Chinese TYPICAL FAMILY APARTMENT Tour (Price & Cost of Living 2024)

[@MattandJulia]

What are property prices like in your city/town compared to Beijing? 🤔❤️

[@GouganeBarra-u4t]

The average price for a house in my city of Cork is €364,000. Much more than most people can afford. The cost to rent is over €2,000 per month for the 1st time ever.

[@MattandJulia]

Wow, that is crazy! 😮 when we were in Cork a few months ago we noticed how expensive things seemed in comparison to the UK, but that is insanely expensive! ❤️

[@cindybrodie9769]

You wouldn't be able to find a place like that in my hometown of Upland, California. Average home price is $812,000, but an apartment in Los Angeles with that square footage... $4,000 to $5,500 per month (and up for parking and amenities) and you would also be paying for utilities.

[@danielleingarfill5139]

£1200 pcm in Biggleswade, UK for 1 bed, ground floor flat with own garden and parking

[@sin3add]

Yeah, that actually seems reasonable to me. Here in Dublin where I have recently returned after living in Netherlands for 12 yrs approximately (home again!;) is actually a very good figure, not sure how they work out interest rates on a mortgage in Beijing but that would be v interesting to hear. Is that 1600 for the entire period? &/Or how does it compare to the variable or fixed rate system?

[@Timy1992]

Wow, it's amazing how you can genuinely vocalize Mandarin after just a month of learning!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! 🥰 Really appreciate it! ❤️

[@heatherheaney4060]

@@MattandJulia my goodness you both are quick learners! you both were having a conversation. So impressive.

[@Blahblahblah-k8w]

Commies gonna Commie 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Timy1992]

@@Blahblahblah-k8w Ok, next time we ask you!

[@justtubingby129]

The Thank You is not quite right but you'll improve 😊

[@RadicalSpikee]

I had low expectations based on the stairway in the building but inside the apartment things improved drastically!

[@1changi]

What is outside the unit is the municipal council 'sresponsibility (aka it is public property). What is inside the door is private and personal. The owner can deck their house out like a palace.

[@songbirds3712]

Same! I was very concerned about what appeared to be mold (black mold??) when they first went inside the building. And my OCD was not happy with the wires situation! But the inside was quite nice.❤

[@goldgeologist5320]

Typical communist apartment culture. It is same in Russia. Common areas are poorly maintained, but in apartment is yours so it gets treated properly.

[@tinkerbell1666]

@@songbirds3712I agree I was no impressed with all the exposed, hanging wires and the dingy-looking hallways. I’m sorry I’m not impressed with the apartment either.

[@songbirds3712]

@@tinkerbell1666 I will say, the fact that the hallways, etc were so gross that I was relieved to see the situation inside her space was better. But I am not sure I would want to go past the mold, the dirt, the wires, to get to her apt.

[@311076]

Wow! The apartment's front door is so thick. It is like a vault's door!

[@rosemullen-r5w]

Try to keep government from grabbing you!

[@Circus1990]

Love that part. Keeps privacy.

[@arizonajo2791]

Exactly what I was thinking…

[@BartlettTFD]

Human warehouses 😩 With so many people, they have no choice.

[@U.S.ArmyVeteran]

@@BartlettTFD 😂😂 very very funny, I love it!

[@heatherheaney4060]

what I really love about your channel is how neutral you guys are in all you life experiences. WHen you go to countries and meet new ppl. You are never really personalize it. Its lovely how you show the world to us.

[@leelife009]

Can't agree more!

[@sukhadhandoi1492]

Hi love from India

[@joecotillo6429]

Not what i expected.

[@hans-georgwerner3826]

Ich finde das das wichtigste, unvoreingenommen und offen neues entdecken und genießen, ohne die überhebliche westliche Brille. Ich habe im Herbst selbst über drei Wochen China erlebt und war in jeder Hinsicht beeindruckt. Von den Menschen mit ihrer offenen und freundlichen Art, von dem Leben und den „echten“ Werten die hier wichtig sind. Das beeindruckt und lässt nachdenklich werden, ob unsere Werte wirklich die besseren oder überlegeneren sind. Ich sage heute eher nein.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

They're in China, remember? 😂

[@竹子叔叔]

如果还在望京，我建议你们去探访不同年代的住宅，因为40年来正是北京和其他中国大城市快速成长的时期，你住的房子可能在90年代末，70年代、80年代，2000年代初的房产，2010年代的房产都有巨大的差别。望京的房产就像一个历史缩影，应该很有趣。

[@lindah953]

You two are so brave doing this and you are doing well with your Chinese!! Impressive. 👍

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! ❤️That means the world 🥰

[@krischamberlain2027]

I live in the USA in the state of Missouri . Middle of the country. We own our home. The rent you mentioned seems affordable rather than owning there. Your apartment layout seems quirky but looks like it would work for a small family. Maybe the 2nd bedroom with the bath would be a good room for a elderly mom. Thanks for sharing. I love seeing how other people in other countries live.

[@andrewmitchell5946]

Thank you so much to you both ❤ ....from an old guy stuck in bed , love to the world

[@ambarsharma7920]

Stay Happy ...❤

[@pragawa]

Hello from India!

[@MamaCassOFee]

Hello from another bed-bound person watching the world through video!

[@weiwu301]

Great job on the video. The door decorations usually is a poem’s wishing proverb or good wishes phrase usually prosperity and health. And the gore with red string also symbolize good health and wealth and can be converted or traditionally a water bottle. ❤❤😂🎉😂❤ best wishes and thanks for sharing the video. Love it and missed China.

[@hill77276]

So interesting to learn how others live. Since 2013, I've been in a 40 unit, 3 story senior housing bldg (with central elevator) on the Iron Range in Minnesota. Tenants pay 80 % of fair market value or 30% of their gross income (either way, no more than $670). Cost was $480 when I moved in. Utilities, trash and snow removal are included, but each summer, there's an annual $50 (now $60) fee if you have an A/C unit. Cable TV started out at $24 a month and now is up to $52. After one winter, I got a far Right spot in a shared four-stall garage. Thankfully, it's directly across from my 1st floor apartment. It started out at $30 a month and now is $35. There are a row of 5 of these "garage" bldgs across the front. Altho I very soon be 68yo, I still work 16 hours over the weekends. I walk 1/2 a block to my job, where I'll soon start my 17th year as a PCA to the same client. I wouldn't change my life, Accept to be young again and know to save 20% of each paycheck

[@namelesswarrior4760]

Welcome to China as a resident. Hope that both of you guys will have a great time.

[@billlewandowski-e9y]

That object in the window is an edible plant (gourd) when fresh. After drying out it becomes an ornament. And is considered good feng shui for the home.

[@loehring100]

Something that I have noticed from a cultural standpoint, is the perception of size. I'm an American living in an average suburban area in the SE of the country. My wife and I visited Paris last year, and I have watched a number of videos about housing in different countries. When I compare the size of what seem to be average to large living spaces in so many countries, we seem to live in far larger spaces. When I saw the price of this apartment I was stunned. You could live in a 5,000+ Sq.Ft home for that price, and that as a single residence on a 1/3-1/2 Acre lot. I think many Americans have little concept.

[@jerryclark1903]

That may be the case where you live, but not in the SF Bay Area. A two bedroom one bath condo at 900 ft.² you might be able to get at 600K, in the suburbs.

[@nasimmoazeni7608]

I love young people to take a good risks in life and make their own choices and discoveries before they get old. I love all the young people that make healthy and right decisions then they have nothing to regret when they get older. Keep going with your plan and have a real good and happy future together.❤

[@nepiahemopo1702]

They have to be doctors, lawyers or indian chiefs tho, in order to get themselves onto the property ladder. The sooner they get a real job, the better, me thinks. 😂😂😂

[@y.v.l.]

I really like the video. I am not really shocked by the price. Over here in the Netherlands both the salesprice and the rent is extremely high. However every apartment building with 3 stories or more is required to have an elevator and the public spaces look a lot better. If I am shocked at all it is because of the state of the hallways!

[@ajlajkitbre]

Pure horror

[@kar460]

How much is rent there?

[@y.v.l.]

@@kar460 Generally speaking in big cities easily 2000 euros, otherwise 1200 - 1500 euros. There are cheaper apartments, but either the renter is very lucky, has a very tiny flat or has been living there for many years (so started with a very low rent which went up a bit every year). Or it is a social flat for lower incomes. The waiting list for that is many years.

[@lbj4993]

@@y.v.l. Another moronic comment as usual, comparing the cost of an apartment in Europe to China...I mean YT should have some sort of IQ test for people to allow them to comment. People in Europe and the US make REAL money, probably 15x-20x what a local worker makes in China, and that is reflected in local prices. It's all about COST OF LIVING and westerners are actually grossly OVER-PAYING purely out of ignorance and of course they have the same mindset about how 'cheap' apartments are. Landlords in Asia are laughing all the way to the bank and they get away with these crappy looking places, I mean the entrance and the electrical systems/wiring here are downright scary; but a lot has to do with what low-expectation westerners had in the west, obviously these people didn't exactly come from anything luxurious...

[@finebetty7446]

Capitalist China :(

[@yvonnebirch6026]

Amazing, you are talking Chinese already ! So much to see and discover. ❤❤❤

[@parson123]

Beijing houses are different from other big cities because there are all government departments in Beijing, and 30 years ago, most houses benefited from this. So, the local older generation will have at least one house for a child. Your apartment is not new and is lower than 6 floors without an elevator. The elevator for the other gate, which you are showing, is a project from the government to help seniors living in these kinds of buildings.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you for the information 🙌🏼❤️

[@weizhang2834]

Yea, typical old buildings, it was super cheap back then 2000 , only take 10000 dollars to buy it in 2001 because it doesn’t have elevator, those elevators were added in the last 10 years by the government. But most of foreigners don’t know how cheap in some small cities in northern China, some are just 5000 dollars to buy it

[@TRAVELADVENTURES-xm2vo]

Yes, Beijing housing is different due to the concentration of government agencies, many families benefit from old policies. Old buildings under 6 floors without elevators are popular with the older generation. The elevator project for the elderly is a positive step forward.

[@1changi]

@@MattandJulia Your host must be a Chinese Communist Party cadre. Ordinary folks do not enjoy such privileges.

[@lindauhrig1513]

Like I’d know, but you both seem to be doing well with Mandarin. Glad you’re not shying away from using it and talking to people! I absolutely love that tea-making device! I think I need one!! Lastly, here’s something a bit humorous: when I watch your videos I say things out loud and make remarks. My husband said to me one day, “Who are you talking to?” And I said, “Oh, Matt and Julia.” He told me, “You do know they can’t hear you?!” 🤣🤣

[@Markmademusic]

I live in Tongzhou, a small town near Nantong, Jiangsu. The rent for my modern 2 bed apartment is ¥1300. The community is only 7 years old and I’ve been here for 6, rent has not increased since I moved here. I couldn’t get a room in a shared house for that in Leeds UK where I’m from.

[@lbj4993]

That's because in the UK PEOPLE MAKE REAL MONEY you dumb dumb. It's not what things cost it's all about COST OF LIVING as in how many hours would a local need to work to afford to live there, it's downright stupid to compare average incomes in China with anywhere in Europe or the US. So in actuallity a local couldn't live even in this crappy apartment, and westerners are OVER-paying because they're morons.

[@_MANASYt]

I'm in Xiamen for 13 years...never paid rent, apartment comes with the job...I cross the street and go to work!

[@DrewRoses2]

Wow! That actually sounds amazing. Where I live we have such bad traffic most workers end up spending up to 3h or 4h a day in transit alone. If you don't mind, would you be so kind to share more about the conditions there? Is it a shared apartment? How big is it, roughly? Is this a common thing in China?

[@socksyuielkmf]

What kind of work do you do?

[@gechu-gh2ws]

​@@DrewRoses2It depends on your job,😢

[@DrewRoses2]

@@gechu-gh2ws hmm so not all jobs offer that? Still, for those that offer, I'm wondering how good or bad of an experience this is. I mean living at a place offered by your job. Because not having to deal with transit already sounds amazing.

[@林木老寄卖]

​@@DrewRoses2 哇每天 3-4 小时交通？😮😮 是该说住的地方太远 还是交通不便利？😮

[@000T00b]

I’m with you on the tidying up thing. My home is loved …. and lived in, in all its unvarnished glory.

[@rileydj8764]

I lived in Tianjin for 5 years (2000-2005) and lived in an 150sqm apartment paid for by my company. Had a 10th (top) floor apartment with elevator. It was 2,300 USD per month, with furnishing and daily maid service. Loved it!

[@finebetty7446]

Crazy amount of money:(

[@parkerbohnn]

@@finebetty7446 150 square meters not 150 square feet. Where I live in Markham, Ontario Canada rents are a lot higher.

[@garyjiang9997]

@@parkerbohnn But it's still very expensive, let alone in China 20 years ago, I checked the guideline price for renting a house issued by the Tianjin government in 2005, and the guideline price for an apartment in the best location is ¥34/sqm. Considering that some of the apartments may be decorated in a more upscale way, the normal price for a 150sqm house shouldn't be more than ¥8000, which is about $1100USD. The normal price for 150 square meters should not be more than ¥8,000, which is about 1,100USD, so maybe the agent and the person in charge of renting the house in their company made a lot of money at that time.

[@alisonryan226]

Where I live in Spain is very cheap compared to other countries like the UK where I am from. You can buy a lovely 3 bedroomed detached house, with a pool for less than 250,000 euros. Those are the older properties but a new one, again with its own pool and maybe 4 bedrooms will be around 400,000 euros. We are about 10 mins drive from the coast in a beautiful area with mountains behind us. If you have a lower budget then you can get a lovely 2/3 bed house for about 120,000 for a detached older property, or 140,000 for a larger terrace with a communal pool. There isn't much in the way of long term rental as most is holiday rental, which is quite expensive.

[@Watfordherts1971]

I shall start to watch you regularly now as this was so interesting, I live near London and £600 rent is very very cheap , I know a fella at work pays more than that for a room within a house in Watford . Very good video and good information Thankyou

[@MattandJulia]

Glad you found it interesting 🥰 Lots of love to you 🇬🇧❤️

[@calvincoolidge1207]

It is not cheap when considering average incomes.

[@KelilahLivingston]

I've read the minimum wage in China for factory workers (ex. cutting clothes for places like SHEIN) is $3/hr. $600 is unaffordable with that perspective.

[@diannecook8289]

You guys are amazing! You are so happy with your Chinese life. And you are both so smart. Your ability yo communicate already is unbelievable to me!!!

[@alejandroheld9527]

Thanks for the tour of the apartment. It wouldn't be the best place for someone with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. For me it would be great. I was struck by the big lock on the front door, especially since I don't think there would be much insecurity there. I didn't imagine that houses in Beijing were so expensive. I hope to see Julia's calligraphy someday!! Love to both of you from Sasha!!

[@georwoogle]

Very interesting. Now I see the really ordinary Beijing family residence. Thank you for sharing.

[@jpaulrice]

Just to compare prices here in Daytona Beach Florida for a new one bedroom apartment approximately 780 ft.² can run from $1200 up to $1700, plus the renter pays for electricity and sometimes also the water and Internet. All of those could run another $300 a month. It was lots of fun to watch your video. Wonderful you two can have such an adventure.

[@Stevescafidi-km3td]

Try $2200.00 a month for 824sq.feet 1 bedroom apt. Water and garbage an additional $85 per month. Utilities another $45.00 ! I am located between San Francisco and San Jose Ca.. California has become a cost of living nightmare. Thanks to Democrats leadership!

[@patrickrussell1888]

@@Stevescafidi-km3td AS they say in California, "location, location, location."

[@上正止]

The red banner have auspicious phrases such as wishing one’s family harmony or good luck or good fortune.Usually such banners are put on the doors outside of the unit or on the walls of the house .

[@andrewdennis8404]

Hi love your video's. Glade your having so much fun in beijing. I am just starting my second visit to china, I be here for three months.

[@MattandJulia]

Wow, awesome! Where are you going? 😮 Have an amazing time! ❤️

[@howardcheung5809]

enjoy😊

[@andrewdennis8404]

At the moment I am staying outside bejing about 35 minutes by built train in a small town with my girlfriend. Very interesting see how people live and the difference between the west. Her flat is the same size as the one your staying in. I think it's worth 100,000 and rent would be £250 - £300 a month. Lots of restaurants food and drink so cheap. Lunch £7 DINNER £14. I am the only westerner in the town. The town comes a live at night people out doing stuff, dancing singing in the street shopping. Winter the river froze over last year and ice skating on the ice.

[@linamendt9149]

That's a GREAT price for a place that size! Very reasonable compared to small apartments at the same price in South Florida.

[@maggiechan33]

The red papers on the doors are Chinese couplets - usually auspicious sayings, esp with the Chinese character Fu = good fortune/good luck.

[@cathiecollins7320]

You both are so smart, learning that much Mandarin!❤

[@CDMouse28]

Insane cost of the apartment! Nice sized place, though. Thank you; great video as always. My first comment on your channel.

[@parkerbohnn]

Apartments where I live in Ontario, Canada still cost more.

[@vx4982]

I’m in U. S. and I love when they say, “ Flat”, “ Loo”. ❤

[@susantierney3270]

I love that tea set up.

[@lecrab]

Very interesting, and I am amazed at the level of chinese you guys mastered already. Obviously, I saw three vids, but more days than that have passed, I know that. But still.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! 🥰❤️

[@AuroraRose_Andromeda]

I am loving the set up of the flat's and that tea set up. I want one of them lol. I hope the classes are going well. That's 820,500 almost mansion mega house price for here in the states. That is a huge amount to pay for a flat. I'm just as shocked as you both are. Wow!! Then the mortgage on top of that! Yikes. I also love the fact that they are installing elevators. To make the flats more accessible to everyone. This was so informing I loved it. See you next time! Be safe have fun!

[@gchvjbjchxx]

Real estate in China does not require additional annual property tax

[@lynniew7376]

Not sure where you live, but where I live in the USA, Seattle, it is common for homes to cost over 1 million. I live in a very modest home, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1075 square feet in Seattle and it is valued at $675,000

[@AuroraRose_Andromeda]

@@lynniew7376 Here in NJ it is 200,000 or less for most homes least around me. Some can reach as high as 500,000 but they are more in the wealthier cities suburban areas.

[@lynniew7376]

@@AuroraRose_Andromeda assuming you live in a relatively nice area, you are very lucky! You can't even buy a tear down house in a blighted neighborhood for $200,000 in Seattle 😕

[@AuroraRose_Andromeda]

@@lynniew7376 I'm here in the states NJ too, in the deep woods. So its rather rustic here.

[@marilynaustin7488]

I live in Georgia, USA, 50 miles from Atlanta. My home is a 4 bedroom 2 bath ranch style. with a very large great room. We have 60 acres and a very large horse barn . We purchased it 25 years ago-for $210,000. Today it’s very rare to find this amount of land to purchase. New houses built nearby are priced at $330.000 with 3-5 acres. I’m not aware of any rental close by, but 10 miles close by homes are renting for around $2500, and there’s no apartments. This area is still considered rural, but not for long. It seems you rent is incredibly low vs the price. I really like your courtyards well as the convenience to walk to shops and restaurants.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Wow! 😂 You be close to mortgage free?

[@sharonammirati2042]

this was so interesting, your area is so much nicer than the huge skyscraper buildings. what a nice welcoming family. i notice there is no art on the walls or colored walls...maybe just this familys style. China has such beautiful fabrics, I am surprised the apt is not very colorfully decorated. thanks for all the info. ❤😊

[@Pyro9576]

When I was living in Changsha, Hunan. We were paying about 3K yuan a month for a 4 bedroom apartment. We were not in the city center but we were close to the underground to get to where you needed. This was in 2017

[@samwardsy]

Housing prices in Shenzhen are about 1.07 times those in Beijing, while housing prices in the neighboring city of Hong Kong are about 2.1 times those in Shenzhen.No matter in terms of absolute prices or the ratio of per capita income to housing prices, Hong Kong (No. 1), Shanghai (No. 2), Shenzhen (No. 3), Beijing (No. 4), Macau (No. 5), Guangzhou (No. 6) and Taipei (No. 7) are all cities with the highest housing prices in China, and are almost the highest in the world, reflecting the rapid growth of China's economy in recent years. Most of the wealth of Chinese people is deposited in houses, which is also a heavy burden for young people.

[@michaelmook-cs6ci]

Another good video thanks for taking me along.

[@deniseb.1960]

Thanks so much for the tour! Nice place! I hope you enjoy your stay! ❤

[@judiemjacobson4613]

Julia I found you on the Great British baking show . I knew I recognized you did a great job I enjoyed watching you there as well as in this new series. Blessings from New Mexico

[@zollen123]

Both of your Chinese are getting better. Keep up the good work!

[@Ree-b]

It’s wonderful to see you starting your China adventure! I’ve just repatriated after 18 years. You made me homesick!

[@rosynomad5263]

Beijing is a Cosmopolitan city .❤

[@OTseven]

Very nicely done. I'm shocked as well. Lovely vid. And you're a lovely couple. Thank you so so much. First time I've seen anything in China except the Royal Bldg.

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

Current rental prices for a nice 3 bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs runs from $1,700 to $3,000 a month. That will include some form of assigned parking, not covered, but near the apartment. The complexes are usually three to five floors - ungated. No security, no playground, no exercise area, but will probably have a common area including an outdoor pool. Apartments with a view are more expensive - obviously. A view of the parking lot - cheaper. Apartments are rarely furnished unless being sublet by the owner. Newer complexes will have an elevator. Some have balconies. Trash removal, snow removal, and maintenance are included. Rental contracts can be for 6 months to a year at a time. Expect an increase in rent to renew your lease.

[@annedon776]

We live in NYC in a good not expensive area and we pay $6,500 for a 3 bedroom. Cheap by many places in the city.

[@Jmcg1959]

Excellent content once again, keep up learning the language so impressive 😍. I’ve been with you from the beginning, ups and downs enjoy every moment you can. As I have commented in the past life passes so quick, nobody can diminish the memories you are creating together, go safely.

[@DelSimmons]

Suburb that you live in? Wow. That word really means different things in different places.. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@jamessmith-t7b]

I love learning the costs in different places. To me, 820,000 USD seems quite reasonable, in my neighborhood in San Jose, CA, USA a similar flat would be 1.2-1.5 million USD. I was recently in Zhanjiang in southwest Guangdong province and had the opportunity to look at new flats for sale. I saw 2, a 3 bed 2 bath approx 110 square meters for around $150,000 USD, and a smaller 2 bed 2 bath around 65 square meters that was just under 100,000 USD. These were new construction in a central (good) location, about 2 blocks from the city center park, and were nicely fitted out, but not furnished. Anyhow, great video, enjoyed learning about Beijing's housing, it is a lovely city with many amazing attributes, including the new airport. Best of luck from San Jose, CA

[@aileenbesa8969]

got lots of info.from your video, real & straight to the point

[@rosebud-ame]

Hi! I live in New York City. A 3 bedroom apartment in the City proper will cost a least $1-2 million dollars. A 1 bedroom will cost $600,000+. A one bedroom rented apartment will be at least $2,000+. Rent is more than if you bought your apt. I bought my apt. about 30 years ago for $120,000 cash & I pay $1,200 per month in maintenance. No mortgage for me, thank God! 😅 And yes this apartment layout is very different than NYC apartments though our heat vents were also high up on the wall!

[@laurachevrette8060]

$1,200 a month for maintenance seems high. What is that covering?

[@pauleyres3003]

Hello from Newcastle in Staffordshire , UK. I discovered your channel yesterday watching your train trip to the coldest place on earth and I enjoyed every minute of it. You are a great couple, so polite and caring and I would say this is one of the best channels I have watched. Best wishes to you both. Paul

[@CharleneMoore-u5p]

Love your videos. They make me appreciate where I live.

[@PK-nb9ph]

What an adventure! How fun. Thanks for sharing !!👍🙏🤗

[@TacoGrande007]

In San Jose California a typical 2bed 2bath condo around downtown would cost about 900K. If you want to buy an average 1350sqft 3bed 2bath single family house with a driveway, garage, front, and backyard the cost is about $1.4M and up. Keep in mind that mortgage interest rates in California is around 7% of that $1.4M loan. You also have to pay a yearly properly tax which is about 1.3% of that $1.4M purchase price or about 18.6K every year.

[@lbj4993]

This is the usual moronic and downright dumb comment here on KZbin, comparing San Jose CA to somewhere in China, and there's always at least one Einstein commenting. It's not how much things cost, you moron, it's about COST OF LIVING...and living in California you might have noticed that MINIMUM Wage is $20, and that's for flipping burgers, whereas the average wage in China is around $3 if they even can find a job...Every time I hear somebody mention how expensive the US is compared to Asia, I know I'm dealing with some ignorant moron...YOU make at least 6x more in the US than some Chinese worker doing whatever, and you hopefully make even more, although in your case that is doubtful for obvious reasons. So wake up and smell the coffee, then read a book about GDP/world economies...Meanwhile I'll have a Cognac; can't fix stupid, it just can't be done. Cheers

[@stevetee5076]

This is accurate.

[@maureenstevens6824]

This is depressing!!! No wonder so many homeless. NYC is the same.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

Even if you inherited the property. You would be forced to get a roommate just to cover your property tax if your salary were $35000 a year pre tax. California property tax isn't even bad compared to Illinois or NJ.

[@DoniCato]

@@maureenstevens6824a a studio in Wall Street wud cost around $800-900 k in an elevator bldg Monthly property taxes n common charges wud be around $3.5-4k N the size wud be only

[@yiquanawalkb4run26]

How Lovely to meet you both, May peace be with you in your togetherness always

[@Migwuk]

Thank you. I always wondered what it was like living there.

[@TheUnmaking]

Your chinese listening is pretty good for such a short time. It took me about a year of self study to get to your level. it’s good that you’re living with a family and immersed. I didn’t have that opportunity

[@jeanneallie1826]

The gourd is a Daji Hulu, a good luck gourd. I'm thinking the red banners on people's doors are the slogans they write on red paper/ fabric wishing good luck, etc, on the home in the new year. (I'm also a Chinese language learner and look forward to when i can visit the country). Loved this video and just subscribed to your channel. Xie Xie nimen!

[@4horns832]

Ancient people used gourds to carry drinking water. According to legend, Taoist priests with magical powers used gourds to put devils and unlucky things into gourds.

[@4horns832]

People put gourds in kitchen to capture and store bad energy.

[@merrilee1390]

I’m so happy you came up in my feed today! I found this fascinating and you both are so adorable! I subscribed and can’t wait to look back on your prior videos. Stay healthy and safe. ❤

[@lunamaharuni]

I live in salt lake City Utah and a nice home in a nice area, not overly Extravagant, would be about the same as the flat you showed. In 2020 we bought a home in a bit less desirable part of SLC with 4 bedrooms and two baths and a large backyard was 312k$ and that was a deal. Now it goes for over 500k$ Most one bedroom apartments in any area of salt lake City is between 1200$ and 1700$ .

[@patrickrussell1888]

Housing inflation was killing us from 2016-2022. Demand regulates pricing to a large degree. As we are entering another bad year with our anemic economy (like the sales of new cars, like fancy trucks), its possible prices might adjust by 20% downward. Many newer homeowners will have mortgages more than their house is worth. Landlords will be experiencing vacancy rates of 15 to 20% until they lower their rents.

[@bfred3784]

Thanks for the tour. Always interesting to see how people live in other countries. Kind of wonder about the shabbiness in the outside hallways and the bars on the windows, even on the second and third floors.

[@user-ov4bb8ii3w]

I was wondering about the security bars on the windows, too. I can’t imagine being a convict in a communist country - didn’t think there would be crime there.

[@johnsavage1109]

Yep, yep yep..... Nope. I have only ever lived in large brick and tile houses on their own land, usually between 1/4 to 1/2 an acre. Most of my houses have been 3/5 bedroom with 2/3 bathrooms. But the bathrooms are large spacious rooms with only a bath and shower. The toilets are in their own smaller rooms. I am actually in the throes of moving to another town. As I am retired and dont need such big houses anymore (I am 75 and my wife is 70) we have now bought a 3bed, 2bath 3 garage house on 1/4 acre for $725,000. I could never live in those flats/apartments so close to all those people. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliacollins737]

Wow! How do I invest to make a $700k home purchase? 😊 I'm a teacher! 🎉🎉 Happy New Home to You!

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Are you from New Zealand?

[@johnsavage1109]

@@nepiahemopo1702 No mate, I'm an Aussie.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

@johnsavage1109 OK.

[@DecentFellowship]

Thanks for the tour! The radiator placed up near the ceiling is genius, actually. It's not taking up floor space.

[@ruthnamaste]

Many blessings to both of you! ... 🙏🏼😊

[@Fruitful888]

I really enjoyed this video!! Thank you 👍👏

[@NastyPasty1123]

Nice wires, exposed, looks really safe

[@sandyshaver3955]

We lived in Beijing 1997 to 2000 with my husband's job at AT@T. Can't remember the name of the area, but the apartments were located behind the Holiday Inn which is called The Lido (pronounced Lidoo) Not new but really nice and I loved living there! Fortunately, the Company paid the rent or we would not have been there - sit down for this one - was US $10,000 a month, but negotiated down to US $8,500 a month! Those were good days for their economy! We had 3 nice-sized bedrooms, each having a nice Western bathroom, great living area,, nice kitchen, etc, and the and the amenities of the Lido of about 6 different restaurants, grocery store , drug store and misc. shopping places. We were on the second floor of a six floor building (4 apartments on each floor). It's interesting to me that the #4 in Mandarin is thought of as an unlucky or "bad" one as it sounds too much like their word for "death"! Our apartment number was changed from 224 to 228 (Arr Arr Ba)! as I said, I really like living at the Lido! ,

[@sylph99]

With all due respect, you remember it wrong. No way you were paying $8500 a month for a 3 bedroom apartment in Lido, rather $850. Please check with your husband.

[@sandyshaver3955]

@sylph99 you are right - WE did not pay that amount - the company did!

[@sandyshaver3955]

Amount is correct! Checked with husband and budget director! In 1977, their economy was booming! Everyone wanted their business and paid for that! It obviously did not last! $850 was laughable! You wouldn't have paid that for what you would have gotten!

[@sandyshaver3955]

I meant 1997! in that time period, businesses paid to do business there in different ways - it was pretty new for everyone!

[@anitatroyer2066]

I'm from Canada. Toronto condos are very expensive also. Buying i think is comparable or more to the price you mentioned... and smaller- a 1 bedroom. Rent is also expensive.

[@alexandra2jerry]

I live in Florida and have a custom built home (2,100 sq ft) Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living, dining and kitchen with a very large kitchen island, top grade appliances topped off with a Cathedral ceiling and French doors to a screened patio. My mortgage payment which includes the property taxes is $1,835 @6.5% for 30 years. I will be refinancing it as soon as the rates drop hopefully in the new year and applying $100,000 to the balance to reduce the amount owed to $80,000 However, the $18 hundred we are currently paying is perfectly acceptable and lower than what a lot of people pay for a home in the USA. Rates are high here and we have A+++ credit!!

[@griselleespinosa873]

Exactly

[@saraf9081]

Sounds about right for central Florida

[@lluneytune]

Why would you apply 100k to the principal? Your interest rate is only 6.5% now and plan on doing so when rates drop. You would be better off having the 100k invested make more than 7% My investments in Large cap stocks have yielded me more than 35% just in 2024 and over 250% in the past 10 years.

[@jameshess2912]

I am in central Florida too. I have lived in the same town since 1999 when I built my first house 4x3x2 with a mortgage. I sold it after 10 years with 100k profit and I built (this time myself as an owner builder) a second house with my own money plus 35K bank loan. In 2019 I found a 23000 sq ft house lot in the best place in town, I went to the bank and I asked for an equity loan. They approved me for 200k, I bought that lot and I started to build my dream house. After 6 months I moved into my new house, sold the other one for 245k then I paid back the bank with about 50k left in my pocket and free of mortgage. I am not a builder but in my city as an owner you can build your home in a certain condition. You need to live in that house for a minimum of one year as a primary residence, and it is mandatory to hire a licence plumber, electrician, roofer and I believe AC professional. The advantage is that you can negotiate with your subcontractors, and save the builder charges, in some cases $60-70.000!

[@MatfoboMagagula-yc2zm]

The view from the kitchen is so beautiful

[@FredericDebroe]

The small "pumpkin" near your window is a calabash. Húlu (葫芦/葫蘆), as the calabash is called in Mandarin Chinese, is an ancient symbol for health. Hulu had fabled healing properties due to doctors in former times carrying medicine inside it. Nowadays it is typically a lucky charm.

[@maxihobbs]

Great tour, nice cozy environment :)

[@halojones1153]

Wow! That price 😱 Love your content TY 🫶

[@Patty747]

The object you were wondering about is a gourd. I have grown some in my garden and decorated them too.

[@xrayfish2020]

Wow! Its nice to see you folks, back in my feed - I hope you've had a good 2024?

[@sandirobi88]

We lived in China, Gansu Province, for 5 1/2 years, 20 years ago. The experience of a lifetime! I was 62 years old at the time. We are in USA, State of Nebraska, middle of country. Two bedroom, 2 bath Rentals can be found for $1500 USD/month🇺🇸.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

$1500 seems steep for Nebraska unless it is right in downtown Omaha and a luxury unit.

[@charlottebuttrum1474]

I've just watched this and it's amazing how different the world is especially how we all live . I live in the UK - Nottingham. I live in a town around a 20 minute drive from the city centre. I rent a 4 bedroom, detached house with big back garden. The house has 2 bathrooms 3 toilets a bug kitchen with dining area and two living rooms. One is our sons play room. We pay ...... £1250 a month. We have been living here for 5 years and although the house needs work doing to it I am very grateful for it. We have looked at moving but houses in the same area 3 beds with less rooms and garden are going for more some nearly £2000- £3000 depending where you want to move to. There is a four bedroom bungalow about 10 minutes from us which is going for £2600 a month rent. To buy the house we are living in would cost roughly £320,000. It is so eye opening to see how other people live. Thank you foe sharing 🙏

[@carolali8851]

The wiring in that building is scary to say the least. The apartment is a very comfortable size but showering would take some getting used to. I love the quit you were given to use, it's really cute. Yikes, the cost of the apartment in enormous. Something like that here in Ontario Canada would cost between $600,000 to $900,000 depending on the area you buy in and the quality of the apartment. I think the incomes here are higher than they are in China.

[@LH-md9nj]

Very interesting, thank you for posting! You asked for cost comparisons, so here's mine: I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and your Beijing prices DON'T seem high to me! Vancouver housing is very expensive, both to buy and rent, and is comparable to what you're reporting there. (But a 6-floor building would definitely have an elevator, and much nicer entries, stairwells and hallways... with no exposed cables, wires, panels etc!) Thanks again, I learned a lot, enjoyably😊

[@KawakebAstra]

Thx4 great tour ‘n info.. yeippes the bathroom showers seem awful .. the monthly price same as New York City 1 room studio apartment monthly rental

[@susanyasinsky930]

Where in NYC? Not in Manhattan.

[@joagate3259]

You so good at learning languages. Matt's very good at the fast talking. 😀

[@Sptnm]

Interesting. Thanks !

[@FinanciallyFreeDeeTV]

love the apartment! it feels like home ❤

[@asan1050]

Great video as always! Thank you very much!

[@temper44]

I think that letting some strangers into your apartment, people who could leave the country at any time.. involves a fair bit of risk. That risk should be included in the price as well.

[@loiseilers5058]

It is a dried gourd. You can use them as bowls, bottles, dipper and flask or paint them and use them as percussion instruments. When you shake them the seeds inside make noise.

[@Celeste-o8o]

I am amazed indeed. The modernity and equipments. Comfortable despite the exterior of the building

[@DeannaLemke]

I appreciate your authenticity! I live in Vancouver, and I see many similarities in the lifestyle when I go into the homes of my Chinese clients. I have a home about 30 minutes outside of downtown. Purchase prices here are about 6x what we could get in a comparable American suburb. Rent for a 2-bed basement suite (or ‘mortgage helper’) is typically $2k++/month in the suburbs, exponentially higher downtown proper.

[@mrjaxthecat]

That is waaaay cheaper than Toronto. Studio condos in Toronto (no bedrooms) can cost that price.

[@StormyRembold]

Are you from The Great British Baking Show ? If so I just loved all your bakes. You are very talented.

[@cheungchingtong]

I live in Shenzhen, my flat cost about 180k per sqm, and my girlfriend's cost staggering 280k per sqm, so I think it is safe to say that my parents will approve our relationship since she owns a much bigger and expensive flat than mine, and will "give me a good life". lol

[@MattandJulia]

Hahaha, love this! Cheers to the good life 😀🍻

[@justtubingby129]

Shenzhen is awesome! Our flat cost 5000 RMB per month 15 years ago. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Small kitchen. Tiny laundry room. Humongous balcony.

[@sydneyinprogress]

Love this video! Thanks you for sharing. I am very interested in learning about the realistic and everyday life of Chinese people because I am learning Mandarin. I also watch Chinese dramas but I am guessing 😅they’re not so realistic!

[@士雪]

From my point of view that the price of real estate in Beijing is not expensive. If the apartment that you showed to us cost only around 800,000 pounds, my flat in HK, about half the size of yours, it cost me $45,000,000 (HK dollars). So, it is not expensive at all to buy an apartment in Beijing. BTW, I live in suberb area of Hong Kong, not even near the down town area. We have a much better interior decoration here in Hong Kong.

[@KimberlyAgar]

It's so beautiful and good big sizes and they have good idea with technology 😊

[@Oldbrow]

To buy a house in China, you only need to pay the property tax for the first time, and then you don't need it every year. The price of houses in first-tier cities is about this, such houses in second-tier cities are about 200,000 US dollars, and it is estimated that such houses in smaller cities are about 10,000 US dollars. Special tourist cities are not included.😊😊

[@funspoon4536]

头像表明了哥们是自己人

[@Oldbrow]

@ 宫廷玉液酒。。。😜

[@yang11228]

@williamwilliam You can simply understand a house in China as a commodity, such as a car. If he buys it, it belongs to you. However, neither Chinese nor foreigners are allowed to buy or sell land in China, only leasing it. This price is included when you buy a house. A simple understanding is that when you buy a house in China, it comes with a free parking space for 70 years. When the parking space expires, you need to renew the lease. , but the price is different in each city. In Shanghai, there was land lease renewal before, and the price was about 20 RMB per square meter, which is almost 3 US dollars per square meter (Shanghai is one of the places with the highest housing prices in China). The lease renewal period is 70 years. However, because the land is owned by the government, your house may face demolition in less than 70 years. China's approach is to buy your house at a price much higher than the market price, demolish it, and rebuild it.

[@yang11228]

@williamwilliam Generally, the government will give you two options for a house that is facing demolition. One is to pay basically twice the price of the house and move out. The other is that the government will build you another house on the demolished land and give you a discount on the current house price. Cash, and then the government will give you enough rental subsidies every year while your house is being demolished and rebuilt. So as soon as Chinese people have money, they will buy a house desperately, because if your house is demolished, the subsidy money the government will give you is much higher than the money you get from the rest of your investment, and there will be no loss.

[@yang11228]

@williamwilliam Basically 99% of people in China want their houses to be demolished.