Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

CixiOverall winner

Cixi is approximately 6% less expensive than Anyang based on cost of living including rent. This makes Cixi a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Cixi has a FIRE Score of 90/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 78, which is relatively safe.

Recommended profile: Cixi is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.

Side by side

Best in row

South Korea

Anyang

Normal Precautions
Nomad78

China

Cixi

Increased Caution
FIRE90
Cost
Cost of living index
72.1
-
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $1,118/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $4,038/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$937/mo
Best in row. $830/mo
Monthly savings
$2,063/mo
Best in row. $2,170/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$372
Best in row. $350
1BR, outside centre
$261
Best in row. $250
3BR, city centre
$1,117
Best in row. $700
3BR, outside centre
$744
Best in row. $500
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 78/100
70/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 53/100
48/100
Retiree score
63/100
Best in row. 71/100
Overall score
78/100
Best in row. 88/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
Best in row. 80
78
Internet speed
Best in row. 200 Mbps
40 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.

About these cities

About Cixi

Cixi is a budget expat's dream, with a single adult living comfortably on $2,500/mo and a 1-bedroom in the center costing just $350/mo. The safety index of 78 and a crime index of 22 make it feel secure, while the 88/100 expat score and 90/100 FIRE score suggest serious savings potential. But don't come expecting easy English or a big international crowd; the limited proficiency and medium expat community mean you'll need some Mandarin to get by. It's a solid, no-frills pick for cost-focused travelers, not a flashy hub.

About China

China works for remote workers and business expats fluent in navigating bureaucracy, not retirees seeking an easy landing. Rent outside the city center averages just $238.5/mo, backing the low COL index of 30.7. But with no retirement visa, no digital nomad visa, and an advisory level of 2, getting legal footing here is the real obstacle, not the budget.

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Anyang vs Cixi -- Frequently Asked Questions

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