City Guide 2026
China
Living in Xi'an
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Xi'an, China.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,120
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
70/100
Low crime
Avg Temperature
14°C
57°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Xi'an
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $525 | $341 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,350 | $878 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Xi'an
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
0.5°
Feb
3.5°
Mar
8.8°
Apr
15.2°
May
20.3°
Jun
25.1°
Jul
27.2°
Aug
26.1°
Sep
21°
Oct
15.1°
Nov
8.2°
Dec
2.1°
Air Quality (AQI)
98
Poor
Avg Rain Days/mo
8
days per month
Beach Distance
999 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
25 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Xi'an
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
150 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
55/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in China
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
Residency Pathway
5-8 years for permanent residency depending on investment/salary level.
Tax Overview in China
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 20% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 20% |
| Dividend Tax | 20% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 20% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Greater Bay Area/High-End Talent Subsidies
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Xi'an?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Xi'an costs approximately $1,120-1,792/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $525/month.
Is Xi'an safe for expats?
Xi'an has a safety index of 70/100 (higher is safer). Xi'an has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 84/100.
What is the weather like in Xi'an?
Xi'an has an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F). The warmest months reach 27.2°C and the coolest drop to 0.5°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 98.
What is the internet speed in Xi'an?
Average internet speed in Xi'an is 150 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in China?
China uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 20% (long-term) and dividends at 20%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Greater Bay Area/High-End Talent Subsidies) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Xi'an long-term?
China does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: 5-8 years for permanent residency depending on investment/salary level..
Is Xi'an good for digital nomads?
Xi'an has fast internet at 150 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is moderate at 55/100. The cost of living index is 28/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Compare Xi'an with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.