Cost of Living in Suzhou

Thinking of moving to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens, canals, and fast-growing economy?

Here’s a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses in this cost-friendly city:

This page offers a rough guide to prices in Suzhou. Costs can vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and spending habits.

Housing

Housing is the largest variable in your cost of living.
Prices can range depending on the location, rental type, and duration of stay.

To make budgeting easier and more flexible, we’ve put together some recommended options in Suzhou tailored to how long you’ll be staying:

• Short-Term (Under 1 Month)
  ✅ Hotel:
  Flexible, hassle-free, no utilities to manage.

• Medium-Term Stay (1–3 Months)
  ✅ Homestay:
  Experience full cultural and language immersion by living with a Chinese family — perfect for students looking to rapidly improve their Mandarin.
  ✅ Serviced Apartment:
  Enjoy comfort and convenience with a higher standard of living — ideal for students who prioritize privacy and quality.

• Long-Term Stay (3–6 Months)
  ✅ Shared Apartment:
  Ideal for students on a budget.
  Prices range from ¥2,000 to ¥6,000/month, depending on location, apartment type, rental period, and how you find the listing.

Once you’ve enrolled in the course, your dedicated Course Consultant will be happy to recommend several partner hotels—typically within a 10-minute walk from our schools—or connect you with trusted rental agencies.

Food & Groceries

Suzhou offers a wide range of food choices, from cheap local eats to fine dining:

Dining Out

💡If you bring your own cup (自带杯 zìdài bēi), drinks are often much cheaper

• Beer (bar/pub): RMB 40–80
• Water: RMB 3-4/bottle
• Fast food meal: RMB 35-50

Groceries

On average, a single person might spend around RMB 1,000-2,000 per month on groceries.

Grocery prices in Suzhou can vary depending on where you shop and your eating habits. This can be higher if you prefer imported goods or organic products.

🥕 For fresh and cheap produce, visit local wet markets, or try online shopping (网购, wǎnggòu) via apps like Hema.

Transportation

🚇 Suzhou’s public transportation system is efficient and expanding.

• Metro ride: RMB 2-5 per trip
• Monthly metro pass: ~RMB 200
• Bus ride: RMB 2-5 per ride
• Bike rental: ~RMB 20/month

Didi (Chinese Uber): RMB 20-50 for a short ride
Didi (from the airport to the city center): ~RMB 150
Local taxi: starting from RMB 10

Local taxis have a starting fare that usually covers the first 3 kilometers. After that, the meter begins to calculate the cost based on distance.

Utilities

Monthly utility costs in Suzhou are generally affordable compared to many Western cities. Here’s a rough breakdown for a standard one-bedroom apartment:

• Electricity: ~RMB 100–300/month, depending on air conditioning or heater use.
• Water: ~RMB 30–60/month for regular use.
• Gas: ~RMB 20–80/month, mostly used for cooking and sometimes heating water.
• Internet: ~RMB 100–200/month for a decent broadband package (with speeds of 100–300 Mbps). Some apartments offer Wi-Fi included in the rent.
• Mobile phone plan: a typical plan with data, calls, and texts costs around RMB 50–100/month, depending on the carrier and package.
• Heating (Winter, optional): RMB 500–800/month (high gas/electricity usage).

Leisure/Lifestyle

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend on daily life and entertainment:

• Gym membership: ~RMB 4,000–8,000/year, (middle and high-end fitness clubs like Will’s or Tera Wellness).
• Yoga, pilates, and boutique fitness classes: ~RMB 150-200/per class.
• Movie ticket: RMB 40–70 for regular ticket, and RMB 100 for IMAX or 3D formats.
• Drink at a bar: from RMB 60–100
• Massage: RMB 80–150/hour at local spas; RMB 300–500/hour at high-end wellness centers.
• Museums & exhibitions: ~ RMB 20–60

Monthly Budget

Here’s what a single person can expect to spend monthly in Suzhou across different lifestyles:

Students who sign up for our Intensive Group Course will receive a free handbook — not only a course guide, but also a practical life guide for first-time arrivals in China.