Cost Of Living in Shandong 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Shandong

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Shandong

Whether you're living in Shandong or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: CNY
1,200 16,000 160,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $2,200 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: CNY
1,500 11,000 73,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $1,500 $10,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: CNY
6,100 18,000 97,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$840 $2,500 $13,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: CNY
8,500 24,000 160,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $3,400 $22,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: CNY
1,200 8,000 53,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $1,100 $7,400
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Shandong is 11,000 CNY. Expenses can range from 1,500 CNY at the minimum level to 73,000 CNY at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Shandong is 18,000 CNY. Expenditure can range from 6,100 CNY to 97,000 CNY per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Shandong is 24,000 CNY per month. Families spend anywhere from 8,500 CNY to 160,000 CNY.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Shandong is 8,000 CNY. Students spend from 1,200 CNY to 53,000 CNY per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.



Prices and cost of goods and services in Shandong


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

14 CNY 29 CNY 48 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $4 $6.6

Restaurant meal for one

51 CNY 77 CNY 150 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $11 $21

Fine dining meal for one

100 CNY 150 CNY 620 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $85

Cappuccino or latte

12 CNY 19 CNY 29 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.7 $4

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

9.6 CNY 11 CNY 14 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.6 $2

12 eggs

7.2 CNY 9.6 CNY 14 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.99 $1.3 $2

Fresh whole chicken

16 CNY 21 CNY 30 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $2.9 $4.1

Pack of beef

19 CNY 29 CNY 57 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4 $8

Medium bag of rice

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

Bag of tomatos

2.9 CNY 3.8 CNY 7.2 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.53 $0.99

Bag of apples

5.1 CNY 6.7 CNY 11 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.71 $0.93 $1.5
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Shandong

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

13 CNY 15 CNY 31 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.1 $4.3

Average car full tank

72 CNY 96 CNY 190 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $13 $27

Average car 1-day rental

82 CNY 110 CNY 160 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $23

Average car price

36,000 CNY 72,000 CNY 96,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5,000 $9,900 $13,000

Bus ticket one way

2.7 CNY 4.1 CNY 8.2 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.38 $0.57 $1.1

Car Service

110 CNY 160 CNY 330 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas for a family in Shandong

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

93 CNY 660 CNY 4,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $91 $610

Utility Bill - Couple

240 CNY 820 CNY 5,300 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $110 $740

Utility Bill - Family

420 CNY 1,200 CNY 7,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $170 $1,100

Internet and cable

72 CNY 140 CNY 190 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $20 $27

Mobile phone charges

57 CNY 96 CNY 290 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $13 $40

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

36 CNY 48 CNY 72 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $6.6 $9.9

One month gym membership

130 CNY 160 CNY 330 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $23 $46
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Shandong

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

97 CNY 140 CNY 210 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $19 $29

Woman dress

91 CNY 130 CNY 410 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $18 $57

Woman shoes

86 CNY 120 CNY 270 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $38

Men's shoes

75 CNY 91 CNY 180 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $13 $25

Men suit

82 CNY 100 CNY 550 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $76

Regular t-shirt

41 CNY 55 CNY 160 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $7.6 $23
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Shandong

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

1,400 CNY 2,100 CNY 5,500 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $290 $760

1-bedroom apartment

2,100 CNY 3,300 CNY 8,200 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $460 $1,100

2-bedroom apartment

2,700 CNY 4,100 CNY 11,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $570 $1,500

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

270,000 CNY 410,000 CNY 820,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38,000 $57,000 $110,000

1-bedroom apartment

330,000 CNY 550,000 CNY 2.1M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46,000 $76,000 $290,000

2-bedroom apartment

550,000 CNY 1.6M CNY 3.3M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76,000 $230,000 $460,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Shandong

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

1,400 CNY 1,800 CNY 2,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $250 $330

Double Bed

960 CNY 1,400 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $250

Single Bed

840 CNY 1,100 CNY 1,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $200

Living Room

1,600 CNY 2,000 CNY 7,200 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $280 $990

Dining Table

720 CNY 960 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$99 $130 $250

Sofa or Couch

960 CNY 1,300 CNY 2,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $180 $400
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Shandong

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

960 CNY 1,400 CNY 2,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $200 $400

Fridge or Freezer

840 CNY 1,300 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $180 $250

Washing Machine

1,100 CNY 1,600 CNY 2,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $220 $400

Stove or Cooker

1,000 CNY 1,300 CNY 1,800 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $180 $250

Mobile Phone

1,200 CNY 1,400 CNY 2,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $200 $280

Laptop or Computer

1,300 CNY 1,600 CNY 2,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $220 $400

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Shandong

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.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Shandong

Spending to Income Ratio

93%

84% to 100%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%16%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%19%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Shandong is 93% This means that on average, people spend around 93% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 16% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
84%
Spending-Income-Ratio
76%
93%

Couple
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
98%

Family
98%
Spending-Income-Ratio
89%
110%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Shandong

How do people spend their money in Shandong?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

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 Expenditure24%

24% of total expenses on average (13% to 32%)

LOW$51   360 CNY
AVERAGE$660   4,700 CNY
HIGH$6,600   47,000 CNY
Per Month

People living in Shandong typically spend from 13% to 32% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 24% being the average. The average spend on housing is 4,700 CNY with expenditure ranging from 360 CNY to 47,000 CNY. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$8.4   61 CNY
AVERAGE$110   790 CNY
HIGH$1,100   7,900 CNY
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Shandong ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 790 CNY with 61 CNY and 7,900 CNY being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$17   120 CNY
AVERAGE$220   1,600 CNY
HIGH$2,200   16,000 CNY
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 120 CNY to 16,000 CNY on commuting with 1,600 CNY being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$42   300 CNY
AVERAGE$550   3,900 CNY
HIGH$5,500   39,000 CNY
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Shandong is 3,900 CNY. The cost of groceries can range between 300 CNY to 39,000 CNY. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$12   85 CNY
AVERAGE$150   1,100 CNY
HIGH$1,500   11,000 CNY
Per Month

People in Shandong allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 85 CNY to 11,000 CNY with 1,100 CNY being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 9%)

LOW$6.7   49 CNY
AVERAGE$88   630 CNY
HIGH$880   6,300 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 49 CNY to 6,300 CNY with 630 CNY being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$10   73 CNY
AVERAGE$130   950 CNY
HIGH$1,300   9,500 CNY
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 950 CNY per month with 73 CNY being the minimum spent amount and 9,500 CNY being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$22   160 CNY
AVERAGE$290   2,100 CNY
HIGH$2,900   21,000 CNY
Per Month
Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Shandong

How much money can you save in Shandong every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Shandong manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
68%
Not Saving
32%

Almost 68% of the surveyed people in Shandong said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Shandong

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles72%28%
Couples66%34%
Families61%39%

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.


Savings to income ratio in Shandong

Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

430 CNY
$60
5,600 CNY
$770
56,000 CNY
$7,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 33% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 5,600 CNY on average with savings ranging from 430 CNY to 56,000 CNY.

72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 66% of couples said the same. 61% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Shandong?

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.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

430 CNY
$60
3,900 CNY
$540
26,000 CNY
$3,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 35% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 3,900 CNY with 430 CNY and 26,000 CNY being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,100 CNY
$300
6,400 CNY
$890
34,000 CNY
$4,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 34% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 6,400 CNY with 2,100 CNY and 34,000 CNY being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

9.9% 18% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

3,000 CNY
$420
8,600 CNY
$1,200
56,000 CNY
$7,700
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Shandong can save anywhere between 9.9% to 31% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 8,600 CNY with 3,000 CNY and 56,000 CNY being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Shandong

Saving Challenges in Shandong

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Shandong. 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 people 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% 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 people choose to put their savings in Shandong

Typical saving choices for people in Shandong

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 to live in Shandong

Affordable living in Shandong

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Shandong?


Yes
70%
No
30%

Around 70% of surveyed residents think that living in Shandong is affordable with proper budgeting while 30% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Shandong

Low-cost alternatives in Shandong

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 residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options37%


Based on the survey, 64% of the people living in Shandong have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 37% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

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 residents of Shandong whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes68%

No32%


Based on the survey, 32% of the people living in Shandong said that they don't have an emergency fund while 68% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Shandong

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 residents of China 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 residents 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 people living in Shandong

Financial goals of people in Shandong

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Shandong, 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 Independence5%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey 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.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Shandong

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Shandong and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in China is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Shandong:
AgeAmount
2543,000 CNY
3085,000 CNY
35150,000 CNY
40210,000 CNY
45320,000 CNY
50450,000 CNY
55530,000 CNY
60660,000 CNY
65790,000 CNY

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Shandong about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job14%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Shandong

890 CNY
$120
8,000 CNY
$1,100
53,000 CNY
$7,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Shandong

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Shandong


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
31%
Debt Free
69%

According to the survey, 31% of the people in Shandong have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 69% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Shandong

Debt-to-income ratio in Shandong

Debt to income ratio

33%

23% to 43%

( 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 33% of the people's monthly income in Shandong 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 Shandong 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 Shandong

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

9% of debtors in Shandong 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 Shandong.


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 Shandong

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Shandong 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 Shandong

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Shandong

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


Rent Cost in Shandong

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1,400 CNY 2,100 CNY 5,500 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $290 $760

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,100 CNY 3,300 CNY 8,200 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$290 $460 $1,100

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2,700 CNY 4,100 CNY 11,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $570 $1,500

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3,300 CNY 5,500 CNY 15,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460 $760 $2,100

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

6,600 CNY 16,000 CNY 33,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$910 $2,300 $4,600

Townhouse monthly rent cost

5,500 CNY 8,200 CNY 23,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$760 $1,100 $3,300

House monthly rent cost

6,600 CNY 16,000 CNY 33,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$910 $2,300 $4,600

Villa monthly rent cost

8,200 CNY 21,000 CNY 33,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,100 $2,900 $4,600

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Shandong ranges between 1,400 CNY and 5,500 CNY, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2,100 CNY to 8,200 CNY. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 2,700 CNY and 11,000 CNY per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 3,300 CNY to 15,000 CNY. The average rent of a townhouse in Shandong is around 8,200 CNY while house rental costs can be as high as 16,000 CNY per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 8,200 CNY to 33,000 CNY per month.



Apartment and house prices in Shandong

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

270,000 CNY 410,000 CNY 820,000 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$38,000 $57,000 $110,000

1-bedroom apartment price

330,000 CNY 550,000 CNY 2.1M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46,000 $76,000 $290,000

2-bedroom apartment price

550,000 CNY 1.6M CNY 3.3M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$76,000 $230,000 $460,000

3-bedroom apartment price

1.8M CNY 2.7M CNY 8.2M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250,000 $380,000 $1.1M

Townhouse price

2.3M CNY 5.5M CNY 21M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330,000 $760,000 $2.9M

House price

2.7M CNY 16M CNY 23M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380,000 $2.3M $3.3M

Villa price

3.3M CNY 18M CNY 27M CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$460,000 $2.5M $3.8M

The average price of a studio apartment in Shandong can range from 270,000 CNY to 820,000 CNY depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 330,000 CNY to 2.1M CNY. A villa can cost you 18M CNY on average with prices ranging from 3.3M CNY to 27M CNY.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Shandong 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


39 x115 monthly income 222
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Shandong can be x115 to x222 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x115 multiples of the average monthly salary in Shandong.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 33% of income 44%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Shandong is around 33%. This means that people pay 33% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 44% 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
30%

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
1.9%
AVERAGE
2.9%
TO
3.8%

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.


24 CNY 320 CNY 3,200 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 Shandong

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

93 CNY 660 CNY 4,400 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $91 $610

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

240 CNY 820 CNY 5,300 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $110 $740

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

420 CNY 1,200 CNY 7,900 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$59 $170 $1,100

Internet and cable cost

72 CNY 140 CNY 190 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $20 $27

Mobile phone bill and charges

57 CNY 96 CNY 290 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $13 $40

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 expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Shandong ranges between 93 CNY and 4,400 CNY with average being 660 CNY, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 820 CNY with 240 CNY and 5,300 CNY being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 1,200 CNY. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 72 CNY to 190 CNY with 140 CNY being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 96 CNY but can range between 57 CNY and 290 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


3.3% 6.6% of income 11%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Shandong is around 6.6%. This means that people pay 6.6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.3% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Shandong

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Shandong

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

Fast food combo meal price

14 CNY 29 CNY 48 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $4 $6.6

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Shandong is approximatly 29 CNY with meal cost ranging from 14 CNY to 48 CNY. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

51 CNY 77 CNY 150 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.1 $11 $21

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 51 CNY and 150 CNY with 77 CNY being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Shandong.

Fine dining meal for one price

100 CNY 150 CNY 620 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $85

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 100 CNY to 620 CNY with the average cost being 150 CNY for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Shandong.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

12 CNY 19 CNY 29 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.7 $2.7 $4

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Shandong is around 19 CNY. Price ranges between 12 CNY and 29 CNY depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

9.6 CNY 11 CNY 14 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.6 $2

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Shandong is 11 CNY. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 14 CNY and the minimum being 9.6 CNY depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

7.2 CNY 9.6 CNY 14 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.99 $1.3 $2

A dozen eggs costs around 9.6 CNY on average with 7.2 CNY and 14 CNY being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

16 CNY 21 CNY 30 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $2.9 $4.1

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Shandong is between 16 CNY and 30 CNY depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 21 CNY.

Pack of beef price

19 CNY 29 CNY 57 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $4 $8

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 29 CNY. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

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

A bag of rice in Shandong costs around 11 CNY on average with prices rangeing between 7.7 CNY and 15 CNY depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

2.9 CNY 3.8 CNY 7.2 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.53 $0.99

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 2.9 CNY to 7.2 CNY. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

5.1 CNY 6.7 CNY 11 CNY
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.71 $0.93 $1.5

A bag of apples costs 6.7 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


20% 29% of income 35%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Shandong is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 35% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 1,700 CNY per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 250 CNY and 12,000 CNY depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 2,500 CNY per month. That number can be get as low as 850 CNY or a high as 14,000 CNY. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 1,500 CNY to 28,000 CNY with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Shandong

Housing cost for a single person30%

30% of total expenses on average (18% to 42%)

LOW$77   560 CNY
AVERAGE$550   3,900 CNY
HIGH$3,600   26,000 CNY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$13   93 CNY
AVERAGE$91   660 CNY
HIGH$610   4,400 CNY
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$17   120 CNY
AVERAGE$120   870 CNY
HIGH$810   5,800 CNY
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$34   250 CNY
AVERAGE$240   1,700 CNY
HIGH$1,600   12,000 CNY
Per Month

Healthcare Cost12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$19   140 CNY
AVERAGE$140   980 CNY
HIGH$910   6,600 CNY
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Expenditure3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$11   77 CNY
AVERAGE$76   550 CNY
HIGH$510   3,600 CNY
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$4.3   31 CNY
AVERAGE$30   220 CNY
HIGH$200   1,500 CNY
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$39   280 CNY
AVERAGE$270   2,000 CNY
HIGH$1,800   13,000 CNY
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Shandong

Housing cost for a couple27%

27% of total expenses on average (20% to 37%)

LOW$290   2,100 CNY
AVERAGE$860   6,200 CNY
HIGH$4,600   33,000 CNY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$34   240 CNY
AVERAGE$110   820 CNY
HIGH$740   5,300 CNY
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$100   730 CNY
AVERAGE$300   2,200 CNY
HIGH$1,600   12,000 CNY
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$120   850 CNY
AVERAGE$350   2,500 CNY
HIGH$1,900   14,000 CNY
Per Month

Healthcare Cost14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$93   670 CNY
AVERAGE$280   2,000 CNY
HIGH$1,500   11,000 CNY
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (1% to 7%)

LOW$51   360 CNY
AVERAGE$150   1,100 CNY
HIGH$810   5,800 CNY
Per Month

Education Cost1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$17   120 CNY
AVERAGE$51   360 CNY
HIGH$270   1,900 CNY
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$140   1,000 CNY
AVERAGE$430   3,100 CNY
HIGH$2,300   17,000 CNY
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Shandong

Housing cost for a family26%

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

LOW$380   2,700 CNY
AVERAGE$1,100   7,800 CNY
HIGH$7,000   51,000 CNY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile5%

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

LOW$59   420 CNY
AVERAGE$170   1,200 CNY
HIGH$1,100   7,900 CNY
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Expenses5%

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

LOW$120   850 CNY
AVERAGE$340   2,400 CNY
HIGH$2,200   16,000 CNY
Per Month

Food and Groceries Cost21%

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

LOW$210   1,500 CNY
AVERAGE$610   4,400 CNY
HIGH$3,900   28,000 CNY
Per Month

Healthcare Expenses11%

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

LOW$110   760 CNY
AVERAGE$340   2,400 CNY
HIGH$1,800   13,000 CNY
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

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

LOW$59   420 CNY
AVERAGE$170   1,200 CNY
HIGH$1,100   7,900 CNY
Per Month

Education Cost13%

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

LOW$170   1,200 CNY
AVERAGE$470   3,400 CNY
HIGH$3,100   22,000 CNY
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

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

LOW$94   680 CNY
AVERAGE$270   1,900 CNY
HIGH$1,800   13,000 CNY
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Shandong

Housing costs for Student18%

18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$40   290 CNY
AVERAGE$270   1,900 CNY
HIGH$1,800   13,000 CNY
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$6.7   49 CNY
AVERAGE$44   320 CNY
HIGH$300   2,100 CNY
Per Month

Transport and Fuel Cost4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$12   85 CNY
AVERAGE$78   560 CNY
HIGH$520   3,700 CNY
Per Month

Food and Groceries Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$34   240 CNY
AVERAGE$220   1,600 CNY
HIGH$1,500   11,000 CNY
Per Month

Healthcare Cost9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$10   73 CNY
AVERAGE$66   480 CNY
HIGH$440   3,200 CNY
Per Month

Leisure and Shopping Cost3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$8.4   61 CNY
AVERAGE$55   400 CNY
HIGH$370   2,700 CNY
Per Month

Education Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$32   230 CNY
AVERAGE$210   1,500 CNY
HIGH$1,400   10,000 CNY
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$25   180 CNY
AVERAGE$170   1,200 CNY
HIGH$1,100   8,000 CNY
Per Month
Jinan   Qingdao  
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