What I Learned About Saving Money in China: Guide for Expats + Cost of Living in China

China—the land of adventure, rich culture to experience, and flavours to savour. Ah yes, the land of the Yuan! There’s a lot to do—we mean, a lot. And you can spend money faster than you can say zài jiàn!

The cost of living in China is much lower than in many parts of the world, which certainly helps. But here are a few tips we've discovered about living as an expat—and what it's really like trying to save money in China.

We’re always greeted with a peculiar perspective when we arrive somewhere new. There’s a wave of nostalgia when we reflect on that first landing—that moment we step off the plane into a new country for the very first time. These feelings often fill us with enthusiasm and energy, inspiring us to seize every opportunity and soak it all in, because, at the end of the day, nothing lasts forever.

But when you decide to live in China rather than just visit, you need to approach things a little differently. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—you’re here for the long haul. If you continue living as if every day is your first week, you may soon find yourself in a bit of financial trouble.

You’ve got plenty of time to see the tourist hotspots and to sample meals from different places. Take it day by day—there’s no need to rush. You’ll enjoy the experience far more this way. Make a note of the places you want to explore and tick them off gradually, one by one.

How many times have we heard the phrase `live like the locals do?' It may be a cliché, but it’s absolutely true. If you buy your fruit and vegetables from a local market and eat out at small, local Chinese restaurants, you'll find your budget stretches much further—and you’ll have a lot more money left over to enjoy yourself.

Many foreign tourist hotspots can be pricey, but there are fantastic local alternatives for entertainment, such as KTV (karaoke bars), hotpot dinners, and even dancing in the park! These are all brilliant ways to immerse yourself in Chinese culture without breaking the bank.

Tip: Coffee is a classic example of a high-cost expat habit in China, as the price is comparable to elsewhere in the world. But if you carry a flask and opt for tea or boiled water instead, you're not only living like a local—you’re saving money, too.

Living in China comes with responsibilities—rent, bills, and all those things we probably once hoped we could escape. Rent will be your biggest expense, even if you manage to negotiate a reasonable rate. Making a smart financial decision about your rent from the outset will go a long way towards keeping your bank account healthy throughout your stay.

It can be tempting to live alone in a stylish flat in the city centre, but if it’s eating up over 60% of your budget, you’ll soon find yourself strapped for cash. Be sensible.

Finding housemates can significantly cut down your rental costs—and it can also be great fun, as you’ll likely be sharing with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Electricity, gas, and water bills are generally much cheaper in China than back home, and even more affordable when split between flatmates.

As a general rule, expect to spend around 30–40% of your salary on rent and living expenses.

During your first few weeks in China, it can be quite difficult to maintain financial consistency. You’ll likely be paying for short-term accommodation while getting settled, picking up a few essentials like pots and pans, and stocking up on groceries. You may not have even received a regular paycheque yet—though some companies do offer a salary advance to help you get started.

After the first two to three months, it’s a great idea to sit down and plan how much money you’re earning each month and how much you can allocate to different areas of your life. This helps you reflect on your spending and better understand which items tend to cost more.

China is a fantastic country to explore, and your money can go a long way if you stay mindful of where it’s going. These tips have helped us save money while also gaining a deeper, more meaningful experience.

If you’d like to find out more, why not apply and speak to one of our recruiters?