⚖️ City comparison
Beijing vs Shanghai
Two cities in China, compared on what matters when you move from the US: cost, weather, safety, internet and how easy it is to stay.
The short version
- They cost about the same: $1,617 vs $1,567 a month all-in.
- Rent is lower in Shanghai: $950 vs $1,030 for a 1-bedroom in the centre.
- Both have 5 pleasant months a year.
- Shanghai is warmer: highs average 5°F more across the year (coldest-month high 50°F vs 37°F in Beijing; hottest 94°F vs 94°F).
- Internet is faster in Shanghai: 439 vs 346 Mbps median download.
- Same country, same visa and tax rules.
Side by side
| Measure | 🇨🇳 Beijing | 🇨🇳 Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fit score (default weights) | 79 | 80 |
| 💰 All-in / month | $1,617 | $1,567 |
| 🏠 1BR rent, centre | $1,030 | $950 |
| 🛒 Living costs, no rent | $588 | $617 |
| ☀️ Pleasant months | 5 | 5 |
| 🌡️ Highs, coldest–hottest month | 37–94°F | 50–94°F |
| 🛡️ Safety | 74/100 (residents) | 74/100 (residents) |
| 📶 Internet, median download | 346 Mbps | 439 Mbps |
| 🌬️ Air, PM2.5 per year | 26.8 µg/m³ | 26.9 µg/m³ |
| 🗣️ English | Low (EF) | Low (EF) |
| 🏥 Healthcare access (WHO) | Very high | Very high |
| 👩 Women's safety & rights | Moderate | Moderate |
| 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ equality | Moderate | Moderate |
| ✈️ Flight to the US (est.) | ~11h to Seattle | ~11.5h to Seattle |
| 🕘 US work-hour overlap | 0 h | 0 h |
| 🗓️ Visa-free stay (US passport) | Visa needed | Visa needed |
| 🛂 Nomad visa | No nomad visa | No nomad visa |
| 🧾 Tax if resident | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% | 🔴 Heavy · Worldwide, with relief for newcomers, top 45% |
Best months to be there
🇨🇳 Beijing
3 best months
🇨🇳 Shanghai
3 best months
Colour is each month's typical temperature; ticked months are the most comfortable. Full detail: Beijing climate · Shanghai climate.
Data last updated · Source: Numbeo cost data, measured climate history, Ookla, UNODC/Numbeo safety and curated visa research
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