Student Guide: Living in Nanjing
Nanjing, China's former capital, is a major academic hub with 51 universities. It offers a great balance between quality education, rich cultural experiences, and affordable living. Just one hour from Shanghai by high-speed rail.
Key Highlights
- Former capital of China — rich historical heritage
- 51 universities — strong academic city
- More affordable than Shanghai (1 hour by train)
- Beautiful city parks and historical sites
Cost of Living
| Monthly Expense | Min | Average | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $200 | $350 | $600 |
| Food | $120 | $180 | $280 |
| Transport | $10 | $20 | $35 |
| Total Monthly | $400 | $600 | $1000 |
* Last verified: 2026-03-06
Climate
Subtropical: cold winters (0-5°C), hot summers (30-38°C). Known as another 'furnace city'. Beautiful autumn foliage.
Halal Food
Good
Moroccan Community
Medium
Airport
NKG (Lukou)
Top Universities in Nanjing
What it costs and where you would study
A student month in Nanjing runs $400 to $1,000, averaging $600, which makes it the 6th cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa places students in, against a $600 median.
Rent accounts for most of it at $350 a month on average ($200-$600), with food around $180 and transport about $20.
Nanjing has roughly 51 universities in total. 13 of them are in the Foorsa catalogue, 6 of those ranked in the QS world list, with tuition from $1,800 to $6,500 a year.
Halal food availability is good, the Muslim community is sizeable and the Moroccan student community is sizeable. You would fly into NKG (Lukou).
Subtropical: cold winters (0-5°C), hot summers (30-38°C). Known as another 'furnace city'. Beautiful autumn foliage.
Universities we place students in here
- Nanjing University — QS 73 · $2,200-$6,000/yr
- Southeast University — QS 491 · $2,200-$5,500/yr
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics — QS 601 · $2,000-$5,000/yr
- China Pharmaceutical University — QS 801 · $2,000-$4,500/yr
- Nanjing Medical University — QS 801 · $2,500-$6,000/yr
- Hohai University — QS 801 · $1,800-$4,500/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Nanjing as a student?
Between $400 and $1,000 a month, $600 on average: about $350 for rent, $180 for food and $20 for transport. That is the 6th cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa works in.
Which universities can I apply to in Nanjing?
13 of the 149 universities in the Foorsa catalogue are in Nanjing, 6 of them QS-ranked. They include Nanjing University, Southeast University and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Is it easy to find halal food in Nanjing?
Halal food availability in Nanjing is good, and the city has a sizeable Muslim community.
What is the weather like in Nanjing?
Subtropical: cold winters (0-5°C), hot summers (30-38°C). Known as another 'furnace city'. Beautiful autumn foliage.
Are there other Moroccan students in Nanjing?
The Moroccan student community in Nanjing is sizeable. Foorsa introduces you to students already there before you travel.
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Start Your Application Get Free ConsultationLast verified: 2026-03-06