The Beijing Municipal Statistics Bureau on Tuesday released a set of data, which shows that from 1978 to 2006, the Engel Coefficient for urban households in Beijing dropped from 58.7 percent to 30.8 percent. The figure declined quickly especially between 1996 and 2006, when the Engel Coefficient dropped by 15.8 percentage points. This indicates that Beijingers are living a more well-off life than before.

In 2006, the per capita disposable income for Beijing urbanites reached 19,978 yuan (US$2,586) while the per capita expenditure for Beijing people reached 14,825 yuan (US$1,919), or 6,332 (US$820) yuan more than that in 2000. Beijing people's living standards have been greatly raised. This is shown by the following aspects.

Firstly, Beijing people eat more finely made food. In 2006, every household spent an average of 4,561 yuan (US$590) on food, accounting for 30.8 percent of their total expenditure, which was 5.5 percentage points lower than 2000. People now eat better and more finely made food than before.

Secondly, Beijing people spend more money on buying clothes. Last year, every household in Beijing spent an average of 1,442 yuan (US$187) on clothes, increasing by 91 percent from 2000.

Thirdly, household appliances and other durable consumer goods sell hot. In 2006, every household in Beijing spent an average of 977 yuan (US$126) on household devices or some services.

Fourthly, more people buy cars and mobile phones. In 2006, every family spent 2,173 yuan (US$281) on transportation and telecommunication, which was 2.6 times the amount of 2000.

Fifthly, Beijing people use more money on education and entertainment activities. Last year, the per capita expenditure on education and entertainment activities reached 2,515 yuan (US$326), increasing by 9.9 percent year on year.

Last, Beijing people's houses become larger. The per capita living space for every family in Beijing increased from 16.2 square meters in 2000 to 20.1 square meters last year. The quality of their houses has improved and people live more comfortably.

(Chinanews.cn April 12, 2007)