Hefei Expat - China

Old Forums => Useful Info => Living Here => Shopping and Restaurants => Travel => Topic started by: Aussie Mike on February 21, 2011, 01:23:23 am

Title: Cost of living in Hefei (circa 2010)
Post by: Aussie Mike on February 21, 2011, 01:23:23 am
An indication to the cost of living in Hefei (circa 2010)

Rent
I have lived in a range of apartments from a tiny ground floor apartment in SanXiaoKou when I arrived for 800rmb pm, to a 5 bedroom 242m2, 2 story mansion I shared with 2 other foreigners close to the city for 3000rmb. I now live in the western outer ring in a spacious 120m2 new apartment for 1400.

Price range is typical for Hefei, although the singles in SXK would be more like 1000 now.

Hupo is a large housing estate populated with many foreigners close to the city (walking distance), the cheapest I've heard of is 1200 for a reasonable single bedroom apartment. although 1500 is common for 2 bedroom apartments.

Beer
Most bars charge between 20 and 30rmb but some are 35-40 such as MGM and Club 7.[/color]

Taxi
Flag-fall for older taxis is 6rmb with a 2rmb fuel tax where the newer taxis are 8 + 1. A taxi from the city to the outer ring should be approx 20rmb, rarely does it cost more than 30rmb anywhere around town.[/color]

Food
McDonalds' big mac is 14rmb but you can buy a plate of good food in a good restaurant for the same price. The cheapest foods are the street stalls, about 6rmb for a beef noodles.

A quality restaurant will cost 50-100rmb per head.
Title: Re: Cost of living in Hefei (circa 2010)
Post by: ryan_madden on February 21, 2011, 03:12:29 am
Hupo is a large housing estate populated with many foreigners close to the city (walking distance), the cheapest I've heard of is 1200 for a reasonable single bedroom apartment. although 1500 is common for 2 bedroom apartments.

I got my 2br apartment for 1100 a month in Hupo; there are bargains out there!
Title: Re: Cost of living in Hefei (circa 2010)
Post by: Aussie Mike on February 21, 2011, 05:00:25 am
Thanks Ryan, what condition is it? The cheaper apartments I've seen were not what I consider appropriate standard of living. Run-down and dilapidated with shitty toilet, bathroom and kitchen so I don't count those. Also I'm using the standard pricing before bargaining.
Title: Re: Cost of living in Hefei (circa 2010)
Post by: ryan_madden on February 21, 2011, 11:41:23 pm
Thanks Ryan, what condition is it? The cheaper apartments I've seen were not what I consider appropriate standard of living. Run-down and dilapidated with shitty toilet, bathroom and kitchen so I don't count those. Also I'm using the standard pricing before bargaining.

Basically near-mint condition (as mint as an older apartment block can be  ;D ), and has a fairly biggish kitchen, entry, and balcony. Well looked after, everything in working order.

Kaibo and Hills can verify, as they've swung by previously.  :P
Title: Re: Cost of living in Hefei (circa 2010)
Post by: Aussie Mike on February 22, 2011, 12:05:05 am
Great! Thanks.