Changle vs Shilong
Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo
Shilong is approximately 91% less expensive than Changle based on cost of living including rent. This makes Shilong a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Shilong has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 70, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Shilong is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
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Best in rowChina
Changle
China
Shilong
Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.
About these cities
About Shilong
Shilong is a cheap place to live, with a one-bedroom in the centre at $183/mo and a budget tier total of $255/mo, but it is a small city of 142 thousand with limited English and a small expat community. The air quality index of 65 is mediocre and the digital nomad score of 63 is the weakest of its ratings, though retirees score it 72/100. Come for the low costs and good healthcare, not for big-city energy or easy social integration.
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.
The two cities are closely matched — lifestyle preference and visa options are likely the deciding factors. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Shilong is approximately 91% less expensive than Changle based on cost of living including rent. This makes Shilong a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Shilong has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 70, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Shilong is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Changle
Changle is a quietly excellent bet for remote workers and early retirees, with a FIRE score of 86/100 and a budget tier of just $800/mo that includes rent. A city center one-bedroom runs $350/mo, and a single adult spends roughly $450/mo on everything else, so the math works hard in your favor. The tradeoffs are real: an air quality index of 68, limited English, and a retiree score of 64/100 mean this is not a soft landing for everyone. If you want cheap, safe, and fast enough at 70 Mbps, Changle delivers, but come for the savings, not the polish.
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.
$1,600/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Shilong
Shilong is a cheap place to live, with a one-bedroom in the centre at $183/mo and a budget tier total of $255/mo, but it is a small city of 142 thousand with limited English and a small expat community. The air quality index of 65 is mediocre and the digital nomad score of 63 is the weakest of its ratings, though retirees score it 72/100. Come for the low costs and good healthcare, not for big-city energy or easy social integration.
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.
$2,557/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Changle | Shilong |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $350 | $183.11 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $250 | $107.03 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $700 | N/A |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $500 | N/A |
| Safety Index | 75 | 70 |
| Internet Speed | 70Mbps | 83.7Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | Changle | Shilong |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | N/A | $443/mo |
| Excluding rent | N/A | $336/mo |
| Rent | N/A | $107/mo |
| Groceries | N/A | $125/mo |
| Dining out | N/A | $26.00/mo |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | N/A | $84.00/mo |
| Utilities & connectivity | N/A | $83.00/mo |
| Transport | N/A | $18.00/mo |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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