 9.9 CNY depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7.4 CNY 9.9 CNY 15 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1 $1.4 $2.1

A dozen eggs costs around 9.9 CNY on average with 7.4 CNY and 15 CNY being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

17 CNY 22 CNY 31 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3 $4.3

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kunming is between 17 CNY and 31 CNY depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 22 CNY.

Pack of beef price

20 CNY 30 CNY 59 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4.1 $8.2

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 30 CNY. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

7.9 CNY 11 CNY 15 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.1

A bag of rice in Kunming costs around 11 CNY on average with prices rangeing between 7.9 CNY and 15 CNY depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

3 CNY 3.9 CNY 7.4 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.41 $0.55 $1

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 3 CNY to 7.4 CNY. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5.3 CNY 6.9 CNY 11 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.73 $0.96 $1.6

A bag of apples costs 6.9 CNY on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


16% 23% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kunming is around 23%. This means that families spend 23% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 16% to 28% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for families

Families' spending on grocery ranges from 1,200 CNY to 23,000 CNY with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

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