COL is a little better, but far closer than people think. Real Estate prices in the best areas of Beijing can easily top $1,000 a sq. foot to buy an apartment

COL is a little better, but far closer than people think. Real Estate prices in the best areas of Beijing can easily top $1,000 a sq. foot to buy an apartment (though there may be an inversion in rent). Comparable cars are more expensive. Consumer goods are about par. Education for kids can be expensive. Food can be cheaper in China. But a western quality life in a first tier city will not be all that cheap.