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Cost Of Living In China For TEFL Teachers (2026 Breakdown)
March 4, 2026
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- TEFL teacher salaries in China
- Cost of living in China
- Urban vs rural cost of living
- How to budget
- Final thoughts
When people picture life in China, they usually imagine skyscrapers, neon lights, and endless street food stalls, but for TEFL teachers like us, it’s a lot more than that. For a lot of us English teachers, the cost of living in China for TEFL teachers is one of the chief factors behind choosing to work there.
We live in Guangzhou, a massive, modern city in southern China, not far from Hong Kong. It’s famous for dim sum, humid summers, and a culture that somehow feels both traditional and super cosmopolitan. It’s one of those cities that never really sleeps — and we absolutely love it here!
After teaching in both South Korea and China, we can honestly say that China offers one of the best balances between salary and lifestyle for English teachers. You can live comfortably, explore the country, and still save a decent amount each month, as long as you have a good idea of what things actually cost.
So, let’s dive in: what’s it really like living and budgeting as a TEFL teacher in China?
Read more: How To Live & Work In China As A Foreigner
TEFL teacher salaries in China
Teacher salaries in China vary depending on the city, your experience, and the type of school.
Generally speaking, these are the monthly salary ranges you can expect:
- Training centres/private language schools: ¥14,000–¥18,000 ($2,015–$2,590)
- Public schools: ¥12,000–¥20,000 ($1,725–$2,880)
- International or IB schools: ¥18,000–¥35,000+ ($2,590–$5,040)
Read more: Teach English in China — Salaries
But it’s important to note that the market is constantly changing, so salaries are always fluctuating based on the demand for English teachers.
Right now, we teach at an international primary school in Guangzhou. Our salaries are the same: ¥24,000 ($3,455) a month before tax, and our school provides a housing allowance of ¥500 ($70) a month each.
We pay for our own apartment and daily expenses, but health insurance and some small benefits are covered by the school. It’s definitely enough to live comfortably. We can enjoy dinners out, travel, and still save.
Many teachers also supplement their income with private tutoring or online lessons, but honestly, if you budget wisely, it’s not necessary.
Read more: The Best Side Hustles For Teachers
Cost of living in China for TEFL teachers
Quick answer: Most TEFL teachers in China will typically spend ¥8,000-¥12,000 ($1,170-$1,750) per month, and can save up to ¥3,000-¥8,000 ($440-$1,170) depending on lifestyle and location.
Housing costs in China
Rent is usually your biggest expense, and it varies widely depending on location.
Cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen can eat up a large chunk of your salary, while smaller cities offer modern, comfortable, and much cheaper options.
We rent a two-bedroom apartment in a security complex in Panyu District, Guangzhou, for ¥4,000 a month ($555), so we each pay ¥2,000 ($285). It’s 88 square metres, bright, and in a safe community.
A single teacher could easily find a one-bedroom for around ¥3,500–¥6,000 ($505–$865), depending on the city.
Some schools, especially in smaller cities, offer free or subsidised housing — a huge perk that can save a few thousand yuan monthly.
💡 Tip: When you first move in, landlords usually ask for one to three months’ rent upfront plus a deposit. You’ll need to wait until you have a bank account set up before you can receive your first salary, so having savings is important!
Read more: Start-Up Costs For TEFL Teachers: How Much To Budget For
Food & grocery costs in China
Food in China is a major win! It’s both delicious and affordable — there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a glimpse at typical costs:
- Breakfast baozi or jianbing (Chinese pancake): ¥5–¥10 ($0.70–$1.50)
- Lunch (at school canteen): Free!
- Dinner for two at a local restaurant: ¥60–¥80 ($8–$12)
- Western restaurant meal: ¥100–¥150 ($14–$22) per person
Groceries are generally cheap unless you’re buying imported goods:
- 1L milk: ¥10 ($1,40)
- 1kg rice: ¥8 ($1)
- 12 eggs: ¥12 ($1.50)
- Big bag of market veggies: ¥20–¥30 ($3–$4)
- Imported cheese or snacks: ¥50–¥100 ($7–$14)
We spend roughly ¥2,000 ($285) a month on groceries and about ¥500 ($70) on eating out. We mostly cook at home but indulge in local restaurant meals a few times a week.
💡Tip: Download the Meituan app to get groceries delivered to your doorstep in 30 minutes — often with free delivery!
Transportation costs in China
Getting around in China is super easy and affordable. Public transport is modern, fast, and reliable.
In Guangzhou, we mainly use the metro or DiDi (China’s version of Uber).
- Metro rides: ¥3–¥6 ($0.50–$1) per trip
- DiDi across town: ¥20–¥60 ($3-$9)
- Monthly travel costs: ¥300 ($40)
Some teachers buy electric scooters (¥4,000- ¥6,000 or $575–860) — charging only costs a few yuan a week.
Overall, we spend around ¥250–¥300 ($35–$40) monthly on transport, making commuting cheap and convenient.
Utilities & internet costs in China
Utilities are manageable, though air conditioning in southern China can bump up electricity bills.
For a two-bedroom apartment, expect roughly:
- Electricity: ¥200–¥400 ($30–$60) (depends on A/C use)
- Water: ¥50–¥100 ($7–$15)
- Gas: ¥30–¥60 ($4–$9)
- Internet: ¥100–¥150 ($14–$22)
- Total: ¥400–¥700 ($55–$100) a month — splitting costs with a roommate/partner helps
💡 Tip: In summer, limit A/C usage to save hundreds of yuan — a fan and a wet towel at night works surprisingly well!
Health insurance & taxes
Most schools provide basic health insurance, covering hospital visits and emergencies.
International schools sometimes offer private plans for English-speaking doctors at international clinics.
Taxes are automatically deducted, usually 10–20% of your salary, depending on income. HR handles all the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry.
Read more: Do I Have To Pay Tax When Teaching English Abroad?
Leisure & entertainment costs
Lifestyle costs depend on your habits. China is full of cafés, shopping malls, rooftop bars, and night markets— you can live minimally or splurge frequently.
Examples of costs:
- Coffee: ¥30 ($4)
- Movie ticket: ¥35–¥50 ($5–$7)
- Gym membership: ¥200–¥400 ($30–$60) a month
- Massage/spa day: ¥150–¥300 ($20–$40)
- Overnight train to another city: ¥500–¥800 ($70–$115)
- Dinner and drinks with friends: ¥200–¥400 ($30–$60)
We love visiting cute cafés — that’s where most of our “fun” money goes.
Overall, ¥1,000–¥1,500 ($140–$215) a month covers a lively social life with occasional splurges.
💡Tip: If you sign up for a gym (or most memberships), you’ll usually pay a year upfront. The yearly plan is WAY more affordable and offers better value than monthly options.
If you’re a shopping lover, budget for this because the shopping scene in China is out of this world! We’re spoilt for choice — everything is affordable.
Urban vs rural cost of living
Costs differ widely by location. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou are pricier, while smaller cities like Guilin, Changsha, or Chengdu are much cheaper. Salaries often reflect location, but expenses in smaller cities are lower.
Expenses in big cities:
Rent (1-bed) ¥4,000–¥12,000 ($575–$1,730) (if you stay slightly outside of the city centre, rent is much more affordable!)
Groceries: ¥2,000–¥4,500 ($285–$645)
Eating out: ¥1,500–¥3,000 ($215–$430)
Transport: ¥250–¥800 ($35–$115)
Total monthly cost: ¥8,000–¥20,000 ($1,150–$2,880) (typically between ¥8,000-¥12,000 ($1,150–$1,725) if you budget well)
Expenses in smaller cities:
- Rent (1-bedroom): ¥2,500–¥6,000 ($360–$860)
- Groceries: ¥1,500–¥3,000 ($215–$430)
- Eating out: ¥1,000–¥1,300 ($140–$185)
- Transport: ¥150–¥450 ($20–$65)
- Total monthly costs: ¥5,000–¥11,000 ($720–$1,580)
Some teachers actually prefer smaller cities for the slower pace, lower stress, and more room to save.
Even though Guangzhou feels busy, we appreciate the endless opportunities and modern lifestyle. There’s really no wrong choice; it depends on your priorities.
Read more: Life In A Tier 1 City In China: Beijing
How to budget & save as a TEFL teacher in China
Living comfortably in China doesn’t mean living expensively. Once you understand the system, saving is easier than you might think.
Here are our top five money-saving tips:
- Cook at home: Eating out is tempting, but it adds up quickly. Local produce is cheap and tasty.
- Use Chinese apps: Meituan, Taobao, and Pinduoduo have incredible deals on meals, groceries, and household items.
- Stick to public transport: The metro is super easy to use and very cheap — it costs us about ¥6 ($0.85) to travel for an hour on the metro!
- Limit imported goods: Imported snacks and toiletries are expensive. Local brands are usually just as good — except cheese. Imported cheese is worth the extra money since it’s so hard to find good cheese here!
- Travel smart: Domestic travel is affordable if you plan ahead. Use WeChat or Alipay to buy high-speed tickets and stay in budget hotels or hostels for weekend trips.
💡Bonus tip: Keep a small emergency fund for unexpected costs like visa renewals (¥800–¥1,000 or $115–$140), household items, or healthcare visits that may not be covered by your health insurance.
With a salary of ¥18,000–¥25,000 ($2,590–$3,600), most teachers can save ¥3,000–¥8,000 ($430–$1,150) a month, depending on lifestyle.
In smaller cities, expenses could almost be halved, meaning even more savings. We can save more than half our salary each month, and we still treat ourselves regularly.
Read more: 8 Simple Money-Saving Hacks All Travelling Teachers Should Know
Final thoughts
Teaching in China has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. The students are curious and energetic, the lifestyle is comfortable, and the balance between work, travel, and savings is unbeatable.
The cost of living isn’t just manageable, it’s genuinely good value for money.
Amazing food, excellent public transport, low daily costs, and opportunities to save make it possible to live well while planning for the future.
If you’re considering teaching in China, go for it! You’ll quickly see why so many teachers come for a year and end up staying for several.
If you want to get started on your TEFL journey, check out The TEFL Academy’s accredited courses — it’s the first step to a rewarding teaching adventure abroad!
Author Bio
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- TEFL teacher salaries in China
- Cost of living in China
- Urban vs rural cost of living
- How to budget
- Final thoughts
When people picture life in China, they usually imagine skyscrapers, neon lights, and endless street food stalls, but for TEFL teachers like us, it’s a lot more than that. For a lot of us English teachers, the cost of living in China for TEFL teachers is one of the chief factors behind choosing to work there.
We live in Guangzhou, a massive, modern city in southern China, not far from Hong Kong. It’s famous for dim sum, humid summers, and a culture that somehow feels both traditional and super cosmopolitan. It’s one of those cities that never really sleeps — and we absolutely love it here!
After teaching in both South Korea and China, we can honestly say that China offers one of the best balances between salary and lifestyle for English teachers. You can live comfortably, explore the country, and still save a decent amount each month, as long as you have a good idea of what things actually cost.
So, let’s dive in: what’s it really like living and budgeting as a TEFL teacher in China?
Read more: How To Live & Work In China As A Foreigner
TEFL teacher salaries in China
Teacher salaries in China vary depending on the city, your experience, and the type of school.
Generally speaking, these are the monthly salary ranges you can expect:
- Training centres/private language schools: ¥14,000–¥18,000 ($2,015–$2,590)
- Public schools: ¥12,000–¥20,000 ($1,725–$2,880)
- International or IB schools: ¥18,000–¥35,000+ ($2,590–$5,040)
Read more: Teach English in China — Salaries
But it’s important to note that the market is constantly changing, so salaries are always fluctuating based on the demand for English teachers.
Right now, we teach at an international primary school in Guangzhou. Our salaries are the same: ¥24,000 ($3,455) a month before tax, and our school provides a housing allowance of ¥500 ($70) a month each.
We pay for our own apartment and daily expenses, but health insurance and some small benefits are covered by the school. It’s definitely enough to live comfortably. We can enjoy dinners out, travel, and still save.
Many teachers also supplement their income with private tutoring or online lessons, but honestly, if you budget wisely, it’s not necessary.
Read more: The Best Side Hustles For Teachers
Cost of living in China for TEFL teachers
Quick answer: Most TEFL teachers in China will typically spend ¥8,000-¥12,000 ($1,170-$1,750) per month, and can save up to ¥3,000-¥8,000 ($440-$1,170) depending on lifestyle and location.
Housing costs in China
Rent is usually your biggest expense, and it varies widely depending on location.
Cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen can eat up a large chunk of your salary, while smaller cities offer modern, comfortable, and much cheaper options.
We rent a two-bedroom apartment in a security complex in Panyu District, Guangzhou, for ¥4,000 a month ($555), so we each pay ¥2,000 ($285). It’s 88 square metres, bright, and in a safe community.
A single teacher could easily find a one-bedroom for around ¥3,500–¥6,000 ($505–$865), depending on the city.
Some schools, especially in smaller cities, offer free or subsidised housing — a huge perk that can save a few thousand yuan monthly.
💡 Tip: When you first move in, landlords usually ask for one to three months’ rent upfront plus a deposit. You’ll need to wait until you have a bank account set up before you can receive your first salary, so having savings is important!
Read more: Start-Up Costs For TEFL Teachers: How Much To Budget For
Food & grocery costs in China
Food in China is a major win! It’s both delicious and affordable — there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a glimpse at typical costs:
- Breakfast baozi or jianbing (Chinese pancake): ¥5–¥10 ($0.70–$1.50)
- Lunch (at school canteen): Free!
- Dinner for two at a local restaurant: ¥60–¥80 ($8–$12)
- Western restaurant meal: ¥100–¥150 ($14–$22) per person
Groceries are generally cheap unless you’re buying imported goods:
- 1L milk: ¥10 ($1,40)
- 1kg rice: ¥8 ($1)
- 12 eggs: ¥12 ($1.50)
- Big bag of market veggies: ¥20–¥30 ($3–$4)
- Imported cheese or snacks: ¥50–¥100 ($7–$14)
We spend roughly ¥2,000 ($285) a month on groceries and about ¥500 ($70) on eating out. We mostly cook at home but indulge in local restaurant meals a few times a week.
💡Tip: Download the Meituan app to get groceries delivered to your doorstep in 30 minutes — often with free delivery!
Transportation costs in China
Getting around in China is super easy and affordable. Public transport is modern, fast, and reliable.
In Guangzhou, we mainly use the metro or DiDi (China’s version of Uber).
- Metro rides: ¥3–¥6 ($0.50–$1) per trip
- DiDi across town: ¥20–¥60 ($3-$9)
- Monthly travel costs: ¥300 ($40)
Some teachers buy electric scooters (¥4,000- ¥6,000 or $575–860) — charging only costs a few yuan a week.
Overall, we spend around ¥250–¥300 ($35–$40) monthly on transport, making commuting cheap and convenient.
Utilities & internet costs in China
Utilities are manageable, though air conditioning in southern China can bump up electricity bills.
For a two-bedroom apartment, expect roughly:
- Electricity: ¥200–¥400 ($30–$60) (depends on A/C use)
- Water: ¥50–¥100 ($7–$15)
- Gas: ¥30–¥60 ($4–$9)
- Internet: ¥100–¥150 ($14–$22)
- Total: ¥400–¥700 ($55–$100) a month — splitting costs with a roommate/partner helps
💡 Tip: In summer, limit A/C usage to save hundreds of yuan — a fan and a wet towel at night works surprisingly well!
Health insurance & taxes
Most schools provide basic health insurance, covering hospital visits and emergencies.
International schools sometimes offer private plans for English-speaking doctors at international clinics.
Taxes are automatically deducted, usually 10–20% of your salary, depending on income. HR handles all the paperwork, so you don’t have to worry.
Read more: Do I Have To Pay Tax When Teaching English Abroad?
Leisure & entertainment costs
Lifestyle costs depend on your habits. China is full of cafés, shopping malls, rooftop bars, and night markets— you can live minimally or splurge frequently.
Examples of costs:
- Coffee: ¥30 ($4)
- Movie ticket: ¥35–¥50 ($5–$7)
- Gym membership: ¥200–¥400 ($30–$60) a month
- Massage/spa day: ¥150–¥300 ($20–$40)
- Overnight train to another city: ¥500–¥800 ($70–$115)
- Dinner and drinks with friends: ¥200–¥400 ($30–$60)
We love visiting cute cafés — that’s where most of our “fun” money goes.
Overall, ¥1,000–¥1,500 ($140–$215) a month covers a lively social life with occasional splurges.
💡Tip: If you sign up for a gym (or most memberships), you’ll usually pay a year upfront. The yearly plan is WAY more affordable and offers better value than monthly options.
If you’re a shopping lover, budget for this because the shopping scene in China is out of this world! We’re spoilt for choice — everything is affordable.
Urban vs rural cost of living
Costs differ widely by location. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou are pricier, while smaller cities like Guilin, Changsha, or Chengdu are much cheaper. Salaries often reflect location, but expenses in smaller cities are lower.
Expenses in big cities:
Rent (1-bed) ¥4,000–¥12,000 ($575–$1,730) (if you stay slightly outside of the city centre, rent is much more affordable!)
Groceries: ¥2,000–¥4,500 ($285–$645)
Eating out: ¥1,500–¥3,000 ($215–$430)
Transport: ¥250–¥800 ($35–$115)
Total monthly cost: ¥8,000–¥20,000 ($1,150–$2,880) (typically between ¥8,000-¥12,000 ($1,150–$1,725) if you budget well)
Expenses in smaller cities:
- Rent (1-bedroom): ¥2,500–¥6,000 ($360–$860)
- Groceries: ¥1,500–¥3,000 ($215–$430)
- Eating out: ¥1,000–¥1,300 ($140–$185)
- Transport: ¥150–¥450 ($20–$65)
- Total monthly costs: ¥5,000–¥11,000 ($720–$1,580)
Some teachers actually prefer smaller cities for the slower pace, lower stress, and more room to save.
Even though Guangzhou feels busy, we appreciate the endless opportunities and modern lifestyle. There’s really no wrong choice; it depends on your priorities.
Read more: Life In A Tier 1 City In China: Beijing
How to budget & save as a TEFL teacher in China
Living comfortably in China doesn’t mean living expensively. Once you understand the system, saving is easier than you might think.
Here are our top five money-saving tips:
- Cook at home: Eating out is tempting, but it adds up quickly. Local produce is cheap and tasty.
- Use Chinese apps: Meituan, Taobao, and Pinduoduo have incredible deals on meals, groceries, and household items.
- Stick to public transport: The metro is super easy to use and very cheap — it costs us about ¥6 ($0.85) to travel for an hour on the metro!
- Limit imported goods: Imported snacks and toiletries are expensive. Local brands are usually just as good — except cheese. Imported cheese is worth the extra money since it’s so hard to find good cheese here!
- Travel smart: Domestic travel is affordable if you plan ahead. Use WeChat or Alipay to buy high-speed tickets and stay in budget hotels or hostels for weekend trips.
💡Bonus tip: Keep a small emergency fund for unexpected costs like visa renewals (¥800–¥1,000 or $115–$140), household items, or healthcare visits that may not be covered by your health insurance.
With a salary of ¥18,000–¥25,000 ($2,590–$3,600), most teachers can save ¥3,000–¥8,000 ($430–$1,150) a month, depending on lifestyle.
In smaller cities, expenses could almost be halved, meaning even more savings. We can save more than half our salary each month, and we still treat ourselves regularly.
Read more: 8 Simple Money-Saving Hacks All Travelling Teachers Should Know
Final thoughts
Teaching in China has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. The students are curious and energetic, the lifestyle is comfortable, and the balance between work, travel, and savings is unbeatable.
The cost of living isn’t just manageable, it’s genuinely good value for money.
Amazing food, excellent public transport, low daily costs, and opportunities to save make it possible to live well while planning for the future.
If you’re considering teaching in China, go for it! You’ll quickly see why so many teachers come for a year and end up staying for several.
If you want to get started on your TEFL journey, check out The TEFL Academy’s accredited courses — it’s the first step to a rewarding teaching adventure abroad!
Author Bio
