Prices & Saving Money: Reference Prices for 15 Cities
Market-research reference prices for standard prescription glasses in 15 cities, compared across five configurations from economy to branded lenses. Check the reasonable price range before bargaining — if a quote is clearly too high, compare a few more shops. Prices are for reference only; never look at price alone without considering quality.
Reference Prices for Prescription Glasses in 15 Cities
The prices below come from field research at eyewear markets in 15 cities, organized into five configurations from economy to branded lenses. Know the reasonable range before bargaining. Prices are for reference only; the actual quote in store prevails.
| Configuration | Danyang | Guangzhou | Shenzhen | Shanghai | Beijing | Other Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (1.56 lenses + alloy frame) | USD 11.92–22.35 （RMB 80–150） | USD 14.90–26.82 （RMB 100–180） | USD 17.88–29.80 （RMB 120–200） | USD 22.35–37.25 （RMB 150–250） | USD 26.82–41.72 （RMB 180–280） | USD 22.35–37.25 （RMB 150–250） |
| Standard (1.60 lenses + acetate frame) | USD 17.88–32.78 （RMB 120–220） | USD 22.35–41.72 （RMB 150–280） | USD 26.82–44.70 （RMB 180–300） | USD 37.25–59.60 （RMB 250–400） | USD 41.72–67.05 （RMB 280–450） | USD 37.25–59.60 （RMB 250–400） |
| Premium (1.67 lenses + pure titanium frame) | USD 29.80–52.15 （RMB 200–350） | USD 37.25–67.05 （RMB 250–450） | USD 41.72–74.50 （RMB 280–500） | USD 59.60–104.30 （RMB 400–700） | USD 67.05–111.75 （RMB 450–750） | USD 59.60–104.30 （RMB 400–700） |
| Progressive (1.56 progressive lenses + titanium frame) | USD 44.70–74.50 （RMB 300–500） | USD 52.15–89.40 （RMB 350–600） | USD 59.60–96.85 （RMB 400–650） | USD 74.50–134.10 （RMB 500–900） | USD 81.95–141.55 （RMB 550–950） | USD 74.50–134.10 （RMB 500–900） |
| Branded Lenses (ZEISS/Essilor 1.67 + titanium frame) | USD 89.40–149.00 （RMB 600–1,000） | USD 104.30–178.80 （RMB 700–1,200） | USD 111.75–193.70 （RMB 750–1,300） | USD 119.20–223.50 （RMB 800–1,500） | USD 126.65–223.50 （RMB 850–1,500） | USD 119.20–223.50 （RMB 800–1,500） |
Get a bigger discount when ordering 2 or more pairs
When buying multiple pairs, shops usually offer a better unit price. You can ask "How much for two pairs?" and often get a 20-30% discount per pair. You can buy with a friend, or get one pair of prescription glasses plus one pair of sunglasses.
Bargaining Tips
Prices & Saving MoneyPrices & Saving Money: Bargaining TipsA bargaining guide based on m…
Read more →Tax Refund
Prices & SavingsPrices & Savings: Departure Tax RefundForeign tourists who spend RMB 200…
Read more →Is It Worth Getting Glasses in China?
Prices & SavingsPrices & Savings: Is It Worth Getting Glasses in China?An objective look…
Read more →