Is it really expensive to live in China?

Is China really that expensive? I mean, you hear all these stories, right? But honestly? Nope, not compared to, say, London or New York. I was totally surprised. I remember when I first went to Shanghai – I figured I'd be broke in a week, eating instant noodles for dinner every night. Instead, I was able to eat out pretty decently, even splurging sometimes on fancy dumplings! I felt a little guilty, actually. All that delicious food for a fraction of what it would cost back home.

So, apparently, globally, China ranks 74th in cost of living. Seventy-fourth! Who knew? Even the biggies – Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing – they're way down the list compared to other huge global cities. Shanghai's like, 321st, I think? Something crazy like that. It's just wild how much cheaper it is. Like, I had a friend who lived in London, and she was spending, what, half her salary just on rent? Completely insane.

Of course, it depends what you're used to, and where exactly you're living in China. It's a huge country! But yeah, overall... I'd say living in China, even in a big city, is surprisingly affordable. Unless you're buying a penthouse apartment overlooking the Bund, of course. Then maybe, just maybe, things get a bit pricey. ???? But even then, probably still cheaper than a similar place in NYC, am I right?