Job Discussion Forums

jiangsu · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 43

I've noticed that a lot of the jobs that are the most appealing to me are in Beijing. They generally pay more but is it commensurate with the extra living costs?

I have been to Shanghai twice, and know it is expensive. Not expensive for a tourist on a Western salary, but I appreciated how much more expensive it was than Nanjing, say, in terms of taxis, food etc. Is Beijing pretty much the same as Shanghai or even more expensive, being the capital?

With or without accomodation thrown in, how much would you say you would need to earn to live COMFORTABLY in Beijing? By this I mean, maybe two meals out a week, the odd night out a week in bars with other lao wai, a decent flat and area to live in, maybe buy a book a week and other luxuries (laptop when I need a new one, nice clothes but not designer).

jiangsu · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 43

A bump for this.

For those who've lived there, is 12000RMB + accommodation + medical insurance + visa sponsorship etc liveable?

I know this is a good salary elsewhere, but the fact that it is a capital city makes me think twice...

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

that sounds pretty good to me. never lived in BJ but i know how much it costs me to live in places like shenzhen, 12,000 plus a place to live would do me fine.

jiangsu · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 43

Thanks for your reply, TECC.

That sounds positive. I think I might have to budget for a few more winter clothes than you, if you're in Shenzhen, though Laughing

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

you're welcome.

no matter where i live, big city or small, i always overspend the first few months in a new place till i figure out the lay of the land. after 3-4 months and once you've figured out where to eat cheaply, where to buy fresh foods cheap, and how to get around town for the lowest cost, you can start building some savings. at least i've always managed but i live pretty frugally and am not an impulse shopper.

jeahbaby · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 31

chinatwin88 · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 379 Location: Peking

Yesterday, I went to a Hamburger joint located on the road that runs to the airport and a friend order two burgers and a plate of fires which were extra. The burgers I notice when he paid for the bill were 50 rmb each and they were not giant beef bombs by any means. 12K will allow little of this kind of eattery and there are many to choose from such as the 169rmb deal for all the sushi you can eat and "Golden Jag" where the food and the chinese flow all through the early hours of the weekend. Exotic beers run 50 a pint and up and clothing stores offer the newest and finest in fashons, to incl. Docs, but you can cut cost by shopping at the moveable dirt mkt.

Like anyplace else, the coin you bring home will dictate the levl you live but on 12K , living large is not an option.

Chris_Crossley · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:27 am Post subject: Hot meal!

jiangsu · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 43

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

re: what china twin says, i'm not convinced that beijing is a lot more expensive to live in than shenzhen. 12,000 per month plus a free flat cant be too bad at all in beijing. sure, on a mere 12,000 you cant buy those RMB100 hamburgers and the RMB50 pints of Hoegaarten too often but you'll get by just fine.

on the other hand, i dont think you could save a lot in the above situation but if saving is your goal then find a job paying the same amount of money but in a city that has a lower cost of living. there are enough of those around.

jiangsu · Joined: 29 Sep 2009 Posts: 43

I am not too bothered about the Hamburgers, what I need to know is how expensive and difficult is it to get good xiaolongbao in Beijing? Laughing

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

Molson · Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 137 Location: China

Wouldn't someone making 12k in Beijing be able to make about the same amount doing private teaching? So then having a free pad and about 24k a month isn't bad for Beijing is it?

I am assuming this is one of those 15-20hr a week type teaching jobs.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Me personally, I could survive on 100 RMB a day in Beijing. I would not enjoy life per say, but I could survive.

There are places in Beijing (gotta know where to look) where you can get a bed for 20 RMB a night. 10 kuai lunch, 10 kuai dinner, 5 kuai breakfast.

The subway is what, 2 RMB?

20+10+10+5+2+2=49 RMB

Another 50 RMB to play with.

So 3000 RMB in Beijing is in theory possible.

That said, it wouldn't be the lifestyle for me as I have expenses.

chinatwin88 · Joined: 31 Aug 2009 Posts: 379 Location: Peking