China🇨🇳
At a Glance
How China compares across key indices
Cost of Living
30 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
77/100
Healthcare
69/100
Quality of Life
141/200
Climate
74/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in China
Cost of Living
30
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
9
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
35
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
21
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Jinan
Cheapest$710/mo
Xi'an
$769/mo
Changsha
$825/mo
Chongqing
$836/mo
Qingdao, Shandong
$841/mo
Xiamen
$875/mo
Chengdu
$891/mo
Wuhan
$902/mo
Safety & Crime
Low RiskHow safe residents feel in China — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
77/100
Crime Index
23/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
40/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
10 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 1,982 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in China
China has 15 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $710 in Jinan to $1,674 in Beijing. Qingdao, Shandong leads on safety, scoring 89/100. Qingdao, Shandong ranks highest for quality of life at 177/200.
Jinan
$710/mo
Qingdao, Shandong
89/100
Qingdao, Shandong
177/200
Qingdao, Shandong
77/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jinan | $710 | — | — | — | — |
| Xi'an | $769 | — | — | — | — |
| Changsha | $825 | — | — | — | — |
| Chongqing | $836 | — | — | — | — |
| Qingdao, Shandong | $841 | 89/100 | 177/200 | 77/100 | 50 |
| Xiamen | $875 | — | — | — | — |
| Chengdu | $891 | — | — | — | 71 |
| Wuhan | $902 | — | — | — | — |
| Nanjing | $990 | — | — | — | — |
| Suzhou | $1,059 | — | — | — | — |
| Hangzhou | $1,132 | — | — | — | 64 |
| Guangzhou | $1,190 | 72/100 | 144/200 | 67/100 | 68 |
| Shenzhen | $1,286 | 75/100 | 150/200 | 64/100 | 55 |
| Shanghai | $1,474 | 74/100 | 132/200 | 67/100 | 68 |
| Beijing | $1,674 | 75/100 | 120/200 | 70/100 | 77 |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for China
Healthcare Index
69/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 496 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in China
Pollution Index
76/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 2,077 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in China
Average One-Way Commute
38minutes
Average
Traffic Index
145
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
170
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
3.5kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 495 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in China, answered with data
What is the cost of living in China?
China has a cost of living index of 30 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $710 in Jinan and reach $1,674 in Beijing.
What is the cheapest city in China for expats?
Jinan is the most affordable city in China with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $710 for a single person including rent. Xi'an is the next most affordable at $769/mo.
Is China safe for expats?
China has a safety index of 77/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Qingdao, Shandong scores highest on safety at 89/100.
What is the best city in China for expats and digital nomads?
Qingdao, Shandong ranks highest for quality of life in China, scoring 177/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $841/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Jinan offers the lowest monthly costs at $710/mo.
How good is healthcare in China?
China scores 69/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is China cheaper than the United States?
Yes. China's cost of living is roughly 70% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 91% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in China?
China has a pollution index of 76/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for China
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