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China’s economy in 2025 remains strong, with a GDP of $19.53 trillion and an inflation rate of 1.7%. The average monthly income has grown steadily to ¥9,000, reflecting a stable increase over the years. However, the cost of living has also increased significantly, reaching ¥5,800 per month, up by 3.6% from 2024.
One of the most striking changes in 2025 is the sharp rise in housing and food costs, both surging by 60.7%. Housing now accounts for ¥3,600 per month, and food expenses have climbed to ¥2,250. These increases can be attributed to rapid urbanization, rising demand in major cities, and supply chain challenges.
Despite stable wage growth, the affordability gap is widening, especially in top-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The sharp rise in basic expenses may pressure household budgets, influencing spending patterns and lifestyle choices across China.
Let’s take an in-depth look at China’s economy, income levels, and living costs from 2010 to 2025. Explore detailed insights on housing, food, and other expenses.
Country Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Beijing |
| Population | 1.4 billion (2025) |
| Currency | Renminbi (RMB or CNY) |
| Official Language | Mandarin Chinese |
| GDP (2025)⤤ | $19,534.89 Billion |
| Inflation Rate (2025) | 1.7% |
| Average Monthly Income | ¥9,000 (2025) |
Living Cost Per Month (Per Person) Breakdown (2025)
| Expense Category | Cost (¥) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 3,600 | 40% |
| Food | 2,250 | 25% |
| Transportation | 810 | 9% |
| Utilities | 360 | 4% |
| Healthcare | 990 | 11% |
| Entertainment | 630 | 7% |
| Miscellaneous | 810 | 9% |
| Total | 9,000 | 100% |
Income Per Month (Per Person) Table (2010-2025)
| Year | Income (¥) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,500 | — |
| 2011 | 3,800 | 8.6% |
| 2012 | 4,200 | 10.5% |
| 2013 | 4,600 | 9.5% |
| 2014 | 5,000 | 8.7% |
| 2015 | 5,500 | 10.0% |
| 2016 | 6,000 | 9.1% |
| 2017 | 6,500 | 8.3% |
| 2018 | 7,000 | 7.7% |
| 2019 | 7,500 | 7.1% |
| 2020 | 8,000 | 6.7% |
| 2021 | 8,200 | 2.5% |
| 2022 | 8,400 | 2.4% |
| 2023 | 8,600 | 2.4% |
| 2024 | 8,800 | 2.3% |
| 2025 | 9,000 | 2.3% |
Note: The average annual salary in urban China was approximately ¥114,000 in 2023, translating to a monthly income of ¥9,500.
Note: These figures are estimates and can vary based on region and individual lifestyle.
Living Cost Per Month (2010-2025) (Per Person)
| Year | Living Cost (¥) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,800 | — |
| 2011 | 3,000 | 7.1% |
| 2012 | 3,200 | 6.7% |
| 2013 | 3,400 | 6.3% |
| 2014 | 3,600 | 5.9% |
| 2015 | 3,800 | 5.6% |
| 2016 | 4,000 | 5.3% |
| 2017 | 4,200 | 5.0% |
| 2018 | 4,400 | 4.8% |
| 2019 | 4,600 | 4.5% |
| 2020 | 4,800 | 4.3% |
| 2021 | 5,000 | 4.2% |
| 2022 | 5,200 | 4.0% |
| 2023 | 5,400 | 3.8% |
| 2024 | 5,600 | 3.7% |
| 2025 | 5,800 | 3.6% |
Note: The average annual inflation rate in China ranged at around 0.2% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Breakdown of Housing and Food Costs Per Month (2010-2025)
Housing Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Housing Cost (¥) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,120 | — |
| 2011 | 1,200 | 7.1% |
| 2012 | 1,280 | 6.7% |
| 2013 | 1,360 | 6.3% |
| 2014 | 1,440 | 5.9% |
| 2015 | 1,520 | 5.6% |
| 2016 | 1,600 | 5.3% |
| 2017 | 1,680 | 5.0% |
| 2018 | 1,760 | 4.8% |
| 2019 | 1,840 | 4.5% |
| 2020 | 1,920 | 4.3% |
| 2021 | 2,000 | 4.2% |
| 2022 | 2,080 | 4.0% |
| 2023 | 2,160 | 3.8% |
| 2024 | 2,240 | 3.7% |
| 2025 | 3,600 | 60.7% |
Food Cost Per Month (2010-2025)
| Year | Food Cost (¥) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 700 | — |
| 2011 | 750 | 7.1% |
| 2012 | 800 | 6.7% |
| 2013 | 850 | 6.3% |
| 2014 | 900 | 5.9% |
| 2015 | 950 | 5.6% |
| 2016 | 1,000 | 5.3% |
| 2017 | 1,050 | 5.0% |
| 2018 | 1,100 | 4.8% |
| 2019 | 1,150 | 4.5% |
| 2020 | 1,200 | 4.3% |
| 2021 | 1,250 | 4.2% |
| 2022 | 1,300 | 4.0% |
| 2023 | 1,350 | 3.8% |
| 2024 | 1,400 | 3.7% |
| 2025 | 2,250 | 60.7% |
Conclusion
China has experienced steady economic growth over the past 15 years, with rising wages but also significant increases in living costs. The housing and food expenses surged in 2025, reflecting rapid inflation in urban centers and an increased demand for housing. Despite these rising costs, China remains a major economic powerhouse with affordable living standards compared to Western economies, particularly outside major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Sources:
Numbeo – numbeo.com
World Bank – data.worldbank.org
IMF – imf.org
Trading Economics –tradingeconomics.com
China National Bureau of Statistics – stats.gov.cn
Xinhua News – xinhuanet.com
