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Personal Expenses

To help you budget for additional out-of-pocket expenses in Shanghai, see an estimate of what ACM students have spent in the past. 

Sample Budget for a Semester in Shanghai

Passport $135



Pre-departure medical costs


Airfare (Chicago to Shanghai, round trip)


Local transportation²


Personal expenses³



Books and supplies $75

¹ Includes the cost of a visa plus certified mail shipping.

² Public transportation in and around Shanghai.

³ Includes personal travel and entertainment. See the cost of living in Shanghai for examples of common personal expenses.

* Students are responsible for all meals during the semester.

Cost of Living in Shanghai

As you look at the following cost estimates for common personal purchases in Shanghai, refer to for the current exchange rate between the US dollar and the Chinese yuan (¥).

Single ride on local bus or train ¥3–6
Movie ticket ¥70
Bottle of beer ¥25
Lunch ¥30
Liter of bottled water ¥5
Cappuccino ¥38

This page was updated on January 25, 2017.