The Global Expat Hub
China
Enormous, safe and cheap to live in day to day, with world-class cities; the language, internet controls and work-visa rules are the barriers.
Your plan for China checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in China
Costs and character vary significantly within China. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
China's most international city — world-class and surprisingly expat-friendly
The capital — political and cultural heart with a large diplomatic community
Tech capital next to Hong Kong — modern, innovative and fast-growing
Panda city with great food, relaxed pace and lower cost than eastern cities
China by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Vast range; Beijing has cold dry winters and hot summers, Shanghai humid subtropical, Shenzhen tropical, Chengdu mild and cloudy, Kunming spring-like.
Mean temperatures for Shanghai.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 650 mm (26 in) a year.
Snow Heavy in the northeast; rare in the south.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationNational Database of Laws and Regulations (NPC) ↗
OverviewLaw of China on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax No recurring property tax on homes (pilots only); transaction taxes 1–3%.
Local & regional income tax None regional; national 3–45%.
🎓 University
Not free; public $3–5k/yr for international students, many scholarships.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom (VPN needed for many foreign apps).
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $15/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $20 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Talent (R) visa for high-level professionals
- 30-day visa-free entry for many nationalities
- Tax-free allowances for foreign employees (housing, schooling) extended
- Hainan free-trade-port 15% income tax cap
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for China embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in China faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in China: remote work you can do from Shanghai, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in China and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is China safe for expats?
China scores 82 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 62 out of 100 for liveability — #50 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in China?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in China from around $1,750 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to China?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for China include: Talent (R) visa for high-level professionals; 30-day visa-free entry for many nationalities; tax-free allowances for foreign employees (housing, schooling) extended; hainan free-trade-port 15% income tax cap. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in China for expats?
The top cities for expats in China profiled on this page are Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. Beijing is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.