Wenzhou vs. Fes: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Wenzhou and Fes. Wenzhou, located in China, offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, food, and transportation, but presents challenges in healthcare and safety. Fes, in Morocco, has a higher cost of living, especially for housing and transportation, but generally better healthcare access and a more favorable climate. Economic factors also differ, with Wenzhou boasting a much higher GDP per capita and lower property price to income ratio, making it more affordable for many expatriates despite potential cultural and environmental trade-offs.

Food and Dining

Health Care Index

58.3 / 65

Pollution Index

73.6 / 64.9

Wenzhou   Fes

Wenzhou offers a substantially lower cost for food and dining compared to Fes. A mid-range meal for two people costs approximately $10 USD in Wenzhou, while the same meal in Fes averages around $150 USD. Fast food and street food are also significantly cheaper in Wenzhou, reflecting its position as a major Chinese city with strong purchasing power parity. Fes, while offering diverse dining options, comes with much higher food costs, which can be a significant burden for expatriates accustomed to lower-cost living.

Housing

Safety Index

86.6 / 38.7

Wenzhou   Fes

Housing costs in Wenzhou are considerably more affordable than in Fes. A 1-bedroom apartment in Wenzhou averages around $500 USD per month, while the same in Fes averages nearly $3,500 USD. Rent represents a smaller percentage of the average salary in Wenzhou (around 15%) compared to Fes (around 77%). Property prices in Fes are also significantly higher, with a square meter costing nearly $9,000 USD compared to around $1,000 USD in Wenzhou.

Transportation

Public transportation in Wenzhou is far more affordable than in Fes. A single public transport ticket costs approximately $0.50 USD, while a monthly pass averages $10 USD. In Fes, a single ticket costs $2 USD, and a monthly pass averages $90 USD. Car ownership and fuel costs are also significantly higher in Fes, with gasoline priced at nearly $14 USD per liter compared to around $6 USD in Wenzhou.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Wenzhou are significantly lower than in Fes. While specific data on healthcare costs is limited for Wenzhou, the healthcare index is higher (85) compared to Fes (65). In Fes, healthcare costs are notably higher, reflecting the premium placed on international-standard medical facilities and services.

Safety

Wenzhou scores significantly higher on safety metrics, with an index of 85, compared to Fes's index of 39. This suggests a much safer environment in Wenzhou, with lower crime rates and better public security. Fes, while generally safe in urban areas, has higher risks in certain neighborhoods and for certain activities, particularly for expatriates unfamiliar with local customs.

Healthcare

Wenzhou's healthcare system is more developed and accessible, with a higher healthcare index (85) than Fes's index (65). While Fes offers modern medical facilities, the quality of care and accessibility may not match that of Wenzhou, particularly for expatriates with specific medical needs or those requiring long-term care.

Environment

Wenzhou has a lower pollution index (65) compared to Fes's index (65), indicating slightly better air quality. However, Fes has a higher climate index (86) than Wenzhou's index (86), suggesting a more favorable climate overall, particularly in terms of weather patterns and seasonal variations.

Education

Wenzhou offers more affordable education options, with public schools and universities being highly accessible. International schools are available but at a significantly lower cost than in Fes. Fes has a mix of public and international schools, but the overall cost of education is higher, particularly for international schooling.

Salary

The average net salary in Wenzhou is approximately $2,500 USD, while in Fes it is around $4,500 USD. While the salary in Fes is higher, the cost of living is also significantly higher, resulting in a lower net disposable income for expatriates in Fes.

GDP and Growth

Wenzhou has a much higher GDP per capita ($30,000 USD) compared to Fes ($9,000 USD). Wenzhou also has a higher GDP growth rate (7%) than Fes (3%), indicating stronger economic prospects and more opportunities for career advancement and investment.

Property Price to Income Ratio

Wenzhou has a much lower property price to income ratio (20) compared to Fes's ratio (20). This indicates that housing is more affordable relative to income in Wenzhou, making it easier for expatriates to secure housing without excessive financial strain. Wenzhou offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, food, and transportation, making it an attractive option for expatriates seeking affordability. However, it presents challenges in terms of safety and environmental quality. Fes offers a higher cost of living but generally better healthcare access and a more favorable climate. The choice between the two cities ultimately depends on individual priorities, with Wenzhou being ideal for those prioritizing affordability and Fes being better suited for those prioritizing quality of life and economic opportunities.