Living in Chongqing as a Foreigner: Rent, Cost of Living & Food Guide

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Monthly Rent (per person)

Popular areas for expats:

• Jiefangbei / Yuzhong District – busy, central, very foreigner-friendly

• Shapingba / Ciqikou – more cultural, near universities, lower cost

• Jiangbei / Nan’an – clean, convenient, great subway access

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Monthly Living Expenses

💡 Delivery food is cheap and very common — ¥20–30 per meal is enough for good food.

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Overall Monthly Budget (Estimate)

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Chongqing Food Culture: What to Expect

Chongqing is famous across China for its spicy, flavorful food. Here are some highlights:

• Hotpot (火锅) – Spicy broth, meats, vegetables; a must-try local dining experience.

• Xiaomian (小面) – Chongqing spicy noodles, simple but delicious.

• Grilled skewers & spicy snacks – Affordable street food found everywhere.

• Cold dishes (凉拌菜) – Good choice if you want something lighter or less spicy.

• Plenty of fruit & vegetable markets – Fresh and cheap local produce.

⚠️ Note: Most local food is spicy. If you don’t like chili, always say “bú là (不辣)” = “not spicy” when ordering.

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Why Chongqing is a Good Choice

• 💸 Low cost of living compared to Beijing, Shanghai, or even Zhengzhou

• 🛡️ Very safe, day and night

• 🏞️ Beautiful mountain and river scenery; amazing night views

• 🚇 Great metro system (most areas well-connected)

• 👥 Foreigners are not rare in central areas; many locals are friendly or curious

• 📱 WeChat and Google Translate will help with communication and payments

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Things to Know Before You Move

• Chongqing is very hot and humid in summer, and cold and damp in winter (no central heating)

• The city is hilly — some neighborhoods have a lot of stairs or steep slopes

• Try to rent close to a metro station for easier daily travel