[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Chongqing vs Makati. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ChongqingChina4 VS MakatiPhilippines1 $830Chongqing monthly budget $1,280Makati monthly budget 210 MbpsChongqing internet 125 MbpsMakati internet Decision summary Chongqing Chongqing leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Chongqing Speed Fastest internet Chongqing Vibe Best nomad vibe Makati Safety Highest safety Chongqing Air Cleanest air Chongqing Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Chongqing](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/chongqing.md) China 4/6 Budget$830 Internet210 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 1/6 Budget$1,280 Internet125 Mbps Vibe8/10 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 $1,280 1-bed center rent $430 $720 Coworking desk $135 $190 Local meal $3.2 $4.3 Cappuccino $3.4 $3.5 Gym membership $35 $48 Transport budget $30 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 210 Mbps 125 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 76/100 61/100 Air quality 55/100 48/100 Walkability 6/10 6/10 Female safety 7/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Basic Excellent Climate type Humid subtropical monsoon 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. [Chongqing](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/chongqing.md) China → ### Strengths * Very affordable rent, food, and public transport for a major Chinese city * Exceptional Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine with abundant late-night dining * Extensive metro network connects major districts and both airports * Fast, inexpensive fiber and widespread 5G coverage * Dramatic riverside scenery, hills, and lively urban energy * Generally safe streets and convenient cashless daily life ### Trade-offs * Summer heat, humidity, and winter damp can be uncomfortable * English is limited outside major hotels and international venues * A reliable VPN is essential for many foreign work tools and websites * Air quality can worsen during haze episodes * The hilly terrain, stairs, and layered roads reduce easy walkability * There is no dedicated digital nomad visa and immigration rules are strict ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa (L visa) * Business visa (M visa) * Work visa and residence permit (Z visa) [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent English proficiency and easy daily communication * Strong café, coworking, and corporate-business ecosystem * High-quality private hospitals and specialist care nearby * Wide choice of condos, malls, restaurants, and delivery services * Cashless payments and ride-hailing are widely available * Large international and Filipino social scene ### Trade-offs * Severe road traffic can make short trips slow * Central neighborhoods have relatively high rents * Heat, humidity, and monsoon downpours are persistent * Air quality is often poor beside major roads * Sidewalks can be uneven, blocked, or limited * Tap water is not recommended for drinking ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry or visitor visa extension * Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension * Special Resident Retiree's Visa 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.