[![Image]() Meet Jobicy Copilot — free AI autofill for job applications + remote job alerts ›](#) Side-by-side city decision # Shantou vs Milan. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link ShantouChina3 VS MilanItaly3 $668Shantou monthly budget $2,495Milan monthly budget 180 MbpsShantou internet 185 MbpsMilan internet Decision summary No universal winner The result is balanced. Your priorities should decide the better fit. Cost Best budget Shantou Speed Fastest internet Milan Vibe Best nomad vibe Milan Safety Highest safety Shantou Air Cleanest air Shantou Walk Most walkable Milan Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Shantou](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/shantou.md) China 3/6 Budget$668 Internet180 Mbps Vibe6/10 [Milan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/milan.md) Italy 3/6 Budget$2,495 Internet185 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 $668 $2,495 1-bed center rent $290 $1,650 Coworking desk $115 $310 Local meal $3.1 $16.5 Cappuccino $3.2 $2.1 Gym membership $32 $65 Transport budget $28 $45 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 180 Mbps 185 Mbps Nomad vibe 6/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 76/100 62/100 Air quality 68/100 52/100 Walkability 6/10 9/10 Female safety 7/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 8/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Excellent English proficiency Basic Good Climate type Humid subtropical monsoon Humid subtropical with continental influences Best time to visit Oct - Mar Apr - Jun 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. [Shantou](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/shantou.md) China → ### Strengths * Very affordable rent and everyday dining * Outstanding Teochew food culture * Fast, inexpensive mobile payments and delivery * Generally low violent-crime risk * Warm winters and nearby coastal scenery * Authentic local atmosphere away from major expat hubs ### Trade-offs * English is rarely spoken outside major hotels * No dedicated digital-nomad visa * International internet services are restricted * Hot, humid summers and typhoon exposure * Limited coworking and expat networking options * Tap water should not be consumed untreated ### Common visa routes * China L tourist visa * China M business visa * China Z work visa [Milan](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/milan.md) Italy → ### Strengths * Excellent metro, tram, and rail connections * Strong international business and creative scene * Walkable neighborhoods with outstanding food * Fast home fiber and widespread 5G * High-quality public and private healthcare * Easy access to lakes, Alps, and European cities ### Trade-offs * Rents are among Italy's highest * Winter smog and summer heat can be uncomfortable * Finding long-term housing is highly competitive * Bureaucracy can be slow and document-heavy * Nightlife and dining costs add up quickly * English is less common outside international circles ### Common visa routes * Italy Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa exemption or visa * Italian self-employment 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.