Costs of Living while Teaching English in China

A comparatively low cost of living in China makes Teaching English very attractive for school leavers, recent graduates, travelers, professional teachers.

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

Please be advised that the vast majority of China's population is in the countryside. An average monthly salary in China is only about 600-1500 RMB (US$75-188) per month, with which people feed and house their family. As a teacher you will get a minimum of 3000 RMB per month plus free accommodation, free medical treatment as the school¡¯s own faculty, free round airfare (one year contract) and much more. Unless you prefer to teach in metropolitan areas like Shanghai, Shenzhen or Beijing, your cost of living in China is going to be very low.

Here is an indication of the standard prices products - in Chinese RMB. Products prices in small and medium sized cities are cheaper than metropolitan areas.

Beverages: Can of Coke/soft drink: 2.00, can of Chinese beer: 2.50, bottled water: 1.00, can of fruit juice: 3.00, Chinese spirits: 7.00 per liter, Chinese tea 40.00/kg.

Fresh products: beef: 10.00/kg, chicken: 5.00/kg, fish: 5.00/kg, tomatoes: 2.00/kg, oranges: 3.00/kg, beans: 1.5/kg, mushrooms: 1.8/kg.

Clothing and Linen: China is one of the biggest worldwide producers and exporters of clothing and linen products, clothing is very cheap and of high quality. Quilt: 40.00¡ª80:00, 3 pairs of socks: 10.00, bath sandals: 10.00, women's stockings: 4.00, sheepskin bed cover: 70.00

Laundry: washing powder: 4.00/kg, washing detergent: 5.00/kg Toiletries: toothbrush: 2.00, 400ml shampoo: 8.00, tampons: 6.50, toilet paper: 1.20/roll, moisturizing lotion: 10.00

Household/electrical: electric fan: 35.00-60.00, rice cooker: 100.00, TV Set: 1000.00, stereo: 160.00