Cost of living in China

Having lived there for two years and just completed my second short-term trip, I've got a pretty good idea!

Your USD will get you just over 6 RMB per $1. Food depends. If you want to eat American food, you'll pay American prices or more. For example, a Starbucks Frappuccino will cost the exact same as it does here - $4.50/24-32RMB. If you eat Chinese, well, you're looking at spending about $2-5 for a good meal.

Cost of living depends as well. I'd recommend spending a bit more for a good place. Where you lay your head matters. A friend of mine is currently living in China and spending about 1000 RMB ($165ish) a month.

Public transportation includes subways, buses, taxis, rickshawish type things, bikes, and motorcycles. Most Chinese cities have a great bus system and some have subways. The Beijing subway will cost about $2-4 per round trip. Taxies charge 8RMB per unit (it's normally about 20 RMB for local travel, but as US taxis, it goes up the farther you go). Buses are inexpensive and probably your best bet- but you have to learn the schedule! Most buses are about 2RMB each way (that's pocket change, really).

Feel free to PM me for more info if you need it!

You'll LOVE China! But really, put your money where you live. You can put up with pretty much anything when you have a comfortable place to live.