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

Global transfers for digital nomads.

Affiliate disclosure

Pai vs Kunming – Digital Nomad Guide

Trying to decide between Pai, Thailand and Kunming, China? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.

💰 Cost of Living

Pai has a monthly cost of $1,620, which is 19.8% lower than Kunming's $2,020.

🌐 Internet Infrastructure

For internet speeds, Pai offers 30 Mbps, while Kunming provides 50 Mbps making Kunming's connection 66.7% faster .

☀️ Current Weather

The weather in Pai is currently 32°C 🌤️, while Kunming is experiencing 25°C ⛈️.

🛡️ Safety Comparison

Pai has a safety score of 76.0 , while Kunming scores 79.0 .

Costs
$1,620
per month
Internet
30
Mbps
Weather
32° 🌤️
High today
Costs
$2,020
per month
Internet
50
Mbps
Weather
25° ⛈️
High today
Genki Logo
Genki offers international health insurance tailored for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers, providing worldwide coverage and flexibility.

Health insurance for travelers.

Affiliate disclosure

Overall Pai wins

65.0
Overall Score
59.0

Pai is 6% better

Quality of Life Kunming wins

76.0
Safety
79.0
56.0
Healthcare
69.0

Kunming is 13% better

Cost Pai wins

87.0
Cost of Living
71.0

Pai is 16% better

Climate Pai wins

67.0
Air Quality
50.0

Pai is 17% better

Infrastructure Kunming wins

59.0
Internet Speed
65.0

Kunming is 6% better

Social

48.0
Nightlife
51.0
76.0
Culture
78.0
79.0
Food Scene
79.0

Total Cost of Living Comparison

Category Pai Kunming Difference
Monthly Total $1,620 $2,020 -19.8%
Daily Average $54 $67 per day

Housing

Item Pai Kunming Difference
Apartment (1 bedroom) $180.00 per month $320.00 per month -43.8%

Daily Life

Item Pai Kunming Difference
Coffee $1.50 per cup $1.50 per cup 0.0%

Transportation

Item Pai Kunming Difference

Utilities

Item Pai Kunming Difference
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

Final Verdict: Pai vs Kunming

Pai ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 6.0% higher than Kunming overall.

💰 Cost Analysis

  • Monthly Budget: $1,620 vs $2,020
  • Daily Expenses: $54 vs $67
  • Pai is 19.8% cheaper for digital nomads

🌐 Infrastructure

  • Internet Speed: Kunming leads with 40% faster connection
  • Public Transport: Kunming has better public transportation

🎯 Key Advantages

Pai Wins In:
  • Overall Score (6% better)
  • Cost of Living (16% better)
  • Air Quality (17% better)
Kunming Wins In:
  • Healthcare (13% better)
  • Internet Speed (6% better)

💡 Final Recommendation

Choose Pai if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Overall Score. However, Kunming 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.