Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

DuobaOverall winner

Duoba is approximately 14% less expensive than Longquan based on cost of living including rent. This makes Duoba a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Duoba has a FIRE Score of 71/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 45, suggesting moderate safety levels.

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

Side by side

Best in row

China

Duoba

Increased Caution
FIRE71

China

Longquan

Increased Caution
Nomad59
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
Best in row. $1,200/mo
$1,603/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $1,800/mo
$1,397/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
Best in row. $250
$285
1BR, outside centre
Best in row. $180
$205
3BR, city centre
$500
-
3BR, outside centre
$350
-
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 72/100
71/100
Nomad score
48/100
48/100
Retiree score
29/100
Best in row. 47/100
Overall score
Best in row. 71/100
59/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
45
Best in row. 75
Internet speed
48 Mbps
Best in row. 80 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Duoba

Duoba is a brutally cheap place to live, with a one-bedroom in the center running just $250/mo and a full budget lifestyle totaling $700/mo, but you get what you pay for. The air quality index of 85 is rough, safety is middling at 45/100, and healthcare is rated poor, so this is not a retiree destination (score 33/100) or a digital nomad hub (score 50/100). The expat community is nonexistent and English proficiency is limited, meaning you will need Mandarin to function. If you are a hardcore FIRE seeker (score 73/100) who can tolerate a polar climate at 2295 meters and a 48 Mbps connection, this is a cash-saving outpost, not a lifestyle upgrade.

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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Duoba vs Longquan -- Frequently Asked Questions

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