China has ranked 6th in the world for expat quality of life in 2026, outperforming many traditional expat destinations thanks to its affordability, infrastructure, convenience and career opportunities. According to the latest Expat Insider Quality of Life Index released by InterNations, China scored especially highly for travel and transit, ranking first globally in that category.

Source: Trey Ratcliff

The annual survey — one of the world’s largest studies of expatriate life — evaluates countries across factors such as healthcare, safety, leisure, infrastructure, environment and overall well-being, based on feedback from thousands of expats living abroad.

Why China Ranked So Highly

One of China’s biggest strengths remains its cost-to-lifestyle ratio.

In major cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hangzhou, expats report that they can access:

♦ High-quality public transport

♦ Fast and affordable food delivery

♦ Advanced digital payment systems

♦ Excellent domestic travel connections

♦ A wide range of housing options

♦ Competitive salaries in skilled industries

Compared with cities in Europe or North America, many foreign professionals report being able to enjoy a more convenient day-to-day lifestyle while still saving money.

China also scored strongly for:

♦ Infrastructure and public transport

♦ Healthcare access in major cities

♦ Safety and low violent crime rates

♦ Career opportunities in sectors such as technology, engineering and manufacturing

For many expats, the sheer efficiency of urban life in China remains a major draw. Everyday tasks — from paying bills to ordering groceries or booking transport — can be completed within a single app ecosystem.

Who Else Made the Top 10?

China joined a top 10 list dominated by countries known for lifestyle, infrastructure and safety (at least before the Iran war!). According to the InterNations rankings, the other countries in the top 10 were:

♦ Spain

♦ United Arab Emirates

♦ Panama

♦ Austria

♦ Luxembourg

♦ China

♦ Qatar

♦ Czechia

♦ Japan

♦ Portugal

Countries such as Spain and Portugal performed particularly well for climate and lifestyle, while Gulf states like the UAE and Qatar scored highly for safety, infrastructure and convenience. Austria, Luxembourg and Japan were praised for healthcare, public services and overall stability.

Career Opportunities Still Matter

Despite a tougher employment climate for foreigners in recent years, China remains attractive for skilled professionals in sectors where international expertise is still valued.

Areas such as:

♦ Advanced manufacturing

♦ AI and technology

♦ Engineering

♦ Green energy

♦ International education

♦ Supply chain and logistics

continue to offer competitive packages for experienced foreign hires.

But Not Everything Is Positive

The ranking doesn’t mean expat life in China is without challenges.

Foreign residents continue to cite:

♦ Internet restrictions and VPN instability

♦ Language barriers

♦ Increasingly strict visa and permit requirements

♦ Cultural adjustment difficulties

♦ Economic slowdown and hiring uncertainty

as significant downsides.

China’s immigration policy has become increasingly focused on attracting what authorities call “high-end foreign talent.” As we have previously reported, tighter salary thresholds for Category A and B work permits and stricter renewal scrutiny suggest the country is prioritising specialised, higher-earning professionals over broader foreign recruitment.

China’s handling of foreign labour policy has also become more politically sensitive. The muted rollout of the proposed K-visa and online backlash surrounding foreign employment reflect growing concerns around jobs and competition during a period of persistently high youth unemployment.

The eChinaCities Take

China’s appeal in 2026 is arguably less about “easy expat living” in the traditional sense and more about efficiency, opportunity and modern urban convenience. For foreigners who can navigate the bureaucracy and adapt to the local environment, cities like Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen can still offer a lifestyle that combines strong earning potential with relatively low everyday costs.

That balance — alongside world-class infrastructure and dynamic city life — is ultimately what pushed China into 6th place globally for expat quality of life this year.

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Keywords: China expat rankings