City comparison

Guangzhou vs Shenzhen Cost of Living

medium confidence Updated 2026-05-27 same-currency calculator

Based on current benchmark indexes, Shenzhen is estimated to be 6.9% more expensive than Guangzhou overall. Rent differs by +9.4%.

Overall cost shift +6.9% Guangzhou to Shenzhen
Rent shift +9.4% Index comparison
Equivalent income 5,343 5,000 in Guangzhou
Rent pressure Shenzhen Shenzhen has the higher rent pressure signal.

Move planning summary

If your monthly income is 5,000 in Guangzhou, the comparable income signal for Shenzhen is about 5,343 before exchange-rate and tax differences.

Transport changes by -25.0% and utilities change by -23.5% based on the current benchmarks. Treat these as planning signals, then verify neighborhood-level rent and local transit passes.

Run your own numbers
Guangzhou 1BR rent CN¥5,660 Wise Guangzhou cost benchmark
Shenzhen 1BR rent CN¥5,047 Numbeo Shenzhen city benchmark
Guangzhou transport CN¥200 Wise Guangzhou transport benchmark
Shenzhen transport CN¥150 Numbeo Shenzhen monthly transport benchmark

Cost comparison table

CategoryGuangzhouShenzhen
Cost index3537.4
Rent index1617.5
Groceries index3841.5
Restaurant index2423.4
1BR rentCN¥5,660CN¥5,047
Monthly transportCN¥200CN¥150
Monthly utilitiesCN¥540CN¥413

Data quality

Both cities are currently marked medium confidence. The index data is suitable for early comparison, while absolute rent and utility values should be treated as planning benchmarks.

FAQ

Is Shenzhen more expensive than Guangzhou?

In this sample, Shenzhen is 6.9% more expensive than Guangzhou by overall cost index.

How much income would I need in Shenzhen?

As a simple index-based example, 5,000 in Guangzhou maps to about 5,343 in Shenzhen, before exchange rates and taxes.

Does this comparison convert currencies?

No. The calculator keeps your own inputs in one currency and applies relative cost indexes. Currency conversion is a future feature.

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