Student Guide: Living in Xi'an
Xi'an is the ideal city for Muslim students in China. Home to the largest Hui (Chinese Muslim) community, its famous Muslim Quarter offers authentic halal food everywhere. It's also one of China's most affordable major cities and has 63 universities including the prestigious Xi'an Jiaotong University.
Key Highlights
- Largest Muslim community in China (Hui people)
- Famous Muslim Quarter with halal street food
- Ancient capital — Terracotta Warriors, city walls
- Most affordable major city for students
Cost of Living
| Monthly Expense | Min | Average | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $130 | $250 | $450 |
| Food | $100 | $140 | $220 |
| Transport | $10 | $18 | $30 |
| Total Monthly | $300 | $450 | $800 |
* Last verified: 2026-03-06
Climate
Semi-arid continental: cold winters (-3 to 5°C), hot dry summers (30-38°C). Dry climate, clear skies in autumn.
Halal Food
Excellent
Moroccan Community
Medium
Airport
XIY (Xianyang)
Top Universities in Xi'an
What it costs and where you would study
A student month in Xi'an runs $300 to $800, averaging $450, which makes it the 3rd cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa places students in, against a $600 median.
Rent accounts for most of it at $250 a month on average ($130-$450), with food around $140 and transport about $18.
Xi'an has roughly 63 universities in total. 7 of them are in the Foorsa catalogue, 2 of those ranked in the QS world list, with tuition from $1,800 to $7,200 a year.
Halal food availability is excellent, the Muslim community is very-large and the Moroccan student community is sizeable. You would fly into XIY (Xianyang).
Semi-arid continental: cold winters (-3 to 5°C), hot dry summers (30-38°C). Dry climate, clear skies in autumn.
Universities we place students in here
- Xi'an Jiaotong University — QS 302 · $1,800-$5,000/yr
- Northwestern Polytechnical University — QS 543 · $2,000-$5,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Xi'an as a student?
Between $300 and $800 a month, $450 on average: about $250 for rent, $140 for food and $18 for transport. That is the 3rd cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa works in.
Which universities can I apply to in Xi'an?
7 of the 149 universities in the Foorsa catalogue are in Xi'an, 2 of them QS-ranked. They include Xi'an Jiaotong University and Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Is it easy to find halal food in Xi'an?
Halal food availability in Xi'an is excellent, and the city has a very-large Muslim community.
What is the weather like in Xi'an?
Semi-arid continental: cold winters (-3 to 5°C), hot dry summers (30-38°C). Dry climate, clear skies in autumn.
Are there other Moroccan students in Xi'an?
The Moroccan student community in Xi'an 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