Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 81)
Qingyang sits at 1,375 meters above sea level in China's Gansu province, a city of 2.2 million people shaped by a continental climate with significant temperature swings and occasional air quality challenges from local industry and urbanization. Expats here tend to cluster in the Xifeng District, the city's most popular expat neighborhood, though the overall expat community remains small. The city runs on Asia/Shanghai time, and while English proficiency is limited, the low cost of living and straightforward pace of life draw a particular kind of traveler looking for an authentic, unhurried experience.
Living in Qingyang is remarkably affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $250/mo, while the same unit outside the center costs $180/mo. For families or those wanting more space, a three-bedroom in the center runs $500/mo, dropping to $350/mo outside the center. Monthly utilities add just $89, internet is $11, and a mobile phone plan costs $6. A single adult's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $450, meaning a budget-conscious person can live on $700/mo total, a mid-range lifestyle on $1,200/mo, and a comfortable one on $1,800/mo. Eating out is cheap too: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $3, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot is $18, and a cappuccino is $2.
Safety in Qingyang is moderate, with a safety index of 60/100 and a crime index of 40/100, where lower is safer. Healthcare quality is rated as fair, which is adequate for routine needs but may require planning for more serious medical care. The air quality index stands at 90, lower being better, so those with respiratory sensitivities should consider the seasonal variations and industrial influences on air quality.
Getting to Qingyang typically involves flying into the nearest major airport, XIY, which is 173 kilometers away, then continuing by ground transport. Visa options exist for longer stays, though specific programs are not detailed here. This city suits retirees and digital nomads less, given its retiree score of 53/100 and digital nomad score of 60/100, but it shines for those focused on financial independence, with a FIRE score of 83/100 and an overall expat score of 81/100. If you value extreme affordability, a slower rhythm, and don't mind limited English and a small expat circle, Qingyang offers a genuinely low-cost base in central China.
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Qingyang at the budget tier comes to about $403 a month for one adult, with $180 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $83.00 on groceries, $11.00 on dining out, $23.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $106 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$180/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$83.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$11.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$23.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$106/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Qingyang at the mid-range tier comes to about $460 a month for one adult, with $180 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $110 on groceries, $27.00 on dining out, $37.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $106 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$180/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$110/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$27.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$37.00/mo
2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$106/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Qingyang at the comfortable tier comes to about $646 a month for one adult, with $250 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $154 on groceries, $70.00 on dining out, $66.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $106 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$250/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$154/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$70.00/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$66.00/mo
4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$106/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $250/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Qingyang's cost of living compares with Qinggang
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Qingyang is a relatively safe city for expats with low violent crime rates typical of inland Chinese cities. Petty theft and scams targeting foreigners occur occasionally, particularly in crowded markets and transportation hubs. The main concerns are administrative hassles (visa compliance, registration requirements) rather than street crime. Avoid displaying expensive electronics or large amounts of cash. The city's smaller size and strong police presence make it safer than major metros, though expat communities are limited. Overall, a reasonable choice for remote workers prioritizing safety and lower cost of living over cosmopolitan amenities.
Qingyang has a safety index of 60/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.
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See how Qingyang's healthcare compares with Qinggang
Qingyang experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations and potential contributions to air pollution from local industry and urbanization.
Known for its cultural heritage, though resources for nomads are scarce.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Qingyang Wanda Plaza | Located in the central business district within Wanda Plaza, Regus offers a reliable and professional environment. It's a good option for those seeking a familiar international standard with various amenities and easy access to shopping and dining. |
| Ucommune (Likely in nearby Xi'an, but serving Qingyang) | While Ucommune may not have a direct location in Qingyang, it's a popular coworking chain in China, and the closest location in Xi'an could be an option for those willing to travel. It offers a vibrant community and modern facilities, appealing to a younger, more tech-focused crowd. |
| Qingyang Innovation Center (Likely a local government-supported space) | Many smaller Chinese cities have government-supported innovation centers that offer affordable coworking. While a specific website is difficult to find, inquire locally about the Qingyang Innovation Center. These spaces often have basic amenities and are geared towards startups and entrepreneurs. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Qingyang's digital nomad life compares with Qinggang
Qingyang in Gansu is an energy-focused city with a dry climate and almost no expat-friendly infrastructure.
Areas of Qingyang that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Bustling urban city center
Xifeng is the main urban district and commercial hub of Qingyang. It offers the most amenities, shopping, and dining options. While not specifically known for a large expat community, it's the most convenient area for accessing services and transportation, though English proficiency is limited.
Developing residential area, quieter
Located in the southern suburbs, Nanjiao is a growing residential area with newer apartment complexes. It's generally quieter than the city center, but less convenient for accessing amenities without a car or reliable public transport. Good for those seeking a more local experience.
Northern plateau, agricultural influence
Beiyuan, situated on the northern plateau, retains a more rural character with agricultural influences. Housing is more affordable here, but it's further from the city center and requires more effort to navigate without Chinese language skills. It offers a glimpse into traditional Qingyang life.
Modern industrial, business focus
This zone features modern infrastructure and attracts businesses, including some foreign-invested enterprises. While primarily industrial, some residential options exist, often catering to professionals. It may offer slightly more English-speaking services due to its business focus, but lacks the charm of older areas.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $250/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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