Revolut Logo
Revolut Ultra offers premium banking with global perks like lounge access, data, subscriptions, and insurance, ideal for frequent travelers.

Lounge access & subscriptions.

Affiliate disclosure

Kaesong vs Qingdao – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Kaesong, North Korea and Qingdao, China? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Kaesong has a monthly cost of $1,535, which is 31.5% lower than Qingdao's $2,240.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Kaesong offers 5 Mbps, while Qingdao provides 100 Mbps making Qingdao's connection 1,900.0% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Kaesong is currently 19°C 🌤️, while Qingdao is experiencing 20°C 🌤️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Kaesong has a safety score of 60.0 , while Qingdao scores 78.0 .

Costs
$1,535
per month
Internet
5
Mbps
Weather
19° 🌤️
High today
Costs
$2,240
per month
Internet
100
Mbps
Weather
20° 🌤️
High today
GetStake Logo
GetStake allows you to invest in fractional real estate in Dubai's premium properties, with investments starting from just $500.

Dubai real estate from $500.

Affiliate disclosure

Overall Qingdao wins

12.0
Overall Score
61.0

Qingdao is 49% better

Quality of Life Qingdao wins

60.0
Safety
78.0

Qingdao is 18% better

10.0
Healthcare
67.0

Qingdao is 57% better

Cost Qingdao wins

2.0
Cost of Living
71.0

Qingdao is 69% better

Climate Qingdao wins

35.0
Air Quality
57.0

Qingdao is 22% better

Infrastructure Qingdao wins

0.0
Internet Speed
73.0

Social Qingdao wins

0.0
Nightlife
58.0
20.0
Culture
79.0

Qingdao is 59% better

15.0
Food Scene
80.0

Qingdao is 65% better

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Kaesong Qingdao Difference
Monthly Total $1,535 $2,240 -31.5%
Daily Average $51 $75 per day

Housing

Item Kaesong Qingdao Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $150.00 per month $350.00 per month -57.1%

Daily Life

Item Kaesong Qingdao Difference
Coffee $0.50 per cup $1.50 per cup -66.7%
Beer $0.70 per pint $2.00 per pint -65.0%
Meal (Inexpensive) $1.00 per meal $3.00 per meal -66.7%

Transportation

Item Kaesong Qingdao Difference

Utilities

Item Kaesong Qingdao Difference
Wise Logo
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a trusted money transfer service used by millions of digital nomads worldwide.

Low-fee international transfers.

Affiliate disclosure

Final Verdict: Kaesong vs Qingdao

Qingdao ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 49.0% higher than Kaesong overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $1,535 vs $2,240
  • Daily Expenses: $51 vs $75
  • Kaesong is 31.5% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Qingdao leads with 95% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Qingdao has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Kaesong Wins In:
  • No significant advantages found
Qingdao Wins In:
  • Overall Score (49% better)
  • Safety (18% better)
  • Healthcare (57% better)
  • Cost of Living (69% better)
  • Air Quality (22% better)
  • Culture (59% better)
  • Food Scene (65% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Qingdao if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Overall Score. However, Kaesong might be preferable if Overall Score is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.

Revolut Logo
Revolut Ultra offers premium banking with global perks like lounge access, data, subscriptions, and insurance, ideal for frequent travelers.

Premium benefits, global data.

Affiliate disclosure

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.