Skyline of Nanjing
Cost of Living: 115 9,314,000

Nanjing (南京), 江苏省, China

An ancient capital with rich history, tree-lined boulevards, top universities, and a balanced economy spanning manufacturing and services.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 115

Above Average vs China Avg (100)

Housing Index 155

Very Expensive

Median Income ¥95,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.3%

Job market health

Nanjing vs China Average

Cost of Living
Nanjing: 115
China Avg: 100
Housing Index
Nanjing: 155
China Avg: 100
Individual Income Tax
Nanjing: 3%

Taxes

  • Individual Income Tax: 3.0%
  • VAT: 13.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ¥95,000
  • Unemployment: 4.3%
  • Population: 9,314,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 200/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 30°F

Housing

  • Median Home: ¥2,600,000
  • 1BR Rent: ¥2800/mo

Cost of Living

Nanjing's cost of living index is 115 (China average = 100).

CategoryNanjingNational AverageDifference
Overall115100+15.0%
Housing155100+55.0%

Data source: NBS China / Numbeo, 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price¥2,600,000
Median Rent (1BR)¥2800/mo
Median Rent (2BR)¥3,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft¥1,733

Data source: Anjuke / Beike / Lianjia, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Nanjing:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity¥120Based on ~300 kWh/month typical Chinese household usage
Heating & Cooling¥93Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating
Cooling (AC)¥6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water¥40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)¥100Broadband average
Garbage / Trash¥15Private service
Total Utilities¥374Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: NDRC, State Grid, China Telecom 2025

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Nanjing

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: ¥3,360/mo.

Nanjing Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: ¥3,080/mo.

East Nanjing

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: ¥2,520/mo.

West Nanjing

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: ¥2,660/mo.

Remote Work Score

Nanjing scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
115
Rent
¥2800
Sunny Days
200
Tax
3%
Unemployment
4.3%
Climate
90°F / 30°F

Climate

Nanjing has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January50°F30°F2.5"
April75°F45°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F48°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Individual Income Tax: 3%
  • VAT: 13%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nanjing, 江苏省, China?

The cost of living index in Nanjing is 115, which is Higher the China national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Nanjing?

The median home price in Nanjing is ¥2,600,000. The housing index is 155.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Nanjing is approximately ¥2800/mo.

Does Nanjing, JS have income tax?

Nanjing is in JS, which has an income tax rate of 3%.

What is the climate like in Nanjing?

Nanjing enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: NBS China / Numbeo, 2026
  • Housing Data: Anjuke / Beike / Lianjia, 2026
  • Income & Employment: NBS China Labour Force Survey, 2024
  • Utilities NDRC, State Grid, China Telecom 2025

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.