[HSK 5] 外甥的生活费该给多少 - How Much Living Allowance Should My Nephew Get?

In 2026, the average monthly living expenses for university students are about 1,744 yuan. A budget of 1,000 yuan is barely enough for basic food and necessities, and parents and children often have different generational views about spending.

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《English Translation》

陈花: My sister just called. She said her son has only been at university for a little over twenty days and is already asking for more money. Even 1,500 yuan a month isn't enough.
黄刚: Fifteen hundred isn't really that much. I saw a survey saying university students now spend an average of more than 1,700 yuan a month. Ten years ago it was only around 1,200.
陈花: It's gone up that much? My sister always says 300 yuan was enough when she was young, so she thinks her son is wasting money.
黄刚: Cafeteria prices aren't what they used to be. Three meals a day can easily cost more than 30 yuan, so food alone comes to about 1,000 yuan a month.
陈花: And what about phone bills, printing study materials, and buying birthday gifts for classmates? Those cost money too.
黄刚: Exactly. It all adds up. You can't expect the kid to stay in his dorm every day and never socialize with his classmates.
陈花: Then I'll tell her not to fix the amount once and for all. She should have him keep track of his expenses first and then discuss it with him.
黄刚: That's the best way. Otherwise, mother and son will just keep arguing over this money.