Shanghai is the Most Expensive City in Asia for Expats

Shanghai is the Most Expensive City in Asia for Expats
Dec 11, 2015 By eChinacities.com

What are the most expensive cities for expats in Asia? ECA International reported yesterday that because of the appreciation of the RMB, out of the 20 most expensive cities for expats in the Asia-Pacific region, more than half are in China.

Out of the 20 more expensive cities for expats in the Asia-Pacific region, 11 cities are in China. Shanghai is now the first most expensive city in Asia in terms of costs of living.

“In spite of the minor depreciation in the renminbi (yuan) against the dollar over the summer, it has strengthened against most other currencies leading to Shanghai becoming the most expensive Asian city for international assignees,” said ECA Asia regional director Lee Quane.

"It is likely that major Chinese cities will remain expensive destinations for mobile executives for the foreseeable future."

Chinese cities also make up the highest proportion of expensive cities for expats worldwide. Six Chinese cities were ranked higher than cities in Switzerland and Japan.

Beijing moved from 4th to 2nd in Asia, Guangzhou jumped from 6th to 13th, and Shenzhen moved up to 4th. Macau had the largest jump from 34th to 13th place.

Source: inews.qq.com

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Keywords: Shanghai Shanghai expats ECA International

4 Comments

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dongbeiren

More info is needed on how these surveys are done... Shanghai is certainly less expensive than other places for basic costs like rent, groceries, taxis and public transportation. However, a three story villa and an imported luxury car will cost a pretty penny. How are expats defined exactly? People who only consume imported luxury goods?

Dec 15, 2015 13:30 Report Abuse

RandomGuy

Fuck tier 1, fuck it to death!

Dec 12, 2015 20:15 Report Abuse

Guest593844

I would say that if you're just living here temporarily, and thus are only paying rent, food, transportation (no car), healthcare as needed, etc, that Shanghai is not the most expensive city in Asia. Shanghai is only expensive if you want to buy an apartment in a central location -- but most expats aren't doing that. Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul are all more expensive if you just want the essentials. How are these calculated? Seems inaccurate.

Dec 12, 2015 01:18 Report Abuse

Guest2650392

These cities are even more expensive when you factor in variables such as the price of your lungs and the monsters your children are turning into. Keep bragging how "expensive" your cities are, China. lol

Dec 11, 2015 22:02 Report Abuse