Beijing vs Warsaw: Cost of Living Comparison 2025

Beijing

China

vs
Warsaw

Poland

Comparing the cost of living between Beijing, China and Warsaw, Poland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Beijing is more affordable than Warsaw by approximately 19.4%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

  • Housing costs in Beijing are higher than in Warsaw by 25%. A one-bedroom apartment in Beijing's city center costs around CN¥7,500, while the same in Warsaw is approximately PLN 3,500.

  • Dining out in Beijing costs about the same compared to Warsaw. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CN¥30 in Beijing versus PLN 40 in Warsaw.

  • Public transportation in Beijing is more expensive, with monthly passes at CN¥200 compared to PLN 110 in Warsaw.

  • Grocery shopping in Beijing is more expensive by approximately 44%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Overall Cost of Living

-19.4%

cheaper

Rent

-20.0%

cheaper

Restaurant Prices

0.0%

same cost

Groceries

-30.8%

cheaper

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Beijing can expect to spend approximately CN¥1,746 per month (excluding rent), while in Warsaw, the same lifestyle would cost around PLN 1,578. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CN¥6,111 monthly in Beijing versus PLN 5,523 in Warsaw. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CN¥7,500
PLN 3,500
1BR Outside Center
CN¥4,000
PLN 2,500
3BR City Center
CN¥17,000
PLN 6,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CN¥30
PLN 40
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CN¥200
PLN 200
Cappuccino
CN¥25
PLN 13
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CN¥8
PLN 12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CN¥13
PLN 4
Bread (500g)
CN¥10
PLN 3
Eggs (12)
CN¥12
PLN 8
Cheese (1kg)
CN¥90
PLN 30

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CN¥3
PLN 4
Monthly Pass
CN¥200
PLN 110
Taxi Start
CN¥13
PLN 8
Gasoline (1L)
CN¥8
PLN 7

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CN¥350
PLN 700
Internet (60 Mbps)
CN¥100
PLN 60
Mobile Minute
CN¥0
PLN 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Warsaw to Beijing, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Beijing to Warsaw requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Beijing

Cost of Living Index62
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index65

Warsaw

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index65

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beijing more expensive than Warsaw?

No, Beijing is approximately 19.4% cheaper than Warsaw. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Beijing compared to Warsaw?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 84% of your Warsaw salary when living in Beijing. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Warsaw, you'd need about $41,892 in Beijing for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Beijing and Warsaw?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 44%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Warsaw offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Beijing provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Beijing if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Warsaw for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Beijing vs Warsaw?

In Beijing, a single person needs approximately CN¥5,746 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CN¥15,111. In Warsaw, these figures are PLN 4,078 for singles and PLN 10,023 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Beijing and Warsaw in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Warsaw to maintain your lifestyle from Beijing

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15