厦门 (Xiamen), China
A coastal city known for its subtropical climate, colonial Gulangyu Island, and role as a special economic zone and trade hub.
Overview
Xiamen is a city in Fujian with a population of 5,160,000. A coastal city known for its subtropical climate, colonial Gulangyu Island, and role as a special economic zone and trade hub. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Above Average vs China Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Xiamen vs China Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.0%
- Sales Tax: 13.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ¥90,000
- Unemployment: 4.2%
- Population: 5,160,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 50°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: ¥3,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ¥3000/mo
Cost of Living
Xiamen's cost of living index is 115 (China average = 100).
| Category | Xiamen | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 160 | 100 | +60.0% |
Data source: NBS China / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ¥3,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ¥3000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ¥3,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ¥2,000 |
Data source: Anjuke / Beike / Lianjia, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Xiamen:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ¥200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | ¥10 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ¥40 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ¥80 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ¥100 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ¥430 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: NDRC, State Grid, China Telecom 2025
Remote Work Score
Xiamen scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Xiamen has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70°F | 50°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 65°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 68°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Xiamen faces the following natural hazards:
Active seismic zone with significant earthquake risk.
Significant typhoon risk.
Major river systems (Yangtze, Yellow River) cause massive floods.
Northern and northwestern China experience frequent droughts.
Mountainous western China with frequent landslides.
Himalayan and Tian Shan region with avalanches.
Forest and grassland wildfires.
China experiences tornadoes.
Northern China experiences winter storms.
Extreme summer heat in southern and central regions.
Dust storms from Gobi Desert in northern China.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3%
- Sales Tax: 13%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Winter break coincides with Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). School days are long, often with evening study sessions for older students.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Xiamen is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: National Bureau of Statistics of China (2020)
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 Xiamen, China?
The cost of living index in Xiamen is 115, which is Higher the China national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Xiamen?
The median home price in Xiamen is ¥3,000,000. The housing index is 160.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Xiamen is approximately ¥3000/mo.
Does Xiamen, FJ have income tax?
Xiamen is in FJ, which has an income tax rate of 3%.
What is the climate like in Xiamen?
Xiamen enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 50°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: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.