Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

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

Jinshi has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 59, suggesting moderate safety levels.

Recommended profile: Jinshi is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.

Side by side

Best in row

China

Aqsu

Increased Caution
FIRE82

China

Jinshi

Increased Caution
Nomad55
Cost
Cost of living index
-
-
One person, excluding rent
$1,550/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
$5,600/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$1,200/mo
-
Monthly savings
$1,800/mo
Best in row. $3,000/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$250
-
1BR, outside centre
$180
-
3BR, city centre
$500
-
3BR, outside centre
$350
-
Scores
FIRE score
72/100
-
Nomad score
48/100
48/100
Retiree score
Best in row. 50/100
48/100
Overall score
Best in row. 82/100
55/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
Best in row. 62
59
Internet speed
56 Mbps
Best in row. 69 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Aqsu

Aqsu is a cheap place to live, with a 1-bedroom in the centre at $250/mo and a single adult budget tier at $700/mo, but the trade-offs are real. Air quality sits at 85, English proficiency is limited, and the expat community is small, so daily life demands patience and self-sufficiency. The 84/100 FIRE score makes it a strong fit for remote workers chasing low costs, while the 55/100 retiree score says look elsewhere if you want comfort and services.

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.

🛂

Planning a move to Jinshi? Make sure you have the right visa.

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized visa match in under 2 minutes.

Find my visa →

Compare any two visa routes.

Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths, side by side. Search by country, including China and China.

Compare visas →

Aqsu vs Jinshi -- Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.