How to Save Money Teaching in China: Budgeting Tips for TEFL Teachers
- William Davies
- Sep 22
- 5 min read
Teaching English in China is alluring for many reasons. From the awe-inspiring landscapes to its illuminating skylines, TEFL teachers in China can enjoy a diverse lifestyle while gaining international experience.
In addition to these opportunities for world travel and expansion of global perspectives, TEFL teachers in China are paid very well for their efforts in the classroom. But, despite the excellent TEFL salary and benefits in China, teachers will still need to budget in order to maximise their saving potential.
Read on to find out how you can boost your earning potential and save money teaching in China!
Understand Your Income and Expenses
Whether you’re teaching in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or elsewhere, TEFL teachers receive an excellent salary in China. Regardless of whether you work in a public, private, or international school, you’ll need to understand your income and expenses if you want to save money teaching in China.
Here’s what you need to understand about the TEFL salary and saving potential in China:
TEFL teacher salary in China: The average teacher salary in China ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 USD depending on your qualifications, experience, and job type. Often, TEFL teachers in China receive excellent benefits such as free accommodation, flight reimbursement, health insurance, and more.
Monthly cost of living expenses: The average cost of living in Chinese cities range from $500-$1,000 USD per month excluding rent.
Budget planning tools: Use budget planning tools, whether it’s Google Sheets, Excel, or apps such as WeChat, Plum, or Emma, to keep on track of your expenses each month.
Make Use of Housing Options to Save Money
One of the biggest expenses in China is housing, however, most TEFL receive free accommodation, which spares them from a huge amount of expenses. This makes their already handsome salary go even further, allowing for excellent saving potential.
When teaching English in China, you’ll have the following options:
Employer-Provided Housing: Many schools in China provide free or subsidized apartments for TEFL teachers. Typically, these are modest yet comfortable options that are close to the school, saving you from spending on rent and transport costs.
Renting Independently: In cities like Shanghai or Beijing, employers may offer TEFL teachers a housing allowance instead. While this gives you more freedom to choose where to live, it will likely eat up a larger portion of your budget.
If this is your first time teaching English in China, it’s recommended that you opt for the employer provided housing. Having your employer secure your accommodation for you while you still adjust to the cultural differences in an unfamiliar environment can ease your transition.
After you’ve made friends with other teachers or expats, you can consider sharing apartments with others to have the freedom of independent housing while keeping costs down! If you choose to find housing independently, aim for apartments near public transport hubs., because they may cost more, they’ll save plenty of time and money over the course of a year.
Be Smart About Food & Dining
China is famous for its food scene, but eating out every day can drain your budget, especially if you’re craving home comforts and opt for Western food rather than local produce.
Here’s how you can be more mindful about your eating habits to save money:
Cook at home for big savings: Cooking local dishes at home is far cheaper than relying on takeout. Wet markets and local supermarkets sell fresh produce at a fraction of the cost of imported goods. A week’s worth of vegetables from a local market can range from $12–15 USD or ¥80–100 RMB, whereas a Western meal at a restaurant will cost upwards of $15 USD or ¥100 RMB+.
Eat like a local: Street food, noodle shops and canteens are in abundance in China. Opt for authentic - but inexpensive - local food to enjoy the convenience of eating out but also the quality of local produce for around $3 USD or ¥20 RMB!
Save Western food for special occasions: Although cultural immersion is integral to TEFL teaching, we can’t help but crave western food from time to time. However, save it for special occasions, whether that means a Friday night, a birthday or a national holiday!
Use food apps for discounts: Chinese delivery apps such as Meituan and Ele.me frequently offer coupons and discounts. You can also order in bulk, saving you on delivery costs throughout the week.
Make Use of China’s Efficient Transportation System
Getting around in China doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when it has an efficient transportation system. Monthly transportation passes in China cost around $22 USD per month. If you’re teaching in larger cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and so on, you have no excuses!
Metro and bus systems: In larger cities, the metro is the cheapest and most effective way to get around, and tickets typically cost less than $1 USD each way. While buses are even cheaper than the metro, they may be less effective if you’re traveling during rush hour.
Bike sharing and E-Scooters: Apps like Mobike and HelloBike allow you to rent a bike for just ¥1–2 RMB per ride. E-scooters are also affordable for daily commutes, especially in smaller cities.
Avoid expensive rides: Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Didi) are convenient but expensive. Save them for late nights or when you’re in areas that don’t offer timely public transport options.
Maintain a Social Life Without Overspending
Saving money while teaching English in China doesn’t have to be painfully tedious. You can do so much in this fantastic country that doesn’t require you to spend plenty.
Make use of free and affordable activities: Whether you stroll through the local parks, visit temples, national parks, or culture sites, there’s plenty to do in this vast country with a vibrant culture. If you want to meet new people, consider joining language exchange groups (that are often free!). If you thrive outdoors, consider hiking trails and other natural formations that make for an excellent day out in the country.
Budget-friendly nightlife: While China’s nightlife can be expensive, making use of happy hours, student bars, and live-music cafés can help you save plenty in the long run. International clubs in cities such as Beijing or Shanghai will rival New York or London when it comes to drink prices!
Travel on a budget: When traveling, consider taking budget-friendly options, whether that means replacing flights with high-speed trains or even overnight sleeper trains. Overnight sleeper trains can even double accommodation if needed! Be mindful of transport and accommodation in advance if you’re traveling on a national holiday, especially during the Lunar New Year!
Open a local bank account: When you’re out socialising and spending money, be sure to use your local currency rather than your home bank account. Opening a local bank account in China will eliminate any international fees that can rack up quickly!
Save Money Teaching in China - Maximise Your Earning Potential!
Teaching English in China is not only an amazing cultural experience but also a chance to save money and build financial stability. With free or subsidized housing, cheap transport, and endless affordable food options, most teachers can live comfortably while setting aside significant savings each month.
The key is to budget wisely, avoid common money traps, and embrace local ways of living. By following these tips, you’ll enjoy your TEFL journey in China without financial stress, and and maybe even return home with a healthy savings account.
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