2019 cost of living ranking: China As part of its Cost of Living data services, Mercer surveys commodity prices throughout the world. In this series of infographics, we examine the cost of commonly consumed beverages over the last five years in China, Mexico, Poland, and South Africa. Expatriate cost of living in China Overall cost of living ranking for expatriates in Chinese cities China is a popular destination for companies sending workers on international assignments. Here we focus on 17 of the cities in China for which Mercer surveys cost of living to see how each would fit in our global cost of living ranking. *Actual ranking (included in the global Cost of Living Ranking) **Virtual Ranking (not included in the global Cost of Living Ranking) Beverage prices in China from 2014 to 2019 Beer 0.33 liter of an international brand beer Beer is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage in China, accounting for more than 70% of consumption by volume. With the wide variety, availability, and competition among both international and local brewers, the relative price of a bottle of beer has declined in much of the country over the last five years. However, 8 of the 17 cities surveyed saw an increase in beer prices, linked to their rapid economic growth since 2014. Coffee A cup of an espresso coffee at a popular and fashionable cafe, including service The price of a cup of espresso coffee has remained stable over the past 5 years. Only 6 of 17 cities surveyed saw a relative increase in the cost. Milk One liter of pasteurized whole milk, 2.5% or more fat content Consumption of milk and other dairy has been rising in China, resulting in greater local production and an increase in pricing in most locations. In 11 out of 17 Chinese cities, the relative cost of one liter of pasteurized whole milk has risen since 2014. Water One liter of non-sparkling mineral water Interestingly, all cities in Chinese saw an increase in the price of one liter of non-sparkling mineral water. Demand for mineral water has been increasing annually, and China is already one of the biggest markets in the world for bottled water.