How much do you need to earn to live in Shenzhen

Depends on the lifestyle you are acustomed to...

I could live very comfortably on that wage, others couldn't.

An impossible question to answer I think.

Absolutely agree with Coffeekiller!

Some people who earned under 1,500yuan still could live in Shenzhen. Meanwhile their kids & elders who stay in their hometown live on their income! Though you could easily find sunshine smile on their face.

Now you earn 10 times than them!! What to worry about?

You would be able to live an average "expat" lifestyle on that salary. You would be able to afford a nice apartment and enjoy a social life. Unless you have different expectations, you will be fine. Welcome to Shenzhen, I hope you enjoy your time here.

The average Apartment cost will vary depending upon how far from down-tow you want to live.
For a while I had a 5 room penthouse for less than 2000rmb in Buji, about 25 min from Dongmen by cab.

Around Dongmen, prices for a 2-3 bedroom place run between 3000-5000 for a decent place. I've found a really nice 2.5 bedroom furnished 20th floor place for 3800.
The food is cheap, and the cost of living manageable from there.
The Cowboy

Depends on your spending habits. You can easily blow that away if you indulge in the sins that are enticing you everywhere.

If used economically, you can live comfortably with that wage. Althought you won't be saving much either.

If you go to StarBucks every day,living in a house which needs to be paid 3500-5000RMB per month,go to bars every weekend,then of coz it's not enough.I think people should lead simple life,then 15000 will be too much, you can save a lot every month.:)

if you earned more you will spended more.

you will be fine

I think good enough! Don't spend too much on going to bars, enjoy some simple and quiet life, like going to take a walk, going to libruary, those are free, and save more money to make travel plans, Guilin is a good place to visit.

Annie

If you don't have a car it helps. I spend about 10,000/month excluding housing; eat out twice a day (not super fancy or anything) go to Macau once a month, head to Hong Kong every other weekend, go to the gym and it seems to be good. I used to spend about 3 to 4 times more in the US doing this, so I can save a lot of $$$!!!
Very Niiiice!

I got about 12000 RMB a month, and its no problem to blow it out. But on the other hand you can also save a lot...

There are two ways of living:
- the expensive one: You only take taxis, only go to western restaurants for eating, spending your weekends at sofas in the clubs, get your cloths from the fashion designer...

- the cheap one: You take the bus if you have time, go to cheap chinese restaurants and stay the weekend at home or in the city. (san san bu)

I personally prefere the golden way in the middle. One or two bottles of Chivas at the weekend, using the bus, go to chinese restaurants and only 1 time per week to western restaurants will save a lot of money.

And if you got a nice apartment you will also save a lot of money and time if you can do your personal stuff in the local area (shopping, massage, gym, beerbar...). So I advise you to spend a lot of time in finding a perfect apartment - also walk around the area and looking for shops and restaurants. It's really boring if there is not a close big supermarket .

Best wishes!

XiaoBai

To XiaoBai,
It seems you have been living in Shenzhen for a while.
Do you often go to parks?
I live near Lianhuashan park now. I agree that renting a good apartment can really decide the costs of living.
And your lifestyle can be largely affected.

I am looking to make some new friends that live in surrounding areas, that's also part of new lifestyle, if anyone interested, please contact me:anniehan2004@126.com.

Thanks

Annie