Why Live and Work in China?
Differences in Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities
Differences in Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities
Earn a FANTASTIC salary/package!
Experience a new culture!
Travel Internationally, enjoying the long holidays offered to a Teacher!
Low Cost of Living!
High Quality of Living!
Ability to save at least 50% of your salary!
Large Xpat Community!
Differences in Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities
Differences in Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities
Differences in Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities
In China, cities are classified into different tiers based on various factors such as population, economic development, infrastructure, and cultural significance. Generally, Tier 1 cities are the most developed and populous cities, while Tier 3 cities are smaller and less developed.
Here are some of the key differences between Tier 1 and T
In China, cities are classified into different tiers based on various factors such as population, economic development, infrastructure, and cultural significance. Generally, Tier 1 cities are the most developed and populous cities, while Tier 3 cities are smaller and less developed.
Here are some of the key differences between Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities in China:
Population: Tier 1 cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have much larger populations than Tier 3 cities. For example, Beijing has a population of over 20 million, while a Tier 3 city like Xinyang has a population of around 6 million.
Economic development: Tier 1 cities are much more economically developed and have higher GDP per capita than Tier 3 cities. This is reflected in the higher salaries and better job opportunities available in Tier 1 cities.
Infrastructure: Tier 1 cities have more modern and developed infrastructure, such as high-speed trains, modern airports, and advanced public transportation systems. Tier 3 cities may have fewer modern amenities and more limited transportation options.
Culture: Tier 1 cities are often seen as cultural and creative hubs, with a more diverse and cosmopolitan population. Tier 3 cities may have a more traditional or homogenous culture.
Overall, while Tier 1 cities offer more opportunities and modern amenities, Tier 3 cities may have a lower cost of living and a more laid-back lifestyle.
Choosing the RIGHT City for you!
Differences in Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities
Choosing the RIGHT City for you!
China has 56 Cities, and 34 Provinces for you to choose from! Many different factors go into choosing the RIGHT city (ability to save money, access to travel internationally, cost of living, pollution levels and so much more!). Contact one of our agents to help you decide which is best for you!
Factors of Living in China
Although prices are rising, the cost of living in China still compares favorably to most industrialized countries. You will be amazed by how comfortably you can live and how strong your purchasing power is with your Teaching salary!
Food
Eating local food and buying produce from the Chinese markets gives our English teachers amazing insight into the Chinese diet and a glimpse at traditional Eastern medicine. It also leaves them with money in their pockets for massages and traveling.
- Milk (1L) : 7 RMB
- Eggs (12) : 7 RMB
- Carrots (1kg) : 5 RMB
- Chicken breast (1kg) : 15 RMB
- Rice (1kg) : 8 RMB
- Bottle of water (1.5L) : 3 RMB
- Bottle of Chinese beer (.5L) : 4 RMB
Leisure Activities
China has a wide range of regional cuisines and eating out is the best way to discover this variety. Chinese people eat out frequently and often entertain friends and colleagues in restaurants instead of having them into their homes.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal with friends, working out at the fitness club, or getting a massage, you’ll find that leisure activities are often very affordable in China.
- Three course mid-range restaurant dinner : 80 RMB
- Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles : 25 RMB
- Large steamed dumplings, a common street food : 3 RMB
- Housekeeper (2 hours) : 80 RMB
- Massage (30 min) : 100 RMB
- 1 month fitness club membership : 1000 RMB
- Movie ticket, international release : 65 RMB
Transportation
China has excellent, yet inexpensive public transport and even taxi rides are quite reasonably-priced. Chinese people often commute by bicycle, but this mode of transport is only for the bravest of foreigners.
- Metro Ride : 3 RMB
- Taxi rate per km : 2.2 RMB (start fare ~ 10RMB)
- 20-min taxi ride across town : 25 RMB
- City bus : 2 RMB
- 3-hour bicycle rental : 8 RMB (plus 100RMB deposit, returned)
- Ferry crossing : 2 RMB
Cheap Travel
Any traveler on a budget will love taking trains in China. Trains are numerous and increasingly high-speed rail services connect large regional cities. Domestic flights are also usually inexpensive. There is some seasonal variation and prices rise during national holidays like Chinese New Year.
- 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 350 RMB
- The high-speed train, Guangzhou to Wuhan (3 hours): 490 RMB
- Slow train, Guangzhou to Wuhan (10 hours): 120 RMB
- Flight one-way, Guangzhou to Beijing (2 hours): 800 RMB
- Flight one-way, Guangzhou to Bangkok (3 hours): 1300 RMB
Cost of Living
A lot of teachers often ask about the teaching in China salary. To give you an idea of how teachers at English First in China spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget with the cost of living in China:
- Gross Income (Salary): Up to 18,000 to 32000RMB
- Rent: 3000- 4500 RMB
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 200 RMB
- Phone & Internet: 300 RMB
- Food: 2,000 RMB
- Insurance: 300 RMB
- Remaining Disposable Income: 11000 to 24500 RMB per month