Shanghai incomes continue strong rise

The average living space for people in Shanghai's urban center was 17.3 square meters in 2012, the city's bureau of statistics said in a report Feb 26.

The average housing construction area of Shanghai residents was 33.9 sq m, according to the 2012 Shanghai National Economic and Social Development Statistics Bulletin.

Meanwhile, for every 100 families there are 20 cars, 207 air conditioners, 239 cellphones and 144 computers.

For those living in rural areas, the ratio is 14 cars, 190 televisions, 90 washing machines, 200 cellphones, 136 air conditioners and 49 computers per 100 families.

The report states that the average disposable income of an urban family last year was 40,188 yuan ($6,446), a 7.9 percent increase above the rate of inflation compared with the previous year.

For rural families, the average disposable income was 17,401 yuan, 11.2 percent increase, or an 8.2 percent increase above inflation.

The minimal subsistence allowance increased from 505 yuan per person per month to 570 yuan, while the standard in rural areas increased from 4,320 yuan per person per year to 5,160 yuan.

Residents increased spending on services is also a key indicator of the improvement in people's quality of life, the report said, citing that urban residents spent on average 30.3 percent of their total consumer spending of 26,253 yuan last year on services.

Those living in rural areas spent an average of 29.4 percent of their 12,096 yuan consumer spending on services.