Long-Term Living Comparison: Why Choose Shanghai Over Sydney for Expats?

Lately, people often ask me, “Do you see yourself staying in Sydney in the future?” I always struggle to give a clear answer. The dilemma is whether Sydney is more suitable for living, or if Shanghai is better for “surviving.” Having experienced life in both cities, I’ll share a perspective that might be controversial, but it’s rooted in my genuine experiences: Sydney’s charm lies in its relaxation, but this can also feel like emptiness.

Sun-drenched beaches, lush parks, and green spaces create a laid-back, almost vacation-like atmosphere. You can start your day with a leisurely coffee, take a midday stroll with your dog, and spend the afternoon at the beach, feeling like everything is perfectly under control. However, the problem is that it’s just too “slow.

” When you’re looking for something to do or someone to talk to, you realize everyone is already home for dinner by six. It’s not uncommon for residents to live in Sydney for five years without making a single local friend. This might be a form of “freedom,” but it can also be quite lonely. Additionally, Sydney’s efficiency doesn’t match its high housing prices.

Simple tasks can take three days, repairs a week, and a government email reply two weeks. For those accustomed to the fast pace of Shanghai, this would be maddening.

Is the “intensity” of Shanghai all negative? Living in Shanghai, you have to keep up a brisk pace, but you can also see tangible personal growth. Overtime is a reality, but so are numerous opportunities for career advancement. Life is incredibly convenient: you can order any type of food delivery, take the subway at any hour, and even get glasses made in an hour.

But! In Shanghai, not everyone has room to breathe. When you see everyone around you working overtime and competing, even if you don’t want to, the environment will push you to speed up. Also, in Shanghai, an annual salary of 400,000 RMB barely covers the basics; in Sydney, an annual salary of 100,000 AUD can make you feel like royalty.

There’s another critical point: should you move to a place where you’re not happy just for your child’s education? Many parents say they are willing to endure loneliness and give up career development to move abroad for their children’s sake. But I believe that the mental well-being of parents is the most authentic and influential environment for a child’s growth.