Student Guide: Living in Chengdu
Chengdu is consistently rated as China's most livable city, known for its relaxed lifestyle, amazing food, and affordable cost of living. Home to Sichuan University and the giant pandas, it's increasingly popular among international students.
Key Highlights
- Known as China's most livable city
- Famous food culture (Sichuan cuisine)
- Very affordable cost of living
- Giant panda research base — unique cultural experience
Cost of Living
| Monthly Expense | Min | Average | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $150 | $280 | $500 |
| Food | $100 | $160 | $250 |
| Transport | $10 | $18 | $30 |
| Total Monthly | $350 | $500 | $850 |
* Last verified: 2026-03-06
Climate
Subtropical humid: mild winters (3-10°C), warm summers (25-32°C). Often overcast. More moderate than most Chinese cities.
Halal Food
Good
Moroccan Community
Small
Airport
CTU (Shuangliu) / TFU (Tianfu)
Top Universities in Chengdu
What it costs and where you would study
A student month in Chengdu runs $350 to $850, averaging $500, which makes it the 5th cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa places students in, against a $600 median.
Rent accounts for most of it at $280 a month on average ($150-$500), with food around $160 and transport about $18.
Chengdu has roughly 56 universities in total. 6 of them are in the Foorsa catalogue, 1 of those ranked in the QS world list, with tuition from $1,600 to $6,500 a year.
Halal food availability is good, the Muslim community is sizeable and the Moroccan student community is small. You would fly into CTU (Shuangliu) / TFU (Tianfu).
Subtropical humid: mild winters (3-10°C), warm summers (25-32°C). Often overcast. More moderate than most Chinese cities.
Universities we place students in here
- Sichuan University — QS 451 · $1,600-$4,500/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Chengdu as a student?
Between $350 and $850 a month, $500 on average: about $280 for rent, $160 for food and $18 for transport. That is the 5th cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa works in.
Which universities can I apply to in Chengdu?
6 of the 149 universities in the Foorsa catalogue are in Chengdu, 1 of them QS-ranked. They include Sichuan University.
Is it easy to find halal food in Chengdu?
Halal food availability in Chengdu is good, and the city has a sizeable Muslim community.
What is the weather like in Chengdu?
Subtropical humid: mild winters (3-10°C), warm summers (25-32°C). Often overcast. More moderate than most Chinese cities.
Are there other Moroccan students in Chengdu?
The Moroccan student community in Chengdu is small. Foorsa introduces you to students already there before you travel.
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Start Your Application Get Free ConsultationLast verified: 2026-03-06