Rent Index Shanghai 2018/19

As 2018 is now behind us, we have taken the chance to get a quick look at last year’s state of Shanghai’s residential leasing market. Based on all available and expat-relevant market information (last year we have made status updates to 11,645 rental properties), you can find out which are the most affordable and most expensive areas in Shanghai for expats, and learn about the average prices for various property types and layouts in different residential areas.

For better context of the data used for this market report please note: As we are specialized in finding short- and long-term housing for expats (in the sense of professionals sent on Shanghai assignments by their employers), we mostly handle high-end properties that can meet the (often very high) standards said expats are used to in their home countries. Such properties are fitted with imported, modern electronics and home appliances, from home entertainment, over kitchen equipment, to under-floor heating, etc. With regard to pricing these properties settle within the top 20%. Therefore our report is not meant to provide an accurate overview of the whole property market in Shanghai, but to help expats when discussing compensation packages  or to find a suitable area within their means.
Further, prices are exclusively for fully-furnished properties in order to reflect the requirements of most expats.

Best areas to rent an apartment or villa in Shanghai

Non-surprisingly Shanghai’s suburbs are significantly lower priced than its highly sought-after Downtown areas. Xintiandi is Shanghai’s trendy and glitzy high-end shopping, entertainment, and fine-dining  district, home to the city’s affluent and internationally minded elite. Excellently connected to CBDs in Lujiazui, Xujiahui, and West Nanjing Road, locals and expats alike are drawn to Xintiandi. On the other end of the spectrum we find Xujing Town, close to Hongqiao Airport. Although the most affordable area in our ranking, Xujing Town is by no means a poor choice for expat families. A vibrant international community has formed, that apparently favors a green, healthy, low-density environment with spacious suburb villas and big private gardens over posh high-rises and the hustle and bustle in the city’s center.

Average Rental Prices in Different Areas of Shanghai

Area	Modern 1BR	Modern 2BR	Modern 3BR	Serviced 1BR	Serviced 2BR	Serviced 3BR	Villa 3BR	Villa 4BR	Villa 5BR	Old 1BR	Old 2BR	Old 3BR
Zhongshan Park	12270	15670	20630	17330	23700	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	11360	13200	17890
Xujing Town	n/a	n/a	22460	n/a	n/a	n/a	29550	34400	38700	n/a	n/a	n/a
Xujiahui	15100	17410	23200	17000	22350	27980	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Xintiandi	22640	25410	32550	26500	39830	57720	n/a	n/a	n/a	16670	20310	29700
Lujiazui CBD	16910	21680	32360	24210	38810	51930	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Longdong Avenue	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	33250	38480	45880	n/a	n/a	n/a
Kangqiao	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	39710	42130	44350	n/a	n/a	n/a
Huqingping	n/a	n/a	29560	n/a	n/a	n/a	38550	40250	46420	n/a	n/a	n/a
Huacao Town	n/a	n/a	19000	n/a	n/a	33800	28600	39310	47140	n/a	n/a	n/a
Hongqiao	11430	17120	22620	16590	20770	23420	35340	41530	50670	n/a	n/a	n/a
Gubei	16420	19410	24900	21200	25000	28660	n/a	32500	52000	n/a	n/a	n/a
Jinqiao & Green City	16000	17400	29360	23290	34430	37750	43070	55850	62050	n/a	n/a	n/a
FFC	15430	23190	32170	17110	27910	41460	n/a	n/a	n/a	17030	21770	29370
Jing'an	16710	20670	26060	22010	35240	40840	n/a	n/a	n/a	16870	21990	28860
Century Park & Lianyang	12750	17870	22600	18710	27230	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Most affordable Single Apartments in Shanghai

We see that expats can find the most affordable housing options in Hongqiao, near Zhongshan Park, and around Century Park. These areas are mid- and uptown, but all benefit from good public transportation links and easy access to the highway network. For those interested in living in Downtown, Xujiahui presents the best value option.

Most affordable villas for expat families in Shanghai

Cost conscious families looking for Western standard villas are best advised to turn to Huacao Town and Xujing Town, which both offer spacious yet reasonably sized and prized properties. The setting here is very suitable for international families, as many excellent international high schools, such as the Shanghai American School and the British International School of Shanghai have facilities here.