Shanghai vs Hoi An: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Shanghai vs Hoi An: Shanghai runs about $2,190/mo all-in vs $755/mo in Hoi An — Hoi An is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Hoi An is the cheaper base — roughly $1,435/mo less all-in, Shanghai scores higher for safety, and internet is comparable in both. Which one wins depends on your income, passport, and what you value most.
How they compare
- Cost of living: Hoi An is about $1,435/mo cheaper — $755/mo all-in vs $2,190/mo in Shanghai (one person).
- Rent: lower in Hoi An ($400/mo vs $1,300/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Shanghai rates higher (84/100 for Shanghai vs 74/100 for Hoi An).
- Internet: both solid for remote work (60/100 vs 60/100).
- Climate: Hoi An edges ahead (70/100 vs 78/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Families: Shanghai rates safer for family life (90/100 vs 78/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Shanghai (~$2,000/mo vs ~$400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Hoi An (50/100 vs 92/100).
- Sunshine: Hoi An logs about 245 sunny days a year vs 200 in Shanghai.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shanghai or Hoi An cheaper to live in?
Shanghai costs about $2,190/month all-in for one person; Hoi An costs about $755/month. That makes Hoi An roughly $1,435/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Hoi An than Shanghai?
About $1,435/month for a single person — $755/mo in Hoi An vs $2,190/mo in Shanghai, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Shanghai or Hoi An?
Shanghai scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (84/100 for Shanghai vs 74/100 for Hoi An). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Shanghai or Hoi An?
For connectivity, both are solid (60/100 vs 60/100). On climate, Hoi An edges ahead (70/100 vs 78/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Shanghai or Hoi An?
Shanghai's visa process is rated Moderate (about 2 weeks); Hoi An's is rated Moderate (about 6 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Shanghai and Hoi An for my situation?
Yes, open Jonzy, enter your income and passport, and get personalised Life Upgrade Scores for both cities. You can also share a side-by-side comparison link with a partner.