
This video by FunFancie offers a detailed look into the cost of living in Shanghai, China, based on her three months of experience as a Thai expat working as a Financial Controller. She breaks down her monthly expenses into categories: rent, utilities, phone bills, laundry, transportation, shopping, groceries, food, and beauty.
Rent, she emphasizes, is the most significant expense, with a good quality apartment costing between 6,000 and 9,000 RMB per month. The price varies greatly depending on the apartment's quality and location. FunFancie recommends prioritizing a comfortable living space, considering the time away from home and family.
Utilities, including electricity, water, and gas, cost her around 260 RMB per month, potentially higher in winter. Phone bills, using China Mobile, average 100 RMB monthly, providing high-speed internet access outside her apartment, supplemented by free in-apartment Wi-Fi.
Laundry costs approximately 200 RMB per month, using coin-operated machines in her building. Transportation relies heavily on the efficient and affordable Shanghai Metro, costing around 240-250 RMB monthly. She also highlights the convenient and cheap public bicycle system as a viable alternative.
Shopping expenses vary greatly, but FunFancie estimates spending 2,000 RMB monthly. She enjoys window shopping and shares her experiences. Food costs are broken down into daily meals (30-50 RMB) and occasional fancier restaurant outings (100-150 RMB), totaling 3,500-4,000 RMB monthly. Groceries average 300 RMB, mostly ordered online for convenience.
Finally, FunFancie discusses beauty expenses. Nail salon visits cost 150-200 RMB, eyelash extensions 300 RMB, and she is surprised by the incredibly cheap 15-20 RMB haircuts available at a local barbershop. The video provides a comprehensive overview of living costs in Shanghai, offering valuable insights for those considering relocating to the city.