How much it costs to live in huge ‘dystopian’ apartment building home to 20,000 people

The Regent International Apartment Complex in Hangzhou, China is probably one of the most unusual examples of urban living on Earth.

Often described as dystopian, this giant high-rise community has gained global attention for its sheer size and density.

The gigantic complex is home to 20,000 inhabitants currently, but it can actually hold a maximum capacity of 30,000 people.

So, just how much would it cost to live in this self-contained mega-structure?

Well, rent varies depending on the size and features of the apartment. According to a report by the Chinese news agency Sina, smaller apartments without windows typically rent for about 1,500 RMB ($220) per month. Meanwhile, if you wanted some fresh air in your room, 4,000 RMB ($550) per month would give you a large apartment with a balcony.

One of the biggest perks of living in Regent International is that residents rarely need to leave the building.

The complex is located in Hangzhou’s central business district, so commuters don't have to travel far. And everything the residents need is spread across the 260,000 square metres of space, over 36 to 39 floors.

All the amenities such as swimming pools, barber shops, nail salons, medium-sized supermarkets, internet cafes and a massive food court are all under one roof.

It’s essentially a self-sustaining mini-city that was designed to cut down on urban congestion by keeping thousands of people in one place.

Changsha-based construction company, The Broad Group, said that this kind of housing would be capable of keeping at least 2,000 cars off of the city streets. Furthermore, the prices attract young professionals looking to live there. For instance, the colossal building primarily mainly attracts graduates along with soon-to-be graduates.

@fatheristheone/TikTok

Meanwhile, social media influencers and small business owners also take up a fair share of the building's tenancy.

Originally intended to be a boutique six-star hotel, the iconic building started gaining online attention when drone footage of the building was posted online. Thousands of viewers were shocked (and amazed) by its huge population, tightly packed apartments, and not-so-claustrophobic tenants. Over on TikTok, some influencers showed off the more glamorous side of the Regent International, highlighting the high-end restaurant and amenities.

While the idea of living in a building with 30,000 people might not like everyone's cup of tea, urban planners see this as the future of sustainable city living. These vertical megastructures are addressing China's urban overcrowding and housing crisis.