Ways to Budget Your Life in China

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or someone taking the plunge for the first time, the first thing that comes to mind is usually money. You may ask yourself, “Do I have enough to go?” or “Will I earn enough teaching abroad to support myself in another country?” These are valid questions, and we’ll explore them in this post.

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in China is a fantastic opportunity to save money while still having the means to explore the country’s exciting and culturally rich cities. One of the main reasons is the relatively low cost of living. Public transport, housing, and day-to-day expenses are generally cheaper than in countries like the US or UK. For example, a metro ticket that might cost between $2–4 in other countries is only around 3–7 RMB (roughly $0.45–1) in China, depending on distance. Thanks to China’s impressive metro and mass transit system, most teachers rely on it for daily travel. You can typically budget around 200–250 RMB per month for commuting to and from work.

While teaching abroad is a great way to earn and save money while seeing the world, it’s important to first consider how well you budget at home. A common mistake is assuming that moving abroad will instantly change your spending or saving habits. While living in another country certainly promotes personal growth, some habits can be hard to break. If budgeting is new to you, try tracking your spending and savings weekly for a month. This can help you build a solid foundation for managing your lifestyle abroad.

Another budgeting method is to calculate your regular monthly expenses back home and plan to send that amount from your salary each month. You can then use the remainder for travel and leisure in China. One benefit of working with English 1 is that salaries are paid monthly on the last working day of the month. For those from countries like the US, where pay is typically fortnightly or bi-monthly, this may feel strange at first. I wondered if I could manage my finances this way, but the answer was a resounding yes. It became far easier to send money home in one go and then budget the remainder for my travels and social life each month. This approach helped ensure I wasn’t overspending and allowed me to maximise savings.

We’ve discussed a few budgeting strategies, but how do you set specific limits? The answer varies depending on your lifestyle. If you enjoy eating out frequently, nightlife, or travel, your budget will need to reflect those preferences. If you plan to travel often, you might want to cook more meals at home to free up funds. Alternatively, if you’re not into going out but love weekend getaways, you can allocate more money to travel. The key is to prioritise what’s important to you each month and divide your funds accordingly.

It’s also worth reiterating that travel within China is much more affordable than in many Western countries. High-speed trains offer significant savings compared to flights, so use them where possible. For travel during peak times, such as Chinese New Year (January/February) and National Day (October), book transport well in advance. Prices skyrocket during holidays, just as they do elsewhere, so early planning can save you a lot of money.

In summary, teaching abroad is a rewarding way to earn a comfortable income while managing both your living costs in China and obligations back home. With a little planning and a solid budgeting routine, you can make the most of your experience. Don’t feel pressured to squeeze in four trips every month—remember, you have a full year (or longer!) to explore. China offers endless destinations to discover. If you’d like to learn more about the cost of living in China, feel free to speak with one of our experienced recruiters.