Hong Kong vs Shanghai: Where Should I Teach English in Asia?

Teaching English in Asia is a dream opportunity for teachers who are also seeking cultural insight and international experience in a vastly different environment. But, with so many places to choose from, it can be difficult making a decision.

Two notably popular locations when it comes to teaching English in Asia are Shanghai and Hong Kong. But as two thriving metropoles, how do you know which one is for you? 

Read on to find out the pros and cons to teaching in either city, and which one is the best choice for you! 

Comparing the TEFL Job Market Between Hong Kong and Shanghai

Although English is in high demand, the TEFL job market in both Hong Kong and Shanghai are relatively competitive. 

Teaching English Requirements 

In order to find a TEFL job in either city, you’ll need native English proficiency, a bachelor’s degree, and a TEFL certificate or teaching license. These are required to obtain a TEFL job and also the Z-Visa which is the official working visa for teachers in both Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Teaching English Salary

English teachers in Hong Kong will generally earn between $2,500-$5,000 USD per month, often receiving job perks such as health insurance, reimbursed airfare, housing allowance or free accommodation.

English teachers in Shanghai will typically earn slightly less at around $2,100-$4,000 USD per month with similar job perks such as health insurance, reimbursed airfare, housing allowance or free accommodation.

Cost of Living Comparison

When comparing two cities, you should take into account not only the salary but also the cost of living, as this will have a significant effect on your saving potential. Although Hong Kong typically offers a higher salary, it doesn’t mean that its saving potential is greater.

Expense	Hong Kong	Shanghai
Monthly rent	$1,750 USD	$800 USD
Transportation pass	$65 USD	$32 USD
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	$9 USD	$5 USD
A cup of coffee	$5 USD	$3.50
A beer	$7 USD	$2.70 USD
Gym membership	$74	$50

Source: Numbeo

While the TEFL job market is relatively similar between both cities, there is a clear difference when it comes to cost of living. Although teaching jobs in Hong Kong typically offer higher salaries than those in Shanghai, it may not be enough to offset its cost of living depending on your lifestyle.

However, if you’re able to negate significant expenses such as accommodation by finding a TEFL job which includes housing, your saving potential will be much greater.

Lifestyle and Culture: Hong Kong vs Shanghai

Both cities share very similar characteristics, being thriving cosmopolitan cities. While both are often considered among the best cities to teach in Asia, there are many notable differences to consider. 

Living in Hong Kong

With a history of British occupation until as recent as 1997, it’s only natural to expect heavy western influence in Hong Kong. Both Cantonese and English are official languages in Hong Kong, making language barriers much less significant as they would be in Shanghai and especially other areas of mainland China. 

Although Hong Kong is no longer under British rule, it is still a semi-autonomous region, and boasts of strong international communities and a cosmopolitan way of life. Due to the influx of expats and tourists, Hong Kong can sometimes feel hectic. However, its effective transportation links can negate the heavy traffic and congestion.

Consider living and teaching English in Hong Kong if you’re intrigued by the prospect of:

• A multicultural environment

• Western facilities  

• A fast-paced city life

• Learning Cantonese

• Subtropical climate 

• Access to natural landscapes such as beaches, national parks, mountains

• English-friendly environment

Living in Shanghai

Also boasting of a thriving expat and international community, Shanghai has deeper Chinese cultural roots, creating a diverse atmosphere which allows for greater levels of cultural immersion. 

Furthermore, the official dialect spoken in Shanghai is Mandarin, as opposed to Cantones. Although English teachers can still get by without learning Mandarin, the presence of English speakers is far less than in Hong Kong. While this may lead to more language barriers and feelings of culture shock, it allows greater potential language development and insight into a more authentic culture.

However, that isn’t to say that Shanghai isn’t also a modern and cosmopolitan city. Despite its more authentic roots, English teachers in Shanghai will still have access to a vibrant artistic scene, nightlife, and expat community.

Consider living and teaching English in Shanghai if you’re intrigued by the prospect of:

• Authentic Chinese cultural roots

• Strong international presence 

• Strong saving potential

• Learning Mandarin

• Easier access to destinations in mainland China 

Hong Kong vs Shanghai: A Summary

	Hong Kong	Shanghai
Average salary	$2,500-$5,000 USD	$2,100-$4,000 USD
Cost of living	Very high	Moderate
Language	English and Cantonese	Mandarin
Lifestyle	Cosmopolitan	Cosmopolitan
Visa type	Z-visa	Z-visa

Teach English in Asia: Where Will You Go?

Teaching in Asia - wherever you end up - is a life-changing opportunity to broaden your horizons by living in a unique culture and expanding your comfort zone. Both Hong Kong and Shanghai offer a fantastic lifestyle for thrill seeking teachers and those who want an immersion in a new culture. English is in demand in both locations, making teaching a highly rewarding profession in these cities, however, the competition is also high. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll come to understand why they rank among the best cities to teach English abroad.

Read more about teaching English in Asia:

• Essential Things to Know Before Teaching Abroad in China

• CELTA vs TEFL for Teaching English in China

• Top 3 Reasons Why Shanghai Is The Best Teaching Destination in China