Chengdu - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
If you shop local, very inexpensive. Easy access to various Asian products at a good price (Korean, Japanese, Thai, etc.). European goods are available at a bit higher price. - Aug 2017
local markets are extremely cheap, but maybe not the cleanest. High end grocery stores like Ole are much more expensive and comparable to U.S. prices, but often the only place to buy imported goods. - May 2016
Food prices are going up in China with noticeable increases during our two year tour but produce is still quite cheap compared to the U.S. The fresh markets are beautiful and so much fun to peruse though the food contamination issues in China--from cadmium in the rice to watermelons exploding with growth hormones---can make figuring out what to buy and eat a bit disheartening. Everyone sort of comes up with their own standards for what they will and will not eat but most people buy only imported dairy products and imported goods for what they can. There are several organic co-ops that deliver to the Consulate and, while the quality/selection of the produce can be a bit interesting, it generally gives people a bit of peace of mind. - Aug 2013
Expensive, but we currently do not have a COLA. If you are coming with the U.S. State Department, use your consumables! - May 2013
