Side-by-side city decision # Xi'an vs Split. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Xi'anChina4 VS SplitCroatia2 $930Xi'an monthly budget $1,400Split monthly budget 100 MbpsXi'an internet 50 MbpsSplit internet Decision summary Xi'an Xi'an leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Xi'an Speed Fastest internet Xi'an Vibe Best nomad vibe Split Safety Highest safety Xi'an Air Cleanest air Xi'an Walk Most walkable Split Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Xi'an](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/xian.md) China 4/6 Budget$930 Internet100 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Split](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/croatia/split.md) Croatia 2/6 Budget$1,400 Internet50 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 $930 $1,400 1-bed center rent $500 $750 Coworking desk $180 $200 Local meal $5 $12 Cappuccino $4 $2.5 Gym membership $50 $45 Transport budget $30 $50 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 100 Mbps 50 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 80/100 72/100 Air quality 60/100 42/100 Walkability 7/10 9/10 Female safety 7/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 4/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Good Good English proficiency Basic Good Climate type Humid continental Mediterranean Best time to visit Mar - May May - Sep 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. [Xi'an](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/china/xian.md) China → ### Strengths * Incredibly affordable cost of living * Rich history and cultural landmarks (Terracotta Warriors, City Wall) * Excellent public transportation (metro, bus) * Delicious and cheap local street food * Safe city with low crime rates * Friendly locals and growing expat community ### Trade-offs * Language barrier; very few locals speak English * Air pollution can be severe in winter * Heavy reliance on WeChat/Alipay; cash not always accepted * Limited international food options compared to coastal cities * Internet censorship requires a reliable VPN * Summer heat and humidity can be uncomfortable ### Common visa routes * Tourist L Visa * Business M Visa * Student X Visa * Work Z Visa [Split](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/croatia/split.md) Croatia → ### Strengths * Stunning Dalmatian coastline and islands * Rich Roman and medieval history * Very walkable old town and waterfront * Delicious Mediterranean cuisine * Relatively affordable compared to Western Europe * Vibrant outdoor and festival scene ### Trade-offs * Overcrowded with tourists in summer * Peak season prices spike dramatically * Limited co-working spaces outside center * Bureaucratic hurdles for residency * Public transport beyond the city is sparse * Job market for locals is weak ### Common visa routes * Digital Nomad Visa * Tourist Visa (90 days) * EU Blue Card 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.