Job Discussion Forums

Hsinchuguy · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 109 Location: Toronto

Hi all, I may have a chance to move to either of these cities for work. I've been to Beijing, albeit in 1993 but never to Tianjin. How does the quality of life compare? I lived in Taiwan and China for a decade before so I can rough it a bit. Also, I'm not a club guy so I'm not overly concerned with nightlife. My main aim would be to save money so I'd like to know the difference in cost of living between the two.

askiptochina · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 488 Location: Beijing

Beijing is a huge city. Tianjin is small. It's basically a district of the greater Beijing area. You could get a job in the outer districts of Beijing and have a higher salary. I have about the same deal as one in the center of Beijing with a lot less classes.

The big negative aspect to this is that buses stop at 7:30. So, unless you want to take a taxi (about 2-300 RMB one way) you need to plan your trips accordingly, which will still cost you 2-300 RMB if you say at a hotel. You could also rent a room for about 100 RMB.

Unless you wanted a business environment, I don't know why anyone would want a central Beijing position. It's a great place to visit on weekends, but not real good for living.

auchtermuchty · Joined: 05 Dec 2009 Posts: 344 Location: Beijing

I wouldn't say Tianjin is much cheaper than Beijing, except on rent. Public transportation costs more in Tianjin, as does any imported food or drink. Local products are basically the same price in supermarkets in both cities, though a few things cost less in Tianjin in the local markets.

The main reason Beijing tends to cost more is because there is more to spend your money on.