China vs United States
United States is about 50% pricier than China overall, with a price level of 100.0 versus 49.8 (US = 100). The gap is widest in health and narrowest in food. Quality of life is similar, around 91 of 100 for both.
Metric China United States
Price level (US=100) 49.8 100.0
GDP / capita (PPP) $27,105 $85,810
GNI / capita (PPP) $26,920 $85,980
Inflation (YoY) 0.2% 2.9%
What's different, by category
Price levels by category (world average = 100). The cheaper of the two is highlighted.
Category China United States
Housing & utilities 69 215
Food 130 117
Transport 82 116
Restaurants & hotels 85 142
Health 64 208
Communication 86 224
Category price levels: World Bank ICP 2021 (world average = 100).
Quality of life
Metric China United States
Quality-of-life score 91/100 91/100
Life expectancy 78 yrs 79 yrs
Safety · homicide /100k 0.5 5.8
Internet users 92% 95%
Frequently asked
Is China more expensive than United States?
United States is more expensive: about 50% pricier than China overall.
What would a $100,000 lifestyle cost in United States?
Living the way $100,000 buys in China would cost roughly $201,000 in United States, based on overall price levels.
Which has the better quality of life, China or United States?
They score similarly, 91 and 91 out of 100 on our index.
Salary check
A $100,000 lifestyle in China would cost about
$201,000
in United States. Run your real salary →