Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

EnshiOverall winner

Kamakura is approximately 4.4x more expensive than Enshi based on cost of living including rent. This makes Enshi a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Enshi has a FIRE Score of 92/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 82, which is relatively safe.

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

Side by side

Best in row

Japan

Kamakura

Normal Precautions
FIRE69

China

Enshi

Increased Caution
FIRE92
Cost
Cost of living index
70.4
-
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $1,091/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $3,942/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$1,313/mo
Best in row. $1,200/mo
Monthly savings
$1,687/mo
Best in row. $1,800/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$1,100
Best in row. $250
1BR, outside centre
$850
Best in row. $180
3BR, city centre
$2,000
Best in row. $500
3BR, outside centre
$1,550
Best in row. $350
Scores
FIRE score
66/100
Best in row. 72/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 55/100
48/100
Retiree score
64/100
Best in row. 69/100
Overall score
69/100
Best in row. 92/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
57.9
Best in row. 82
Internet speed
Best in row. 70 Mbps
60 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Enshi

Enshi is a budget expat's dream, with a one-bedroom in the city center costing just $250/mo and a full comfortable lifestyle at $1,800/mo, yet it's not for everyone. The 92/100 expat score and 94/100 FIRE score are stellar, but limited English and a small expat community mean you'll need Mandarin and patience. Safety is solid at 82/100, and the airport is a mere 3 km away, but the air quality index of 68 and subtropical humidity can wear you down. If you crave cheap living and don't mind isolation, Enshi delivers; otherwise, look elsewhere.

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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Kamakura vs Enshi -- Frequently Asked Questions

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