Asia’s vastness gives rise to huge variations in living costs from country to country but there are also surprising variations within the countries themselves. Shanghai for example is significantly more expensive than Beijing in the same way that living in London is costlier than residing in, say, Stoke-on-Trent. Accommodation is an important consideration but so are day to day expenses like food and clothing. Happily, every major Asian city we surveyed is cheaper than London, some only slightly, but others massively so.
CHEAPES T – CHENNAI (MADRAS)
Like all Indian cities Chennai is massive and hectic whilst being one of the countries’ cheapest. 46p gets you two kilogrammes of potatoes while a haircut is just two pounds. 80% cheaper than London.
PRICIEST – HONG KONG
The small area of Hong Kong means rents are high (about £114-204) but university halls aren’t badly priced and therefore the general cost is better than the statistics indicate.
CHEAPEST BEER – ALMATY
The alcoholic in you will love Kazakhstan’s biggest city, where a pint in a bar or pub will cost an average of £1.08. Bottoms up!
COSTLIEST CAPPUCINO – SHANGHAI
Shanghai’s coffee houses are just as popular as European ones but you might think twice before paying their prices, with a cappuccino setting you back £3.40 which is more than in London.
MOST VARIABLE RENT – TOKYO
Tokyo being a massive city with loads of universities makes it a place where you can pay anything from £42 a month to £250 or more. Shop around.
CHEAPEST PUBLIC TRANSPORT – KATHMANDU
Just £10 a month will get you everywhere you need to go on Kathmandu’s bus network, that’s so cheap it’s almost free.
BIGGEST DIFFERENCE WITHIN A COUNTRY – TOKYO AND OSAKA
Tokyo is 29% cheaper than London but Osaka is 42% less expensive than Britain’s capital, a significant difference in what is a small geographical area.
*Figures according to Expatistan
