Hoi An vs Shenzhen: Cost, Visas & Safety
Living in Hoi An vs Shenzhen: Hoi An runs about $755/mo all-in vs $1,750/mo in Shenzhen — Hoi An is cheaper. See visas, safety, internet, and climate…
Hoi An is the cheaper base — roughly $995/mo less all-in, Shenzhen 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 $995/mo cheaper — $755/mo all-in vs $1,750/mo in Shenzhen (one person).
- Rent: lower in Hoi An ($400/mo vs $950/mo for a typical place).
- Safety: Shenzhen rates higher (74/100 for Hoi An vs 84/100 for Shenzhen).
- Internet: both solid for remote work (60/100 vs 60/100).
- Climate: comparable year-round (78/100 vs 76/100).
- Visa: both rated Moderate to enter — check long-stay and residency options for your passport.
- Families: Shenzhen rates safer for family life (78/100 vs 88/100 family safety).
- Local salaries: higher in Shenzhen (~$1,900/mo vs ~$400/mo average) — relevant if you'd work locally rather than remotely.
- Work-life balance: better rated in Hoi An (92/100 vs 45/100).
- Sunshine: Hoi An logs about 245 sunny days a year vs 210 in Shenzhen.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hoi An or Shenzhen cheaper to live in?
Hoi An costs about $755/month all-in for one person; Shenzhen costs about $1,750/month. That makes Hoi An roughly $995/mo cheaper, though rent, food, and lifestyle choices shift the total.
How much cheaper is Hoi An than Shenzhen?
About $995/month for a single person — $755/mo in Hoi An vs $1,750/mo in Shenzhen, covering rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities, and everyday extras.
Which is safer, Hoi An or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen scores higher on Jonzy's safety index (74/100 for Hoi An vs 84/100 for Shenzhen). Both are catalog averages — feelings of safety also vary by neighbourhood and time of day.
Which is better for remote work and digital nomads, Hoi An or Shenzhen?
For connectivity, both are solid (60/100 vs 60/100). On climate, they're comparable (78/100 vs 76/100). Jonzy scores both against your income, passport, and priorities so you see which fits your setup.
Which is easier to get a visa for, Hoi An or Shenzhen?
Hoi An's visa process is rated Moderate (about 6 weeks); Shenzhen's is rated Moderate (about 2 weeks). Your passport changes the answer — run a visa check for both in Jonzy.
Can I compare Hoi An and Shenzhen 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.