Chaoyang vs Canggu
Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo
Chaoyang is approximately 16% less expensive than Canggu based on cost of living including rent. This makes Chaoyang a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Chaoyang has a FIRE Score of 81/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 67, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Chaoyang is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
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Best in rowChina
Chaoyang
Indonesia
Canggu
Estimates from published local prices. N/A means no figure is published for that city.
About these cities
About Chaoyang
Chaoyang is a solid mid-tier pick for expats who want big-city convenience without Beijing or Shanghai prices, and an overall expat score of 79/100 plus a FIRE score of 81/100 backs that up. Rent runs $950/mo for a one-bedroom outside the center, while a comfortable single life lands around $5,500/mo and a budget one near $1,700/mo, so the spread rewards frugal living. The catch is the air: an air quality index of 85 and limited English proficiency mean you should visit before committing, especially if you are retiring rather than working remotely.
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.
Chaoyang is approximately 16% less expensive than Canggu based on cost of living including rent. This makes Chaoyang a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Chaoyang has a FIRE Score of 81/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 67, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Chaoyang is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Chaoyang
Chaoyang is a solid mid-tier pick for expats who want big-city convenience without Beijing or Shanghai prices, and an overall expat score of 79/100 plus a FIRE score of 81/100 backs that up. Rent runs $950/mo for a one-bedroom outside the center, while a comfortable single life lands around $5,500/mo and a budget one near $1,700/mo, so the spread rewards frugal living. The catch is the air: an air quality index of 85 and limited English proficiency mean you should visit before committing, especially if you are retiring rather than working remotely.
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.
$950/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Canggu
Canggu is a five-thousand-person surf town that has priced itself like a lifestyle brand, and the numbers back it up: $1,957/mo for a bare-bones single adult and $5,355/mo for anything you would call comfortable. The 25 Mbps average internet is the real problem, since both the Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) and the Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS) demand $2,000/mo in income, meaning the budget tier barely clears the bar while the connection struggles to hold a video call. DPS sits 16 km away, which is genuinely convenient, but convenience is not the same as value. Come for the tropical climate and the 17 m of elevation, stay only if you can stomach paying comfortable-tier money for budget-tier infrastructure.
About Indonesia
Skip this if you need English-speaking doctors or a fast path to citizenship, both weak here. But budget retirees can live well on $429.70/mo excl. rent plus sub-$320 rent, and the $2,000/mo Retirement KITAS is achievable. Best suited for low-cost-focused retirees, not remote workers facing the $387/mo nomad visa threshold.
$914/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
Compare income thresholds, fees and residency paths for routes in these countries.
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| Metric | Chaoyang | Canggu |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1300 | $1507 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $950 | N/A |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2800 | N/A |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1900 | N/A |
| Safety Index | 67 | N/A |
| Internet Speed | 156.8Mbps | 25Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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