Why is renting a house in Hangzhou so expensive?
In recent years, Hangzhou, as a representative of the new first-tier cities, has attracted a large influx of talents. However, the subsequent increase in rental prices has made many migrant workers say that they "cannot afford to live here." This article will analyze the current situation of Hangzhou’s rental market from three aspects: data, reasons and coping strategies.
1. Comparison of rental price data in Hangzhou

The following is the comparative data of rental prices in the main urban area of Hangzhou in October 2023 and other new first-tier cities:
| city | Average price of one-bedroom apartment (yuan/month) | Average price of a two-bedroom apartment (yuan/month) | Year-on-year increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hangzhou | 3500-4500 | 5000-6500 | 8.5% |
| Chengdu | 2000-2800 | 3000-4000 | 5.2% |
| Wuhan | 1800-2500 | 2800-3500 | 4.8% |
| Nanjing | 2500-3500 | 4000-5000 | 7.1% |
It can be seen from the data that the rental price in Hangzhou is significantly higher than other new first-tier cities, and has increased significantly.
2. The main reasons for the high rental prices in Hangzhou
1.Internet economy drives population inflow: Internet giants such as Alibaba and NetEase are headquartered in Hangzhou, attracting a large number of high-paying talents and driving up rental demand.
2.Asian Games Effect: The hosting of the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games will accelerate urban infrastructure construction and environmental improvement, driving up the rise in housing prices and rents.
3.Imbalance between housing supply and demand: Land resources in the main urban area of Hangzhou are limited, and the rate of new housing supply cannot keep up with population growth, resulting in shortage of supply.
4.Long-term rental apartments add fuel to the fire: Long-term rental apartments such as Danke and Ziru have increased their overall rental levels through large-scale operations.
3. Regional differences in rental prices in Hangzhou
The following is a comparison of rental prices in various regions of Hangzhou in October 2023:
| area | Average price of one-bedroom apartment (yuan/month) | Average price of a two-bedroom apartment (yuan/month) | Popular business districts |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Lake District | 4000-5500 | 6000-8000 | Huanglong, Cultural District |
| Yuhang District | 3000-4000 | 4500-6000 | Future Technology City |
| Binjiang District | 3800-5000 | 5500-7000 | Internet of Things Street |
| Gongshu District | 3500-4500 | 5000-6500 | Canal Business District |
| Xiasha | 2500-3500 | 3500-4500 | Higher Education Park |
4. Practical suggestions for dealing with high rents
1.Choose shared accommodation: Sharing a two- or three-bedroom apartment with friends or colleagues can significantly reduce your per-person rental costs.
2.Focus on emerging areas: Rent in areas such as Linping and Xiasha is relatively low, and the subway network is complete, making commuting convenient.
3.Grasp the off-season for renting: Every year after the Spring Festival and graduation season are the peak rental periods. Avoid these periods to get better prices.
4.Contact the landlord directly: Find personal housing through community bulletin boards or local forums to avoid agency fees.
5.Get rental subsidies: Hangzhou City provides rental subsidies to qualified talents, up to a maximum of 2,000 yuan per month.
5. Forecast of future trends
With the expansion of Hangzhou's subway network and the development of emerging areas, it is expected that rental growth will stabilize in the next 2-3 years. However, prices will remain high in core areas due to scarcity of resources. It is recommended that renters reasonably plan their rental strategies based on their own financial situation and work location.
In general, the high rental prices in Hangzhou are the result of a combination of factors. For migrant workers who have just arrived in Hangzhou, they need to be fully prepared mentally and financially in order to live and work in this beautiful city.
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