Beijing vs Shenzhen for remote workers
Shenzhen is about 20% cheaper than Beijing ($1,535 vs $1,910 a month).
| 🇨🇳 Beijing | 🇨🇳 Shenzhen | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total | $1,910 | $1,535 |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,200 | $900 |
| Food | $450 | $400 |
| Coworking | $220 | $200 |
| Transport | $40 | $35 |
| Internet | 250 Mbps | 250 Mbps |
| Best months | Apr, May, Sep, Oct | Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Language | Mandarin | Mandarin, Cantonese |
| Your visa | – | – |
| Local time now | ||
| Nomad visa | None | None |
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Beijing vs Shenzhen: FAQ
Is Shenzhen cheaper than Beijing?
Yes. Shenzhen costs about $1,535 a month for a remote worker, around 20% less than Beijing ($1,910). Rent alone is $900 vs $1,200.
Which is better for digital nomads, Beijing or Shenzhen?
It depends on budget and lifestyle: Beijing is known for city, history, culture, while Shenzhen is known for city, startups, tech.