Beijing
Last updated on Apr 22, 2023
Summary: The population of Beijing, China is 21.5 million people. Beijing is a vibrant, bustling city with a rich cultural history. Expats love living in Beijing for its diverse food scene, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to public transportation. The weather in Beijing is generally mild with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 77°F (25°C) and in the winter it is around 37°F (3°C). The average cost of living in Beijing for an expat is around $1,500-$2,500 USD per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $500-$1,000 USD per month and a two bedroom apartment is around $800-$1,500 USD per month.
What do I need to know about living in Beijing?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Beijing, they said:
"Before retiring in Beijing, an expat should research potential healthcare options, as international health insurance may not be accepted or comprehensive enough. A residency permit is also necessary to stay long-term in Beijing, and the process to obtain one can vary. Cultural barriers can also present a challenge; expats should look into classes or language exchanges to help them build a community. Additionally, expats may need to learn how to use common Chinese payment methods, such as WeChat Pay or Alipay, in order to make purchases and pay bills. Finally, expats should consider their air quality needs, as Beijing is known to have high smog levels throughout the year," said one expat who made the move to Beijing, China.
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What do I need to know before moving to Beijing?
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Beijing?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Beijing?
- What is the average cost of housing in Beijing?
- How do I meet people in Beijing?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Beijing?
- What should I pack when moving to Beijing?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Beijing?
- Will I be able to find a job in Beijing?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Beijing?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Beijing?
- What is the social scene like in Beijing?
- What advice to expats in Beijing have about housing?
- What are medical services in Beijing like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Beijing?
- Is the cost of living in Beijing high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Beijing?
- Why do people move to Beijing?