Costs of Living while Teaching English Abroad in China

A comparatively low cost of living in China makes Teaching English very attractive for school leavers, recent graduates, travellers, professional teachers and those looking for an eye-opening life learning experience.

English teaching abroad in China is a great way to see one of the most diverse and exciting parts of the world we live in. The low cost of living compared to most western countries makes working as a teacher of English in China a great way to experience a completely new culture, learn a new language, make enough money to save and pay off education loans or start a rewarding career in a fast growing international industry.

What is the cost of living in China?
If you have never been to China and live in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland then chances are you will be in for a pleasant surprise when you buy your food and goods. Unless you want to live in one of China's major 'modern' cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen, and provided you don't have a need to drink large amounts of expensive western alcohol in trendy clubs and bars for China's new rich, you will have no problem living for a fraction of the price you are used to in your home country.

You can buy a healthy freshly cooked meal in China for less than $1.50 US. A local breakfast will cost you $0.50 to a $1.00 US!

Keep in mind that the vast majority of China's population are peasants. An average wage in China is still only around 600-1500 RMB per month, with which people feed and house their family and often extended family - as a teacher you will get a minimum of 4000 RMB per month plus accommodation. If the price of food in China was to rise too high too quickly, millions of people would starve, chances are there would be chaos and the communist party would be ousted quicker than you can get a visa. The government is not about to let that happen. The government knows how potentially volatile the situation could be which is partly why official exchange rates are fixed and there are limitations on foreign investment and the outflow of hard foreign currency. Unless you want to teach in a major city like Shanghai, Shenzhen or Beijing, your cost of living in China is going to be very cheap.

Here is an indication of the sort of prices - in Chinese RMB - you would pay in a supermarket (a place where the rich shop) in one of China's more modern cities. These prices are indicative only, the actual price in smaller cities and local markets are likely cheaper. These prices are in Chinese RMB - use the XE currency converter to estimate your local equivalent.

Beverages: Can of Coke/soft drink: 2.20, can of Chinese beer: 2.40, bottled water: 2.50, can of fruit juice: 3.00, Chinese spirits: 7.00 per liter, 1 liter Chinese beer: 3.50, Chinese tea is free in most places you eat. Fresh produce: beef meat: 4.00/kg, chicken: 5.00/kg, fish: 5.00/kg, tomatoes: 2.00/kg, mandarins: 3.00/kg, beans: 1.5/kg, mushrooms: 1.8kg Clothing and Linen: * China is the biggest worldwide exporter of clothing and linen products, chances are most of the clothing you are wearing now was made in China, everything is available cheaply so don't go overboard packing. A quilt donna: 40.00, women's bra: 20.00, 3 pairs of socks: 10.00, bath sandals: 10.00, women's stockings: 4.00, sheepskin bed cover: 70.00 Laundry: 1kg washing powder: 2.50, washing detergent: 3.00 Toiletries: toothbrush: 2.00, 400ml shampoo: 8.00, tampons: 6.50, toilet paper: 1.20/roll, moisturizing lotion: 10.00 Household/electrical: electric fan: 35.00, rice cooker: 100.00, TV Set: 1000.00, stereo: 160.00