Cost of Living: Xinjiang 2013 – Infographic
Having lived in Xinjiang, China for a total of over 4 years now, and having recently rented my own apartment here in Urumqi, I thought it might be interesting to share with you a quick snapshot of the cost of living in Xinjiang as compared other parts of China, like Shanghai.
I hope to perhaps revisit this on an annual basis to chronicle the changes, as prices have gone up significantly since I first traveled here in 2006.
If you’re curious to know how much 2,500 RMB for rent is equal to in US Dollars or Euro at this moment in time (Nov 2013), the exchange rates are as follows:
- USD –> RMB = 6.09 (divide the numbers below by 6.09)
- EUR –> CYN = 8.24 (divide the numbers below by 8.24)
Enjoy, and if you have a blog of your own you can use the embed code below this to easily share this with your readers!
Cost of Living – Xinjiang vs Shanghai
That’s very interesting!
I would like to know more about the food prices. For instance, How much is a yangrou chuanr and is there a size difference? How much is chao mian pian or sui rou ban mian in Xinjiang?
Thanks!
Josh on December 2nd, 2013 at 2:35 am
Hey RanE, currently kebabs are between 3-6 RMB depending on the size and quality of the meat. A plate of chaomian is between 15-25, again depending on the place where it is purchased.
Does that properly answer your questions?
Awesome infographic! It’s not surprising that prices have risen in Xinjiang, in Chengdu we’ve seen the same thing. The only thing that remains really cheap here is rent, which sounds a lot like Xinjiang.
Josh on December 2nd, 2013 at 2:38 am
Thanks, Charlie! You know, I’m not really surprised that the prices have risen so much as I’m surprised by how rapidly that rise has happened just in the past 3 years. Everything had been fairly stable for about 10 years and then in around 2010 prices just skyrocketed. Unreal.
Colin on August 12th, 2014 at 7:08 am
Out of curiosity, do you know what happened in 2010 that caused prices to increase?
Hello! I have just moved to Urumqi myself a few days ago as an English teacher.
Are you still in Urumqi? I woukd be grateful if you would be able to advise as to whether there are any groups or meetings of fellow expats?
With thanks, Adam
Josh Summers on June 24th, 2015 at 3:55 am
Great to meet you, Adam! Glad you’re out here and I look forward to seeing you again.
Mir on October 17th, 2016 at 8:42 am
Hi Josh, I am Mir from Pakistan just saw your report on Xinjiang on CCTV. I will try to see all ur prev episodes somehow. Planing to visit Guangzhou this year I will try my best to take out some time and visit Xinjiang. What kind of industry do they have there ?
Josh Summers on October 19th, 2016 at 8:12 am
Lots and lots of oil. Oh, and there’s some good agriculture here as well ;)
Interesting and precious information for foreigners who might be interested in a stay abroad in Xinjiang or just have interest in the region, thank you. I wonder if there are job opportunities for Arabic native speakers to teach Arabic ? Thanks !