Single · Comfortable · $3,000/mo

CixiOverall winner

Cixi is approximately 94% less expensive than Tbilisi based on cost of living including rent. This makes Cixi a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.

Cixi has a FIRE Score of 88/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 78, which is relatively safe.

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

Side by side

Best in row

Georgia

Tbilisi

Normal Precautions
FIRE81

China

Cixi

Increased Caution
FIRE88
Cost
Cost of living index
39
-
One person, excluding rent
Best in row. $605/mo
$1,550/mo
Family of four, excluding rent
Best in row. $2,184/mo
$5,600/mo
Total monthly, rent included
$972/mo
Best in row. $830/mo
Monthly savings
$2,028/mo
Best in row. $2,170/mo
Housing
1BR, city centre
$679
Best in row. $350
1BR, outside centre
$453
Best in row. $250
3BR, city centre
$1,302
Best in row. $700
3BR, outside centre
$880
Best in row. $500
Scores
FIRE score
Best in row. 80/100
70/100
Nomad score
Best in row. 55/100
48/100
Retiree score
67/100
67/100
Overall score
81/100
Best in row. 88/100
Safety & infrastructure
Safety index
73.5
Best in row. 78
Internet speed
Best in row. 40 Mbps
40 Mbps
Walkability score
-
-

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

About these cities

About Cixi

Cixi is a budget expat's dream, with a single adult living comfortably on $2,500/mo and a 1-bedroom in the center costing just $350/mo. The safety index of 78 and a crime index of 22 make it feel secure, while the 88/100 expat score and 90/100 FIRE score suggest serious savings potential. But don't come expecting easy English or a big international crowd; the limited proficiency and medium expat community mean you'll need some Mandarin to get by. It's a solid, no-frills pick for cost-focused travelers, not a flashy hub.

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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Tbilisi vs Cixi -- Frequently Asked Questions

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