🇨🇳 Shanghai vs 🇮🇱 Tel Aviv

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇳

Shanghai

China

$2,215–$3,508/mo

¥15,821 – ¥25,057 / month (local)

🇮🇱

Tel Aviv

Israel

$2,646–$4,190/mo

₪9,800 – ₪15,519 / month (local)

Tel Aviv is 19% more expensive

Shanghai wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryShanghai (USD)Tel Aviv (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,662–$2,585$1,985–$3,087🟢 Shanghai
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$877–$1,385$1,047–$1,654🟢 Shanghai
Utilities$69–$134$83–$160🟢 Shanghai
Groceries$351–$526$419–$628🟢 Shanghai
Eating out (mid-range meal)$46–$83$55–$99🟢 Shanghai
Public transport (monthly)$88–$106$105–$127🟢 Shanghai
Internet & Mobile$28–$46$33–$55🟢 Shanghai
Gym membership$32–$60$39–$72🟢 Shanghai
Cinema ticket$13–$17$15–$20🟢 Shanghai
Monthly total (single)$2,215–$3,508$2,646–$4,190🟢 Shanghai

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.4 / 10 · 3.7 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tel Aviv
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Shanghai▲ better
Tel Aviv
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Shanghai
Tel Aviv▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Shanghai
Tel Aviv▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Shanghai
Tel Aviv▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Shanghai
Tel Aviv▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Shanghai
Tel Aviv▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Shanghai
Tel Aviv▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Shanghai if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Tel Aviv
  • ✓Business China
  • ✓Transit
  • ✓Food
  • ✓Manufacturing

Choose Tel Aviv if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Tel Aviv offers vs Shanghai
  • ✓Startup nation
  • ✓Beach
  • ✓Nightlife
  • ✓Cyber

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