Job Discussion Forums

eihpos · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 331

Hi,

I am considering a job in Shanghai but would need to find my own accommodation, something I have to admit I haven't really needed to do in previous positions abroad. I am wondering how difficult it is to find a decent place? I am not fussy but I would like to get something decent as soon as possible, If I decide to go. The company have offered guidance and an interest - free loan if necessary. The salary is 10,000 rmb. Is this a realistic salary for a single person in the city including rent? I don't spend alot on going out etc. but I don't want to be struggling obviously!

Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

maotouying · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 119 Location: My Chair In China

The Revealer · Joined: 19 Aug 2010 Posts: 50

In my opinion, 10k a month before taxes, rent, utilities and commuting costs is not enough for Shanghai, unless the school is located in the "suburbs".

If it is close to downtown/People's Square then you should get by, but probably won't enjoy yourself that much! Shanghai is an expensive city and if you are tempted to go to the bars and a western restaurant every now and then you will soon be looking for a part-time job = work all the time!

A couple of years ago I paid 3k a month rent for a small 1 bedroom apartment with a measley kitchen. My utility and internet bills were at least 500 rmb a month; more in the winter and summer. Commuting costs to work, if I used the subway everyday, were 120 rmb a month. Toss in a taxi on the weekend and those costs allone = 4k.

10k salary - taxes = 9k or so. 9k - 4k = 5k to spend on food etc...

It can be done, but it won't be fun!! In my opinion.

Mister Al · Joined: 28 Jun 2004 Posts: 840 Location: In there

All in all it's a bit tight so you should try to find a place as close to work as possible.

If you don't know Shanghai that well, I think sharing is the way to go, at least initially. Plenty of good places to share here:

http://enjoyshanghai.com/property/shared/

YAMARI · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Posts: 247 Location: shanghai

10000 is too low, my chinese gf just got a job paying 10000 and will enjoy her salary as she lives with me. If she wanted to rent a place she could get a decent one for 4000-6500 or pay 2000 to share with roomates.

Demand 15000 if no house provided, or be prepared to have roomates.

If locals can get 10000 for their first job in shanghai why should a westerner come for 10000.

deputamadre · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 53

Ummm... there are not many locals that are making 10k/month for their first job. It's more likely 3k/month or less unless they have serious guanxi and some amazing skills.

Try asking for 15k and see what happens. There are tons of foreigners looking for teaching jobs. You aren't that valuable to the school that they'd give a 50% increase in salary.