Whether you’re drawn to the tech hubs of Shenzhen, the cultural melting pot of Chengdu, or just looking for something different – Teach TEFL in China is your gateway to a world of teaching opportunities in one of the most culturally rich and dynamic countries on the planet.
We offer a straight forward, comprehensive package that is ideal for people new to the industry, providing training that kickstarts your career, support that looks after you at work and home, hassle-free housing, and an income that allows you to make the most of your time in China and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
First year teachers at a kindergarten or elementary school enjoy a typical monthly net income after living expenses up to twice that of their UK-based peers—and renewing teachers looking to stay longer make even more.
UK figures are based on the most recent published ONS data for the median UK 22 year old’s graduate salary, with cost of living expenditure based on data published by TransferWise.com.
China figures are based on a minimum salary with cost of living expenditure extrapolated from Foshan, Guangdong Province.
The UK is the 13th most expensive country to live in globally – China is ranked 135th. So our teachers also benefit from a monthly average cost of living that is from 50 to 66% less expensive than the UK.
According to Expatistan (March 2025), the United Kingdom is approximately 117% more expensive than China overall. This implies that China’s cost of living is about 53.9% of the UK’s, or conversely, the UK is about 2.17 times more expensive than China.
A monthly starting salary of ¥10,000 in China is roughly equivalent to earning £2,310 per month in the UK, when adjusted for the cost of living differences. And as our teachers don’t have to pay for housing or utilities bills, that means even more money in your pocket.
United Kingdom
China
Data sourced from https://livingcost.org/cost/china/united-kingdom, 13 November, 2023.
It’s important to note that not everything is cheaper – imported items will be similar or more expensive than the UK. But for basic living needs, getting around and entertainment, being located in China means you can enjoy a richer, more comfortable lifestyle – and keep more of what you earn, as you can see above.
Variability by Location: The cost of living can vary significantly within both countries. For instance, London is about 188% more expensive than Beijing, and 199% more expensive than Guangzhou.
Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Currency exchange rates can fluctuate over time, affecting the GBP equivalent of salaries denominated in RMB.
Personal Lifestyle: Individual spending habits and lifestyle choices can also impact the actual cost of living experienced.
If that sounds like you, view our position brochure to find out more!