Like I’ve said, China is still an emerging economy. The cost of living can be equated with the developing world. Of course, it is more expensive to live in America. In rent alone, a thousand dollars is the cheapest you can find in the US. While in China, even in the metropolitan ones, a thousand dollars is a decent apartment already. If you factor in food, transportation, utilities, and activities, there is a difference. Living in American may be an ultimate dream, but it will cost you money as well. There are many people living in their cars or van because they cannot afford rent in the US. While in China, you can find cheaper ones without having to live in a car. Yet, of course, the kind of freedom you can experience in America is incomparable. You won’t have it in China.