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Kunming vs Beijing

China vs China · 2,088 km apart

Kunming

China

¥5,219 ($720)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Beijing

China

¥5,923 ($817)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseKunmingBeijingCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6.84$7.68Kunming
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$27.36$30.72Kunming
Cappuccino$2.05$2.30Kunming
Monthly groceries (single person)$155$174Kunming
Monthly public transport pass$25.08$28.16Kunming
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$66.12$74.24Kunming
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$19.15$21.50Kunming
Fitness club membership$19.15$21.50Kunming
Cinema ticket$5.02$5.63Kunming
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$379$438Kunming
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$264$305Kunming
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$792$915Kunming
Total single-person budget$720$817Kunming
Average net salary$1,311$1,472

Verdict

Kunming is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Kunming runs about $720 versus $817 in Beijing — a difference of roughly 13%.

Salary-adjusted, Beijing leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Kunming  ·  Full cost of living in Beijing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kunming cheaper than Beijing?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $720 per month in Kunming versus $817 in Beijing — about 13% less.
How far is Kunming from Beijing?
The straight-line distance between Kunming and Beijing is approximately 2,088 km (1,297 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Kunming or Beijing?
The estimated average net salary is $1,311 in Kunming and $1,472 in Beijing. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $591 in Kunming versus $655 in Beijing per month.