CN Chengdu — a mover's brief

What Chengdu actually looks, feels, and costs like for someone considering moving. Neighbourhoods, climate, transport, healthcare, safety, and the practical scaffolding — every figure sourced.

Country
China (Mainland)
Asia
Population
21,403,000
metro · 2023
Area
14,335 km²
Elevation
500 m
city centre
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Currency
CNY
Airport
CTU,TFU · Chengdu Tianfu International Airport
Metro
13 metro lines · tram network
Walkability
●●●○○
editorial score · 1–5
Bike friendliness
●●●○○
editorial score · 1–5
Primary language
Mandarin (Standard) in government and business; Sichuanese dialect common socially. English rare outside international firms.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-22

Cost of living

Cost of living

Total monthly essentials: approximately €760/month for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). District and lifestyle swing this 30–50% either way.
ItemMonthly / item costSource
1-bedroom flat, city centre €480/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Rent per square metre €10.00/m² National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Utilities (85m² flat) €55/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Public transport pass €25/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Groceries, one person €200/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Restaurant meal, average €6 National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Climate

Climate

Monthly normals — high · low (°C)
Annual: 20.3° / 13.0° · 917mm rainfall
Jan Feb 12° Mar 17° Apr 22° 13° May 26° 17° Jun 28° 20° Jul 30° 22° Aug 30° 22° Sep 25° 18° Oct 20° 14° Nov 15° Dec 10°
Monthly rainfall (mm)
6 11 20 47 85 115 228 213 128 42 17 5

Hottest month typically Jul, coldest Jan. Values are station normals — actual weather varies year-to-year. Source: China Meteorological Administration (1991–2020) ↗

Also in China (Mainland)

Other China (Mainland) cities

Moving to China (Mainland)

Visa routes

Relevant residence permits. Full visa data on the China (Mainland) country brief.

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