Share single bed ‘in shifts’: decision by 3 men to rent tiny furnished unit in Shanghai sparks cost-of-living debate

The three men will be sharing a space that is clearly designed for one person

They said they all work different shifts, which would allow them to take turns sharing the space and the single bed

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A cost of living debate was sparked in China after three men planned to live in a tiny studio apartment meant for one person. Photo: SCMP composite

Liya Suin Shanghai

Published: 2:00pm, 15 Oct 2022Updated: 6:16pm, 15 Oct 2022

The cost of living in Chinese metropolises is under scrutiny again after a viral video documented the extreme measures three young men in Shanghai took to save money.

The unnamed men decided to share a tiny flat for 900 yuan (US$125) a month that only featured a toilet, a tiny bedroom and a balcony. It also has basic furnishing like a single bed, a wardrobe, a desk set and air conditioning.

According to the video, posted by Star Video, the three men worked at different times of the day, which they said would allow them to use the bed while the others were gone.

Three men inspect a tiny studio flat they plan on sharing. Photo: Baidu

Furthermore, the men negotiated with the agent to drop the rent by 100 yuan, despite it being an extremely cheap flat to begin with. The agent did not confirm any price change, but he said the rent of 1,000 yuan was very affordable already.

“We would take this if the rent decreased to 900 yuan,” one of the men told the agent.

“How will you share the bed?” The agent asked.

“It will be fine because we have different work shifts,” the man replied.

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