🇨🇳 Beijing vs 🇮🇳 Delhi
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇨🇳
Beijing
China
$2,092–$3,313/mo
¥14,943 – ¥23,664 / month (local)
🇮🇳
Delhi
India
$1,292–$2,046/mo
₹107,667 – ₹170,500 / month (local)
Beijing is 62% more expensive
Delhi wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Beijing (USD) | Delhi (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,569–$2,441 | $969–$1,508 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $828–$1,308 | $512–$808 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Utilities | $65–$126 | $40–$78 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Groceries | $331–$497 | $205–$307 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $44–$78 | $27–$48 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Public transport (monthly) | $83–$100 | $51–$62 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Internet & Mobile | $26–$44 | $16–$27 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Gym membership | $31–$57 | $19–$35 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Cinema ticket | $12–$16 | $8–$10 | 🟢 Delhi |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,092–$3,313 | $1,292–$2,046 | 🟢 Delhi |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.0 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Safety9.3 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Healthcare9.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Beijing▲ better
Delhi
Education8.9 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Environment8.0 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Economy8.0 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Culture8.6 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Internet9.0 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Beijing
Delhi▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Beijing if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Beijing offers vs Delhi
- ✓Culture
- ✓Government ties
- ✓History
- ✓Policy
Choose Delhi if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Beijing
- ✓Government
- ✓History
- ✓Food
- ✓Policy
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📊
Full Beijing guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Beijing →📊
Full Delhi guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Delhi →