Living Big on a Budget: Your Guide to the Cost of Living as an English Teacher in China

So, you’re sitting there with your degree in hand—maybe from a bustling city in the US, a quiet town in Ireland, a coastal spot in Canada, or a historic campus in the UK—and you’re thinking, “What’s next?” The idea of teaching English in China has probably crossed your mind, but then the practical side of your brain kicks in. You start wondering: Can I actually afford to live there? Will I be scraping by, or will I actually be able to save some money while seeing the world?

It’s the number one question we get here at MEF World, and honestly, it’s a great one. If you’re looking for the short answer: the cost of living in China is one of the biggest “pros” of making this move. But you aren’t here for the short answer. You want the deep dive. You want to know if you can afford that weekend trip to the Great Wall, how much a bowl of authentic noodles really costs, and if you’ll have enough left over to pay off those student loans back home.

At MEF World, we pride ourselves on being the go-to resource for university graduates like you. We don’t just find you a job and wave goodbye; we specialize in physical placements in kindergartens across China, providing full support and training. We’ve been in this game long enough to know the ins and outs of the Chinese economy for expats.

Let’s break down the “China Price” and see why teaching with MEF World is the smartest financial move you can make right now.

The Big Picture: Why Your Salary Goes Further

First, let’s talk about the “purchasing power” shift. If you’re coming from London, New York, Toronto, or Dublin, you’re used to a world where a significant chunk of your paycheck vanishes the moment it hits your bank account. Rent eats half, taxes take a bite, and a simple night out with friends can feel like a financial blow.

In China, the script is flipped. While salaries for English teachers are very competitive—often higher than entry-level roles in your home country—the cost of daily life is significantly lower. This gap between what you earn and what you spend is where the magic happens. It’s what allows MEF World teachers to travel, eat well, and save money simultaneously.

Housing: The Game Changer

In most Western countries, rent is your biggest headache. In China, MEF World helps navigate the transition to ensure you are settled comfortably. One of the best perks of teaching English in China is that rent is cheap and very likely a fraction of what you are used to.

When you look at our available jobs, you’ll see that we prioritize positions that take the stress out of living. Imagine living in a modern apartment without the soul-crushing monthly rent payment. This immediately puts thousands of dollars (or pounds/euros) back into your pocket every year.

Food: From Street Eats to Fine Dining

Food is a way of life in China. It’s social, it’s vibrant, and luckily for you, it’s incredibly affordable.

If you want to live like a local, you can eat like a king for pennies. A massive bowl of hand-pulled noodles or a plate of dumplings at a local “hole-in-the-wall” will usually cost you between $2 and $5 (USD). If you’re into fresh produce, the local wet markets are a dream. You can fill a bag with seasonal fruits and vegetables for the price of a single latte back home.

Of course, sometimes you’ll crave a taste of home. In major cities, you’ll find plenty of Western restaurants, pizza joints, and burger bars. These are more expensive than local food but still generally cheaper than what you’d pay in the UK or Canada. Even with a mix of local and Western dining, your monthly food budget will likely be a fraction of what you’re used to.

Transportation: Efficient and Cheap

One of the things our teachers love most is the public transport. Whether you’re in a Tier 1 city like Shanghai or a smaller regional hub, the infrastructure is world-class.

Subway rides usually cost less than a dollar. High-speed trains, which can whisk you across the country at 300km/h, are remarkably affordable, making weekend trips to different provinces totally doable. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also everywhere and very cheap. You won’t need a car, which means no insurance, no gas bills, and no maintenance costs.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

What’s the point of living abroad if you can’t enjoy it? This is where the MEF World lifestyle really shines. Because your “boring” costs (rent, utilities, transport) are so low, your disposable income is high.

• Gym Memberships: Very affordable, often with high-end facilities and pools.

• Nightlife: Whether it’s KTV (karaoke), trendy rooftop bars, or local pubs, social smoking is accessible.

• Travel: This is the big one. China is massive, and it’s the perfect gateway to the rest of Asia. Want to spend a week in Thailand or a long weekend in Vietnam? Your China-based salary makes these “bucket list” trips a reality.

If you ever have specific questions about what it’s like to manage a budget in a specific city, our MEF China Support Forum is the perfect place to ask. You can connect with people who are actually on the ground right now.

Comparing the “Hidden” Costs

Back home, you probably worry about things like health insurance, phone plans, and high-speed internet.

In China, a high-speed internet connection and a premium mobile plan with heaps of data will likely cost you less than $20 a month. Health insurance is provided by the school as part of your MEF World contract, meaning you don’t have to worry about surprise medical bills.

When you add it all up—the low cost of utilities, the cheap transport, and the affordable food—you start to realize that you aren’t just “getting by.” You’re thriving.

Am I Qualified?

Before you get too deep into planning your budget, you probably want to make sure you’re eligible. We look for enthusiastic graduates from the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland. Teaching in a kindergarten is a high-energy, rewarding experience, but it does require specific criteria to be met for visa purposes.

You can find the full breakdown of requirements on our Am I Qualified? page. Generally, if you have a degree and a passion for education, you’re halfway there!

The Importance of the Right Training

While the cost of living makes China attractive, being a successful teacher is what makes the experience last. This isn’t just a holiday; it’s a professional opportunity.

At MEF World, we don’t do online teaching. We believe the real impact happens in the classroom. To get you ready for that, you’ll need a solid foundation. If you don’t already have a TEFL or TESOL certificate, we highly recommend our specialized training through MEF World TEFL. It’s designed specifically to prepare you for the Chinese classroom environment, ensuring you walk into your first day feeling confident.

Why MEF World?

There are a lot of recruiters out there, but MEF World is different. We are a support system. Moving to China is a huge step, and the logistics can feel overwhelming.

From the moment you Apply Now, we are with you. We help with the visa process, we provide training, and we ensure you are placed in a reputable kindergarten where you will be treated well.

We focus on graduates from the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland because we know the specific challenges and expectations you have. We know you want a balance of professional growth and adventurous travel. We know you want to be able to save money while also treating yourself to that weekend getaway.

Breaking Down the Monthly Budget (Estimated)

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at a “typical” monthly budget for an MEF World teacher in a medium-to-large Chinese city:

1. Rent/Housing: $500.

2. Utilities (Electricity/Water/Gas): $30 – $50.

3. Internet & Phone: $15 – $25.

4. Food (Eating out + Groceries): $250 – $400 (And that’s eating very well!).

5. Transport: $30 – $50.

6. Entertainment/Socializing: $200 – $300.

Total Expenses: Roughly $1000 – $1500 per month.

Now, compare that to your expected salary. In many cases, teachers are able to save 50% or more of their monthly income without even trying that hard. That is money you can use to pay off debt, build a nest egg, or fund a year-long trip around the world after your contract ends.

The “Support” Factor

One thing you can’t put a price on is peace of mind. The “cost of living” includes your mental health! Trying to navigate a foreign country alone can lead to expensive mistakes—signing a bad lease, overpaying for services, or not understanding your tax obligations.

Our community is full of people who have been exactly where you are and are happy to help you figure out the best local apps for cheap deliveries or how to book a train ticket.

Your Next Steps

The cost of living in China isn’t just about “cheap stuff.” It’s about the freedom that comes with financial flexibility. It’s the freedom to say “yes” to an impromptu trip to the mountains. It’s the freedom to try every weird and wonderful dish you see on the street. It’s the freedom to start your professional life without the crushing weight of high Western living costs.

If you’re a university graduate from the US, UK, Canada, or Ireland, and you’re ready to trade the “daily grind” for a “daily adventure,” we want to hear from you.

Don’t let the “what ifs” hold you back. The world is much smaller than you think, and with the right support, China can feel like home faster than you’d imagine.

Ready to start?

1. Check if you meet the criteria: Qualifications.

2. Browse what’s waiting for you: Job Board.

3. Get certified: TEFL Training.

4. Take the leap: Register and Apply Now.

At MEF World, we’ve helped countless graduates turn their travel dreams into a reality. We know the landscape, we know the schools, and we know how to make sure your time in China is the most rewarding experience of your life.

Stop wondering what the cost of living is and start living. We’ll see you in the classroom!