Is Shanghai or Beijing Better for Expat Living?
Expats choosing between Shanghai and Beijing will find that the best city for them depends on their preferences for cost of living, quality of life, and local expat communities. Beijing is less expensive than Shanghai, but Shanghai offers a more international population.
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Both cities are popular with expats living in China and have different things to offer foreigners.
Are you an expat considering moving to China for work or travel opportunities? Are you trying to determine whether Shanghai or Beijing is the better choice for you?
This article from Pacific Prime will help you understand which city is the right fit for you. We will compare the cities based on their cost of living, quality of life, and expat support. Keep reading to learn more!
Comparing Living in Shanghai and Beijing as an Expat
Either Shanghai or Beijing can be the perfect city for an expat, depending on your preferences regarding cost, quality of life, and expat community and support. Before you can determine which of these cities is better for you, you should be aware of what they have to offer.
Beijing is the capital of China and has a rich cultural landscape that blends ancient Chinese tradition and modern development. Shanghai, on the other hand, is a more modern city with a very successful finance sector and a large international population.
Whether you prefer a more traditional Chinese experience like you might get in Beijing or a more modern, fast-paced lifestyle like that in Shanghai, either city has something unique to offer expats.
Living in Shanghai as an Expat
Expats living in Shanghai can expect high apartment costs, a wide array of activities and nightlife, and a broad community of expats throughout the city. Shanghai is a popular choice for expats due to its mix of Eastern and Western influences, variety of job opportunities, and cosmopolitan feel.
With a population of over 24 million people, Shanghai is a large and vibrant city that attracts plenty of working expats. We will explore the different factors that can affect an expat’s decision to relocate to Shanghai.
Cost of Living in Shanghai
The cost of living in Shanghai can be high, with housing, restaurant meals, and entertainment relatively expensive compared to other Chinese cities. Expats should consider their budget for monthly rent, groceries, and entertainment costs before they decide if Shanghai is right for them.
We will explore the cost of living in Shanghai, including rent, food, and entertainment. All currency amounts will be listed in Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY).
Cost of Renting in Shanghai
The average cost of rent depends on the city’s location. In an expensive area, a 900-square-foot apartment can cost CNY 18,915 per month, while in a less expensive area, the same size apartment can cost CNY 9,685 per month.
Utilities in Shanghai for two people in a 900-square-foot apartment average around CNY 448 per month.
Cost of Food in Shanghai
Groceries such as bread, eggs, and chicken breast can cost an average of CNY 54, while a meal bought from a restaurant or vendor can cost around CNY 58. The amount expats spend per month on food depends on whether they eat out often or choose to cook their meals at home.
Entertainment Costs in Shanghai
A basic dinner at a local restaurant can average around CNY 379, two tickets to the movies can cost CNY 114, and a beer at a neighborhood pub can cost around CNY 16. Entertainment types and costs vary depending on what activity you choose and where.
Quality of Life in Shanghai
Shanghai’s quality of life is reportedly high, with plenty of access to quality healthcare services, low crime rates, and plenty of multicultural activities and entertainment options. However, it can also have its drawbacks, such as hectic rush hours and air pollution.
Shanghai was listed as number 109 on the 2023 Mercer Quality of Living Study.
Low Crime Rates in Shanghai
Shanghai’s crime rates are relatively low, with few violent crimes committed. The most common crimes are bicycle theft and pickpocketing. With low crime rates, most foreigners feel safe while living in the big city.
Access to Quality Healthcare Services in Shanghai
Shanghai has high-quality healthcare facilities accessible to citizens and expats alike, such as the Shanghai East International Medical Center, the Shanghai United Family Hospital, the Parkway Health Medical Center, and others.
Due to the large number of foreigners living in Shanghai, there are plenty of doctors in the city who speak multiple languages. If you have an international health insurance policy, you can call your provider to ask for a list of doctors in your network that speak your language.
Activities and Entertainment Options in Shanghai
Expats looking for activity and entertainment options in the city can visit sight-seeing spots like the Bund and Yuyuan Garden, and walk and shop along Nanjing Road, the world’s longest shopping precinct.
Expats can also enjoy exhibits at the Shanghai Museum, or take a day to explore Disneyland Park and the Shanghai Circus World!
Shanghai also boasts a variety of delicious restaurants for every taste and budget. Expats who consider themselves “foodies” will love all the different eateries available in the city, from the delicious Jardin de Jade to the three-Michelin-starred Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet.
Expat Community and Support in Shanghai
There is a strong expat community in Shanghai due to all the foreigners living in the city, and expats can join clubs and organizations to help themselves socialize with other expats. Some of these clubs include American Club Shanghai and Brits Abroad.
Expats can also find other expat groups through Meetup.com or Internations.org
Support for expats trying to adjust to life in Shanghai can be found at the city’s Community Center, which runs courses on topics especially relevant to expats. These courses include a cultural orientation, trips to the local markets, and information on Chinese medicine.
They also offer counseling sessions with multilingual counselors and offer workshops for children.
Living in Beijing as an Expat
Expats living in Beijing can expect a slightly lower cost of living than in Shanghai, a rich cultural landscape with plenty of homage to ancient Chinese tradition and a high quality of life and expat support. Beijing offers expats a more historical experience than Shanghai.
As the capital of the country, Beijing hosts some of the most fascinating landmarks of China. Expats will enjoy living so close to the Forbidden City and will also value seeing all the historic details weaved into older streets and neighborhoods.
With a population of around 21 million people, Beijing is a sprawling metropolis that promises adventure for every expat!
Cost of Living in Beijing
The cost of living in Beijing is more expensive than in other Chinese cities but is around 12% less expensive than in Shanghai. Between rent, food, and entertainment costs, expats should make sure their budget allows for the average prices in Beijing.
We will explore the cost of living across rent, food, and entertainment costs in Beijing. All currency amounts will be listed in Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY).
Cost of Renting in Beijing
The average cost of rent depends on location in the city. The cost of rent for a 900-square-foot apartment in an expensive area can average around CNY 16,084 per month. In a less expensive area, the same size apartment can cost CNY 8,380 per month.
Utilities in Shanghai for two people in a 900-square-foot apartment average around CNY 377 per month.
Cost of Food in Beijing
Groceries such as bread, eggs, and chicken breast can cost around CNY 39 on average altogether, while a meal bought from a restaurant or vendor can cost around CNY 34. The amount expats will spend per month on food depends on whether you eat out often or if you choose to cook your meals at home.
Entertainment Costs in Beijing
A basic dinner at a local restaurant can average around CNY 239, two tickets to the movies can cost CNY 120, and a beer at a neighborhood pub can cost around CNY 10. Entertainment types and costs vary depending on what activity you choose and where.
Quality of Life in Beijing
The quality of life for expats in Beijing is high, with low crime rates, easy access to quality healthcare, and plenty of activities and entertainment options. Some negatives of the city include hectic transportation, hot summers, and air pollution.
Beijing was listed as number 126 on the 2023 Mercer Quality of Life Study.
Low Crime Rates in Beijing
Many expats report feeling safe in Beijing due to its lower crime rates compared to other large cities. The city has a large presence of police and other security personnel, which helps to deter criminals and keep citizens and foreigners safe.
Access to Quality Healthcare Services in Beijing
Beijing has plenty of quality healthcare facilities available throughout the city, and expats can even find an international hospital as well. Some of the most recommended hospitals include Beijing United Family Healthcare Hospital and Peking University International Hospital.
Like Shanghai, Beijing has healthcare professionals who speak more than one language. Call your insurance provider to see which provider in your network speaks your language if you are not currently fluent in Chinese.
Activities and Entertainment Options in Beijing
Expats in Beijing can enjoy a wide variety of activities in Beijing, such as visiting historical landmarks, shopping, hiking, eating out at well-known restaurants, and engaging in cultural events and festivals.
Beijing is home to some of China’s greatest landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Expats can enjoy these fantastic sights as well as other more modern parts of the city, that house popular shopping venues like Wangfujing Street.
If you enjoy dining out, you will love all the restaurants Beijing has to offer. Expats can try international cuisine at Café Cha, or a luxurious take on Chinese cuisine at the Michelin-starred King’s Joy.
Expat Community and Support in Beijing
Expats relocating to Beijing can find support through local expat communities such as the International Newcomers’ Network (INN) Beijing. This network was designed to support expats as they adjust to life in Beijing and offers them to opportunity to socialize with other Beijing expats.
You can also find other Beijing expats through online websites and forums such as Internations.org and the Facebook group Beijing Expats. They can also arrange to meet other expats through websites like Meetup.com.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Shanghai or Beijing more affordable for expats?
Beijing is generally more affordable than Shanghai with Beijing with cheaper food, housing, and entertainment costs. The only category that can be more expensive in Beijing than Shanghai is transportation.
Which city is better to live in, Beijing or Shanghai?
The best city for expats will depend on their preferences and needs. If you have a limited budget, you may prefer Beijing as it is cheaper than Shanghai. If you are looking for a more international experience, you may prefer Shanghai.
What support is available for expats in Shanghai?
Expats in Shanghai can find support through local expat organizations and the Shanghai Community Center. The Community Center regularly offers short courses on a wide variety of topics related to Shanghai culture and even offers multilingual counselors.
Conclusion
Beijing is a better choice for expats looking for a more historical feel with a slightly less expensive cost of living, while Shanghai is the perfect fit for those looking for a more modern and fast-paced lifestyle.
When trying to choose between Shanghai and Beijing, expats should consider factors like the cost of living, quality of life, and expat communities available in each city. Through personal research and comparison of the two cities, expats can find the right fit for them.
Expats in China can protect their health and finances with comprehensive international health insurance plans. The insurance experts at Pacific Prime can help you find the right plan for free! As insurance brokers, we are not tied to one specific insurer and give free, unbiased advice.
Visit our website to begin chatting with us, or to use our free quote tool to begin comparing insurance plans today!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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