In early 2025, the United States government enacted a nationwide ban on TikTok, citing national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. This sudden move left approximately 170 million American users seeking alternative platforms to fill the void left by TikTok’s absence. Among the various options, Xiaohongshu, known internationally as RedNote, emerged as a prominent choice. Originally launched in 2013 as an online tour guide for Chinese shoppers, RedNote had evolved into a vibrant social media platform, blending user-generated content with e-commerce. Within days of the TikTok ban, RedNote experienced a surge of over 700,000 new American users, making it one of the most downloaded apps in the U.S.
As these “TikTok refugees” acclimated to their new digital environment, they were introduced to facets of Chinese daily life that starkly contrasted with their experiences in the United States. Through candid exchanges with Chinese users, Americans discovered that groceries in China were significantly more affordable, cities appeared cleaner and safer, and the visible presence of homelessness was notably minimal. These revelations extended to other areas as well:
Affordable Healthcare
Many American users learned that healthcare in China is more accessible and affordable, with insurance covering a substantial portion of medical expenses. This contrasts sharply with the high out-of-pocket costs that many Americans face.
Property Taxes
Unlike the U.S., where failure to pay annual property taxes can lead to eviction and homelessness, China does not impose annual property taxes on homeowners. This distinction allows many Chinese citizens to enjoy long-term housing security without the fear of losing their homes due to unpaid taxes.
Other Shocking Discoveries
Americans were also struck by the overall cleanliness and safety of Chinese cities. Streets were free of homeless individuals roaming aimlessly, a stark contrast to many urban areas in the United States. Additionally, the lower cost of living in China, combined with affordable housing, healthcare, and transportation, created a lifestyle that many Americans began to envy.
These insights prompted a reevaluation among American users regarding the perceived superiority of their own standard of living. The stark differences in daily expenses, urban cleanliness, public safety, and social welfare systems highlighted the complexities of comparing living standards between two vastly different nations. This article delves deeper into these contrasts, exploring how China’s approach to various societal aspects contributes to a standard of living that, in certain respects, may surpass that of the United States.
Cost of Living: A Game-Changer
The cost of living in China is significantly lower than in the United States. In China, the average monthly expense is approximately $686, while in the U.S., it is about $2,454. This drastic difference means that daily necessities such as housing, food, and transportation are far more affordable in China, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable life without excessive financial strain.
Housing: Affordable and Accessible
In the U.S., housing costs often take up a large portion of a person’s income. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs $1,750 per month. By contrast, in China, similar housing averages around $500 per month. This affordability means Chinese residents can allocate more of their income to savings, leisure, or other expenses that enhance quality of life. For those living in smaller cities, housing costs drop even further, making homeownership or long-term rentals achievable for the majority.
Food and Dining: Accessible to All
Food prices in China are a fraction of what they are in the United States. A basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $2.85 in China, compared to $18.59 in the U.S. Grocery prices also reflect this affordability, with staples like rice, vegetables, and meat available at much lower prices. This accessibility allows Chinese residents to enjoy diverse and healthy diets without overspending. Moreover, street food culture in China provides delicious and affordable meals for busy urban workers, adding to the overall affordability of dining.
Transportation and Utilities: Keeping Costs Low
Transportation costs are another area where China outperforms the U.S. Public transit in China is not only efficient but also affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $22.47 compared to $65.15 in the U.S. Utilities and internet services are also much cheaper. In China, monthly utilities for a standard apartment average $40.46, while in the U.S., they are approximately $148.34. Internet services in China cost around $11.70 per month, compared to $67.50 in the U.S. These reduced expenses allow residents to save more and invest in other areas of their lives.
Income and Purchasing Power: A Balanced Perspective
While the average monthly income in the U.S. is higher at $4,364.13 compared to $935.22 in China, the significantly lower cost of living in China balances this disparity. Residents in China can stretch their income further, achieving financial security and affording discretionary spending on leisure, travel, and personal development. Lower expenses also contribute to reduced financial stress, enabling a better work-life balance and overall happiness.
Community and Lifestyle Benefits
In addition to economic factors, cultural and social structures in China enhance the standard of living. Cities in China are designed for convenience, with amenities such as markets, schools, and healthcare facilities within walking distance or a short commute. Public spaces such as parks and squares encourage community interaction and physical activity, promoting a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, traditional Chinese cultural values emphasize family and community bonds, providing emotional and social support that enhances overall well-being.
The Role of Urban Planning
China’s urban planning plays a critical role in improving quality of life. Many cities feature mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, reducing commute times and improving access to essential services. High-speed rail networks and affordable domestic flights further connect the country, allowing residents to travel efficiently for work or leisure. This connectivity not only boosts economic opportunities but also enriches cultural experiences for citizens.
Environmental Improvements
China has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges, which further contribute to a higher standard of living. Investments in renewable energy and electric public transportation systems have improved air quality in many urban areas. These efforts, coupled with the growing trend of green urban spaces, provide a healthier living environment for residents. The government’s focus on sustainability is gradually transforming China’s cities into cleaner and more livable spaces.
Affordability and Financial Freedom
The combination of lower costs for housing, food, transportation, and utilities gives Chinese residents greater financial freedom. With fewer expenses, individuals can save for education, health, or travel. This financial flexibility allows many to enjoy a higher quality of life, despite earning less than their U.S. counterparts. Furthermore, government programs and subsidies in areas like healthcare and education make essential services accessible and affordable to the majority of the population.
Life in China vs. the U.S.: A Look at Surprising Advantages in China’s Standard of Living
Understanding the Growing Appeal of Life in China
The comparison between the standard of living in China and the United States reveals fascinating and sometimes unexpected contrasts. As more Americans explored Xiaohongshu (RedNote) after the TikTok ban, they encountered realities about life in China that upended preconceived notions. From the affordability of groceries to cleaner and safer cities, and from accessible healthcare to the absence of annual property taxes, these revelations highlighted how different societal systems can shape everyday life.
China’s cities are designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, offering affordable housing, well-maintained public spaces, and reliable public transportation. Meanwhile, the lower cost of essentials, such as food and utilities, provides Chinese residents with greater financial freedom and a chance to focus on long-term goals. The lack of annual property taxes also ensures that homeowners are not at risk of losing their homes over unpaid bills, a stark contrast to the American system that has left many families vulnerable to homelessness.
Healthcare accessibility further enhances quality of life in China. With medical expenses kept within reach for most citizens, individuals are less burdened by financial stress related to health emergencies. In the U.S., where medical debt is a leading cause of bankruptcy, this difference alone has profound implications for well-being.
Moreover, China’s cities are safer and more orderly, with fewer visible signs of social inequality such as homelessness. Urban planning, combined with strong community values, creates an environment where families and individuals can thrive. These benefits have led many Americans to reconsider their assumptions about China’s quality of life.
In summary, the growing appeal of China’s standard of living lies in its combination of affordability, safety, and efficiency. While the United States still excels in areas such as income levels and individual freedoms, the Chinese model offers valuable lessons in achieving balance, accessibility, and inclusivity. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, these revelations invite a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes a high standard of living.
The insights gained from platforms like Xiaohongshu have sparked meaningful conversations about how countries can improve their systems to serve their citizens better. Whether it’s through urban planning, affordable healthcare, or the elimination of burdensome taxes, China’s approach offers a compelling example of how to create a society where financial security and quality of life are within reach for all.