10,000RMB per month pay and a decent life in Shanghai?

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It is a frequent question asked by friends living outside Shanghai, but it is a question hard to find an answer too.
Because how much will be spent in Shanghai for a decent life is really dependent on what life style you have.
In Shanghai, the minimum monthly pay regulated by government is 960RMB in 2009. And the average salary of employee in 2008 is 3292 RMB per month.

So based on those data, definitely 1000RMB per month is a minimum level to survive in this city. But where is the decent level? It is really up to you. Here is a breakdown of living cost by one of my UK friend, decent or not, you could sense or judge by yourself.

Renting an apartment: 6000RMB per month in Pudong area, near to Metro Station. High end flat with furniture and air-conditioned, plus two bedrooms and one living room. Built in 2002.

Food expenses: around 4000 RMB per month for a family of two, some foods are organic and other imported from overseas. [In year 2010, it should be a little higher as inflation]

Utilities and phone etc. expenses: around 500 RMB.

Transportation expenses: around 500 to 1000 RMB, and will vary by taxi rides. At the expenses of 1000 RMB per month, he called a cab to and from home everyday.

Misc. : around 3000RMB, including eat-out, night life, and whatever reasonable entertainment in Shanghai.

So total is around: 15000RMB. They think their life is enjoyable in Shanghai as they are living in high end flat with an excellent community neighborhood, eating organic foods or foods imported from home country, and hanging out and back to home by taxi.

If you earn 10,000RMB per month, so you could not afford life as above. However, you still could adjust by yourself to feel enjoyable in Shanghai. People have different definition or expectation about decent life, but enjoyable life is in your heart.

For your reference, here is a photo of high end flat in Pudong New Area, where is 2 blocks away from Metro station.