Side-by-side city decision # Chengdu vs Siem Reap. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ChengduChina5 VS Siem ReapCambodia1 $830Chengdu monthly budget $850Siem Reap monthly budget 80 MbpsChengdu internet 30 MbpsSiem Reap internet Decision summary Chengdu Chengdu leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Chengdu Speed Fastest internet Chengdu Vibe Best nomad vibe Chengdu Safety Highest safety Chengdu Air Cleanest air Siem Reap Walk Most walkable Chengdu Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Chengdu](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/chengdu.md) China 5/6 Budget$830 Internet80 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Siem Reap](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cambodia/siem-reap.md) Cambodia 1/6 Budget$850 Internet30 Mbps Vibe7/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $830 $850 1-bed center rent $400 $450 Coworking desk $150 $100 Local meal $3 $4 Cappuccino $3.5 $2.5 Gym membership $30 $40 Transport budget $30 $50 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 80 Mbps 30 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 80/100 60/100 Air quality 40/100 70/100 Walkability 7/10 6/10 Female safety 7/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 5/10 5/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Average English proficiency Basic Average Climate type Humid subtropical Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Mar - May Nov - Feb Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Chengdu](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/chengdu.md) China → ### Strengths * Extremely low cost of living * Rich cultural and historical heritage * Excellent public transportation system * Very safe city with low crime * Modern amenities and infrastructure * Home to the famous Panda Base ### Trade-offs * Air pollution can be severe in winter * Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers * Strict visa regulations and limited nomad options * Internet censorship requires VPN * Heavy traffic during rush hours * Humid and hot summers ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa (L) * Work visa (Z) * Student visa (X) [Siem Reap](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cambodia/siem-reap.md) Cambodia → ### Strengths * Very affordable cost of living * Rich cultural heritage with Angkor Wat * Friendly local community * Plenty of cafes and coworking spaces * Easy access to temples and nature * Growing digital nomad scene ### Trade-offs * Hot and humid climate most of the year * Frequent power outages * Limited healthcare facilities * Tap water is not drinkable * Poor road infrastructure * Visa runs required every 30 days ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa (30 days, extendable) * Ordinary visa (E-class, 30 days) * Business visa (1 year multiple entry) Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.