Bologna vs Shanghai: cost of living for digital nomads
Bologna, Italy and Shanghai, China, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Shanghai is about 4% cheaper than Bologna for a month of nomad living ($1,895 vs $1,970).
- Both score 8/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Shanghai: 220 Mbps typical against 120 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Bologna wins 3 of the measured lines; Shanghai wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Bologna or Shanghai?
Shanghai is cheaper: about $1,895/month against $1,970/month in Bologna, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Bologna or Shanghai?
Bologna and Shanghai score the same on safety, 8/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Bologna or Shanghai?
Shanghai has faster typical internet: 220 Mbps against 120 Mbps in Bologna.
| Line | Bologna | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,970 | $1,895 |
| Rent | $900 | $900 |
| Food | $480 | $420 |
| Transport | $40 | $45 |
| Coworking | $150 | $160 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 120 | 220 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | mid | metro |
| Setting | inland | coast |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Compare Shanghai with
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Bologna September 10, 2026, Shanghai September 11, 2026.