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Cost of living in Liuzhou - Part 8: Housing

Rent in Liuzhou is cheap. Part 8 of our cost of living guide will tell you how cheap (here's a clue: it's really cheap!)...
When we got here, I was staggered at how little rent is in this city and, coming from London, the availability of quality housing in great locations for such a low price continues to amaze me. Whether you want to live frugally and save as much as you can, or live really well and still put money away every month, this is the city for you. Let’s start high and assume you want to splash out - people in London spend on average 60% of their salary on rent; in Liuzhou, if you spend around a third of your salary, you can live in a place like one of these: new build on a modern estate, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge living/dining room, modern kitchen and one even has a chandelier! Both cost 4000元 (£455) per month.
If you've spent any time in China, you'll know that building sites are a huge feature of any city. China is building new housing on an unprecedented scale and Liuzhou is no exception. There are huge estates, made up of forests of new high-rises, dotted all over the city. Chinese people like new apartments in new districts, and prices go up accordingly. If, like me, you prefer the low-rise estates in older districts this puts you in a good position for finding great deals. For example, this small studio flat in an older district will set you back just 500元 (£56) per month! It’s actually in a new apartment block and it's located near some beautiful parks and one of the main shopping districts.
In the same area of town, this new build has a bit more space, including a living/dining room, double bedroom, kitchen and bathroom and it’s also fully furnished. It’s still only 750元 (£85) per month.
If you want to live on a shiny, modern estate, then your apartment doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Many foreigners prefer to live in the city centre where the action is and you can still find good value housing, like this studio for 1350元 (£153) per month. Given the location: walking distance from all the restaurants, bars and clubs of 五星街 5 Star Street (the main shopping street in the city), this is really cheap - and it comes with a great view.
Another popular place to live is among the new build towers in 城中 in the eastern part of the city. This is a very modern part of town, with all the amenities you need, including brand new shopping centres, cinemas and plenty of great restaurants. This 50 square metre new build, furnished studio apartment is 1500元 (£170) per month.
Whatever you want to spend, and wherever you want to live in Liuzhou, our staff will help you find your perfect place. When you first arrive, we’ll pay for a hotel for you and our local colleague will set about helping you find an apartment. She’s been helping foreigners settle into life in the city for more than a decade, and has great contacts within the local rental market to ensure you get the best deal. If you have any questions, get in touch via our email or Facebook page.

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