Paris vs. Hangzhou: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Paris Paris Image by:Sofia Bubnova
Hangzhou Hangzhou Image by:Shane hao

Introduction and Overall Comparison

Climate Index
88.4 / 84.3
Cost of Living Index
78.8 / 35.1

Paris   Hangzhou

h2 This report compares the cost of living and quality of life in Paris and Hangzhou based on projected data. Hangzhou generally offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly concerning housing, transportation, and daily expenses, compared to Paris. While Paris demonstrates higher standards in public services and infrastructure, Hangzhou presents a more affordable lifestyle with potentially fewer environmental stressors like traffic congestion and air pollution.

Housing and Transportation Costs

Health Care Index
77 / 69.9
Pollution Index
63.1 / 63.5

Paris   Hangzhou

h2 Housing is the most pronounced cost difference, with Parisian rents and property prices being substantially higher than those in Hangzhou, reflecting the latter's more affordable real estate market. Public transportation in Paris is more expensive, though its network is denser. Hangzhou's public transport system is extensive and efficient, but fuel and vehicle costs, as well as public transit fares, are considerably lower than in Paris, contributing to a lower overall transportation budget in Hangzhou.

Food, Goods, and Services

Property Price to Income Ratio
15.2 / 22.3
Purchasing Power Index
135 / 112.8

Paris   Hangzhou

h2 The cost of food and everyday goods is significantly lower in Hangzhou. Dining out for one person is much cheaper, reflecting both mid-range restaurant prices and the overall lower cost structure. While basic utilities are slightly more expensive in Hangzhou, the difference is less dramatic than in housing or transportation. Hangzhou presents a much more budget-friendly environment for daily consumables and services compared to the higher prices found in Paris.

Income, Environment, and Lifestyle

Quality of Life Index
149.5 / 156.9
Safety Index
42 / 85

Paris   Hangzhou

h2 The average net salary in Paris is considerably higher than in Hangzhou, aligning with the city's overall cost structure. Quality of life metrics show contrasting advantages: Paris benefits from highly developed public services and infrastructure, while Hangzhou generally scores better on environmental factors like lower air pollution levels and potentially less stressful commute times, although its traffic indices are still higher than Paris's. Hangzhou offers a vibrant lifestyle at a lower financial cost.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Traffic Commute Time Index
41.2 / 37.2

Paris   Hangzhou

h2 In summary, Hangzhou presents a substantially more affordable option for living, with significant savings in housing, transportation, and daily expenses. Paris, while offering potentially higher standards in public amenities and infrastructure, comes with a much higher financial burden. The choice between the two cities depends heavily on individual priorities regarding budget constraints versus the quality and cost associated with urban services and amenities.

Real estate & living comparison

Paris Hangzhou
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 14613.43 USD 8125.37 USD
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 9823.29 USD 4063.53 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 1600.62 USD 559.62 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 1172.76 USD 319.19 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 3463.65 USD 1193.23 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 2359.78 USD 672.47 USD
Salaries And Financing » Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 3.28 USD 3.57 USD
Salaries And Financing » Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 4013.69 USD 1367.56 USD
Salaries And Financing » GDP Growth Rate: 0.94 USD 5.25 USD
Salaries And Financing » GDP Per Capita ($) : 55400 USD 22100 USD
Salaries And Financing » Population Growth Rate: 0.2 USD 0.23 USD
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 14570.48 USD 8125.37 USD
Buy Apartment Price » Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 9794.42 USD 4063.53 USD
Childcare » International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child 23169.49 USD 30226.53 USD
Childcare » Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child 1436.45 USD 532.89 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) 113.23 USD 55.05 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Men's Leather Business Shoes 165.73 USD 97.93 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 117.76 USD 78.55 USD
Clothing And Shoes » Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) 49.41 USD 36.51 USD
Markets » Apples (1 kg) 3.48 USD 2.14 USD
Markets » Bananas (1 kg) 2.45 USD 1.65 USD
Markets » Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) 21.44 USD 9.59 USD
Markets » Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 9.31 USD 13.06 USD
Markets » Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) 0.83 USD 0.55 USD
Markets » Chicken Fillets (1 kg) 16.17 USD 3.8 USD
Markets » Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) 15.13 USD 4.35 USD
Markets » Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) 2.62 USD 0.8 USD
Markets » Eggs (12, Large Size) 5.15 USD 2.02 USD
Markets » Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) 2.05 USD 1.92 USD
Markets » Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) 4.04 USD 1.62 USD
Markets » Lettuce (1 Head) 1.87 USD 0.65 USD
Markets » Local Cheese (1 kg) 25.44 USD 16.55 USD
Markets » Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) 1.58 USD 2.19 USD
Markets » Onions (1 kg) 2.58 USD 1 USD
Markets » Oranges (1 kg) 2.97 USD 1.78 USD
Markets » Potatoes (1 kg) 2.06 USD 0.77 USD
Markets » Tomatoes (1 kg) 3.74 USD 1.25 USD
Markets » White Rice (1 kg) 2.82 USD 1.1 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 1604.77 USD 559.62 USD
Rent Per Month » 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 1169.31 USD 319.19 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre 3506.35 USD 1193.23 USD
Rent Per Month » 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre 2351.49 USD 672.47 USD
Restaurants » Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) 2.76 USD 0.28 USD
Restaurants » Cappuccino (Regular Size) 5.15 USD 3.5 USD
Restaurants » Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) 13.96 USD 4.86 USD
Restaurants » Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) 8.14 USD 1.16 USD
Restaurants » Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) 6.98 USD 2.18 USD
Restaurants » Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant 17.45 USD 3.63 USD
Restaurants » Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) 81.44 USD 29.02 USD
Restaurants » Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) 4.46 USD 0.52 USD
Salaries And Financing » Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 3.3 USD 3.57 USD
Salaries And Financing » Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 3918.48 USD 1367.56 USD
Sports And Leisure » Cinema Ticket (International Release) 15.71 USD 7.25 USD
Sports And Leisure » Monthly Fitness Club Membership 44.36 USD 44.98 USD
Sports And Leisure » Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) 20.64 USD 19.9 USD
Transportation » Gasoline (1 Liter) 2.09 USD 1.14 USD
Transportation » Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) 104.71 USD 23.21 USD
Transportation » One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) 2.91 USD 0.58 USD
Transportation » Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) 47.77 USD 7.83 USD
Transportation » Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) 1.75 USD 0.44 USD
Transportation » Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) 9.31 USD 1.89 USD
Transportation » Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) 37139.75 USD 18068.21 USD
Transportation » Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) 35858.93 USD 18846.85 USD
Utilities (Monthly) » Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) 279.99 USD 50.78 USD
Utilities (Monthly) » Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) 33.13 USD 15.51 USD
Utilities (Monthly) » Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) 17.03 USD 10.68 USD
Population 11,060,000 9,523,000

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