CN Beijing — a mover's brief

What Beijing actually looks, feels, and costs like for someone considering moving. Neighbourhoods, climate, transport, healthcare, safety, and the practical scaffolding — every figure sourced.

Country
China (Mainland)
Asia
Population
21,843,000
metro · 2023
Area
16,411 km²
Elevation
44 m
city centre
Time zone
Asia/Shanghai
Currency
CNY
Airport
PEK,PKX · Beijing Capital International Airport
Metro
27 metro lines · tram network
Walkability
●●●○○
editorial score · 1–5
Bike friendliness
●●●○○
editorial score · 1–5
Primary language
Mandarin is the working language. English more limited than in Shanghai; functional in top international firms, CBD, Sanlitun, and universities.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-22

Cost of living

Cost of living

Total monthly essentials: approximately €1,325/month for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). District and lifestyle swing this 30–50% either way.
ItemMonthly / item costSource
1-bedroom flat, city centre €950/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Rent per square metre €20.00/m² National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Utilities (85m² flat) €80/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Public transport pass €35/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Groceries, one person €260/mo National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Restaurant meal, average €9 National Bureau of Statistics of China ↗
Climate

Climate

Monthly normals — high · low (°C)
Annual: 17.8° / 7.3° · 571mm rainfall
Jan -8° Feb -6° Mar 12° Apr 20° May 26° 14° Jun 30° 19° Jul 31° 22° Aug 30° 21° Sep 26° 15° Oct 19° Nov 10° Dec -5°
Monthly rainfall (mm)
3 5 8 21 34 78 185 160 46 22 7 2

Hottest month typically Jul, coldest Jan. Values are station normals — actual weather varies year-to-year. Source: China Meteorological Administration (1991–2020) ↗

Also in China (Mainland)

Other China (Mainland) cities

Moving to China (Mainland)

Visa routes

Relevant residence permits. Full visa data on the China (Mainland) country brief.

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