Cost Comparison 2025

BeijingvsPerth

China
Australia

Overall

💰

+29.0%

Beijing is 29.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+16.0%

Housing is 16.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+95.2%

Restaurants 95.2% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+15.4%

Food shopping 15.4% more

Comparing the cost of living between Beijing, China and Perth, Australia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Beijing is more expensive than Perth by approximately 29.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Beijing are lower than in Perth by 14%. A one-bedroom apartment in Beijing's city center costs around CN¥7,500, while the same in Perth is approximately A$1,900.

Dining out in Beijing offers significant savings compared to Perth. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CN¥30 in Beijing versus A$22 in Perth.

Public transportation in Beijing is more expensive, with monthly passes at CN¥200 compared to A$160 in Perth.

Purchasing power in Perth is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Beijing.

Grocery shopping in Beijing is more affordable by approximately 13%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Beijing can expect to spend approximately CN¥1,746 per month (excluding rent), while in Perth, the same lifestyle would cost around A$800. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CN¥6,111 monthly in Beijing versus A$2,801 in Perth. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Beijing, China
Perth, Australia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CN¥7,500
A$1,900
1BR Outside Center
CN¥4,000
A$1,500
3BR City Center
CN¥17,000
A$3,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CN¥30
A$22
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CN¥200
A$100
Cappuccino
CN¥25
A$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CN¥8
A$11

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CN¥13
A$2
Bread (500g)
CN¥10
A$3
Eggs (12)
CN¥12
A$5
Cheese (1kg)
CN¥90
A$10

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CN¥3
A$5
Monthly Pass
CN¥200
A$160
Taxi Start
CN¥13
A$5
Gasoline (1L)
CN¥8
A$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CN¥350
A$200
Internet (60 Mbps)
CN¥100
A$75
Mobile Minute
CN¥0
A$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Beijing to Perth, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Perth to Beijing requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Perth

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index58
Purchasing Power Index105

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing more expensive than Perth?

Yes, Beijing is approximately 29.0% more expensive than Perth overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Beijing compared to Perth?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Perth salary when living in Beijing. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Perth, you'd need about $64,516 in Beijing for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Beijing and Perth?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 49%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Perth offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Perth provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Beijing if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Perth for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Beijing vs Perth?

In Beijing, a single person needs approximately CN¥5,746 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CN¥15,111. In Perth, these figures are A$2,300 for singles and A$5,201 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Beijing and Perth in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Perth to maintain your lifestyle from Beijing

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers