Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

TaheOverall winner

Tahe is approximately 6% less expensive than Jianguang based on cost of living including rent. This makes Tahe a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Tahe 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: Tahe is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Side by side

Best in row

China

Tahe

Increased Caution
Nomad47

China

Jianguang

Increased Caution
Nomad51
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. $1,472/mo
$1,480/mo
Monthly savings
Best in row. $1,528/mo
$1,520/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
Best in row. $154
$163
1BR, outside centre
Best in row. $111
$117
3BR, city centre
-
-
3BR, outside centre
-
-
Scores
FIRE score
73/100
73/100
Nomad score
48/100
48/100
Retiree score
37/100
Best in row. 43/100
Overall score
47/100
Best in row. 51/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
Best in row. 70
68
Internet speed
Best in row. 35 Mbps
30 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Tahe

Tahe is a cheap, safe outpost for people who genuinely like winter, with a 1-bedroom in the center at $154/mo and a single person's monthly costs outside rent around $383/mo. The catch is the climate: winters from November to March drop below -20°C, and the 68 air quality index is mediocre for a town of 51 thousand at 300 m. Limited English and 35 Mbps internet make it a poor fit for digital nomads, and the 49/100 nomad score agrees. Come for the low costs and 70/100 safety index, not for comfort or connectivity.

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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Tahe vs Jianguang -- Frequently Asked Questions

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