Cost of living in China

The cost of living in China can be very low, especially if you eat local food from local restaurants or food stalls and shop in local markets- 3 Chinese dishes and rice for 2 is roughly 30RMB in Shanghai. China can be very expensive if you eat in Western restaurants or 5 star hotels and shop in Western supermarkets- a TGI Friday Burger is around 100 RMB. The reality is EF teachers tend to eat local food most of the time and "splash out" on Western style meals once in awhile.

China has an excellent public transport system operating in most cities with most local journeys being between 1-3RMB. Our teachers preferred method of intercity travel is generally trains- roughly 400RMB per 1000km on a sleeper train. Flights are roughly 4 times the price averaging out at 1500RMB per 1000km. There is some seasonal variation and prices rise steeply during national holidays like Chinese New Year.

Imported products like deodorant or books, for example, are naturally more expensive than in your home country while local Chinese products like electronics and clothes, for example, are very reasonably priced. Traditionally, Chinese sizes are smaller than those in the Western world but tailors and related services remain very cheap in China.

Please speak to your Director of Studies during the application process for more information on the cost of living in China, with particular regard to products such as shoes (especially in larger sizes) or hygiene products- such as tampons and shaving products.