Public vs private, and the university add-on.
Public education, birth to 18, is about $44,000 in Shanghai in our model — a fraction of private.
Private or international schooling adds roughly +35% to +75% on top of the base, highest in Singapore and Gulf cities. In Shanghai the private education line is about $154,000 versus $44,000 public.
University (age 18–22) is a separate optional cost that varies hugely by country and school — not included in the 0–18 estimate.
A common rule of thumb is to start early and automate a monthly contribution, but the right amount depends on your goals and local costs. This is planning context, not financial advice.
About $44,000 in Shanghai, birth to 18, in our model.
Private schooling adds roughly +35% to +75% on top of the base, highest in Singapore and Gulf cities.
No — university (age 18–22) is a separate optional cost not included in the 0–18 estimate.
A common approach is to start early and automate a monthly contribution, but the amount depends on your goals. This is planning context, not financial advice.
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