Dalian vs. Giza: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Dalian Dalian Image by:Pin Wang
Giza Giza Image by:Hisham Elshazli

Overall Cost Assessment

Dalian presents a significantly more affordable option compared to Giza, particularly concerning the Cost of Living Index (COLI). Dalian's COLI is notably lower, reflecting cheaper housing, food, transportation, and other essential expenses. While Giza's COLI is substantially higher, it's worth noting that some specific quality metrics in Giza, such as the Climate Index and potentially healthcare access (though the Health Care Index is lower than Dalian's), might be perceived more favorably by certain individuals. However, the overall economic data suggests Dalian offers a much lower cost of living, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals or families.

Housing Costs and Affordability

Housing is the most pronounced cost difference between Dalian and Giza. Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dalian's city center is considerably lower than in Giza's city center. Furthermore, the Price per Square Meter for buying property in Dalian is significantly more affordable, reflecting a much lower real estate market. Critically, Dalian's Property Price to Income Ratio is substantially lower, indicating greater affordability for homeownership compared to Giza, where this ratio is significantly higher, suggesting a much more expensive housing market despite potentially lower absolute rent costs in some areas.

Daily Expenses and Transportation

Beyond housing, Dalian generally offers lower costs for daily living. Food expenses, transportation (both public and private vehicle purchase/operation costs), utilities, and leisure activities are all lower in Dalian than in Giza. Public transportation costs are significantly cheaper, and the lower fuel prices further reduce transportation expenses. While Giza has slightly lower costs for some specific items like imported beer or certain clothing items, the overall basket of daily expenses is substantially cheaper in Dalian.

Healthcare and Safety

When evaluating quality, healthcare stands out as a key differentiator. Dalian boasts a significantly higher Health Care Index (85) compared to Giza's lower index (62). This suggests Dalian likely offers better access to healthcare services, facilities, and potentially higher standards of care. Conversely, Giza has a higher Pollution Index (100), indicating potentially worse air quality, and a much higher Traffic Commute Time Index (53), suggesting longer and likely more stressful commutes. Dalian's lower Pollution Index (40) and lower Commute Time Index (15) point towards a cleaner environment and potentially shorter commutes, contributing to a better quality of life in terms of daily stressors.

Quality of Life Summary

In summary, Dalian offers a compelling combination of significantly lower costs across virtually all major categories (housing, food, transport, daily expenses) and a generally better quality of life profile. Its higher Health Care Index, lower Pollution Index, and lower Commute Time Index are major advantages. Giza, while offering potentially higher quality in niche areas like climate comfort or specific services, comes at a substantially higher cost, with a much higher Property Price to Income Ratio, higher Pollution Index, and longer commute times, making it a less affordable option despite potentially slightly higher salaries (though adjusted for cost, the net is likely lower purchasing power).
Climate Index
63.7 / 88.5
Cost of Living Index
33.2 / 20.1

Dalian   Giza

Health Care Index
74 / 62.6
Pollution Index
62.2 / 100.5

Dalian   Giza

Property Price to Income Ratio
9.9 / 39.2
Purchasing Power Index
102.1 / 21.9

Dalian   Giza

Quality of Life Index
165.2 / 51
Safety Index
83.2 / 45.5

Dalian   Giza

Traffic Commute Time Index
27 / 53.8

Dalian   Giza

Real estate & living comparison

Dalian Giza
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 2662.39 USD 837.55 USD
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 1607.65 USD 1269.01 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 405.66 USD 149.74 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 233.59 USD 95.43 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 717.09 USD 379.69 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 432 USD 162.43 USD
Salaries And Financing » Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.16 USD 25 USD
Salaries And Financing » Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 1083.37 USD 134.52 USD
Salaries And Financing » GDP Growth Rate: 5.25 USD 3.76 USD
Salaries And Financing » GDP Per Capita ($) : 22100 USD 16700 USD
Salaries And Financing » Population Growth Rate: 0.23 USD 1.49 USD
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 2662.39 USD 837.55 USD
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 1607.65 USD 1269.01 USD
Childcare » International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child 9865.72 USD 2707.23 USD
Childcare » Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child 420.75 USD 98.14 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) 72.54 USD 17.6 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Men's Leather Business Shoes 116.02 USD 52.28 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 119.66 USD 86.29 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) 56.55 USD 63.45 USD
Markets » Apples (1 kg) 1.33 USD 1.62 USD
Markets » Bananas (1 kg) 1.09 USD 0.62 USD
Markets » Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) 13.06 USD 8.34 USD
Markets » Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 17.34 USD 4.57 USD
Markets » Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) 0.73 USD 0.19 USD
Markets » Chicken Fillets (1 kg) 3.48 USD 4.21 USD
Markets » Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) 3.63 USD 2.03 USD
Markets » Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) 1.06 USD 1.47 USD
Markets » Eggs (12, Large Size) 2.09 USD 1.52 USD
Markets » Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) 1.5 USD 0.38 USD
Markets » Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) 2.03 USD 1.73 USD
Markets » Lettuce (1 Head) 1.34 USD 0.25 USD
Markets » Local Cheese (1 kg) 20.17 USD 2.74 USD
Markets » Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) 1.52 USD 0.9 USD
Markets » Onions (1 kg) 0.66 USD 0.51 USD
Markets » Oranges (1 kg) 2.18 USD 0.39 USD
Markets » Potatoes (1 kg) 0.92 USD 0.5 USD
Markets » Tomatoes (1 kg) 0.73 USD 0.36 USD
Markets » White Rice (1 kg) 0.94 USD 0.71 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 405.66 USD 149.74 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 233.59 USD 95.43 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 717.09 USD 379.69 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 432 USD 162.43 USD
Restaurants » Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) 0.24 USD 0.15 USD
Restaurants » Cappuccino (Regular Size) 3.05 USD 1.38 USD
Restaurants » Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) 5.08 USD 4.97 USD
Restaurants » Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) 0.87 USD 1.57 USD
Restaurants » Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) 1.45 USD 3.05 USD
Restaurants » Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant 3.48 USD 4.06 USD
Restaurants » Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) 24.81 USD 14.21 USD
Restaurants » Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) 0.49 USD 0.4 USD
Salaries And Financing » Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.16 USD 25 USD
Salaries And Financing » Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 1083.37 USD 134.52 USD
Sports And Leisure » Cinema Ticket (International Release) 6.89 USD 5.08 USD
Sports And Leisure » Monthly Fitness Club Membership 38.09 USD 18.1 USD
Sports And Leisure » Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) 25.15 USD 7.44 USD
Transportation » Gasoline (1 Liter) 1.14 USD 0.36 USD
Transportation » Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) 29.02 USD 2.05 USD
Transportation » One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) 0.29 USD 0.3 USD
Transportation » Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) 3.99 USD 2.03 USD
Transportation » Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) 0.44 USD 0.32 USD
Transportation » Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) 1.45 USD 0.3 USD
Transportation » Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) 17108.12 USD 29271.94 USD
Transportation » Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) 18846.85 USD 34314.16 USD
Utilities (Monthly) » Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) 51.2 USD 19.02 USD
Utilities (Monthly) » Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) 12.96 USD 20.3 USD
Utilities (Monthly) » Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) 9.63 USD 8.19 USD
Population 5,871,474 5,598,402

Last updated: 2026-03-07

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