Teaching in China vs Thailand: Which Is Better Financially in 2026?

I’ve got one income supporting two people.

And in about three months, I’m walking away from a very comfortable life here in Thailand.

So the question I’ve been asking myself recently is simple:

Am I making a smart financial decision… or a very expensive mistake?

After four years in Thailand, life is good.

Really good.

Low stress. Great lifestyle. Cafés, weekend trips, convenience. I’ve got a rhythm here—and it works.

Which is exactly why this decision has started to feel a little… uncomfortable.

Because we’re moving to Shenzhen, China.

And up until recently, I was completely fine with it.

But then I started seeing the comments.

“China isn’t what it used to be.”
“Salaries are dropping.”
“It’s not worth it anymore.”

And even though I’d already accepted the job, those doubts started creeping in.

So I did what any Business teacher would do…

I ran the numbers.

Here’s where things got interesting.

Thailand (current situation):

- Salary: ~$5,490/month (before tax)
- After tax + rent: ~ $4,000 to live on
- Comfortable lifestyle, moderate savings

China (new role in Shenzhen):

- Salary: ~$6,200/month (before tax)
- Housing allowance: ~$1,380 (effectively covering rent)
- Estimated savings: $3,000+ per month

And that’s the moment everything changed for me.

Because this isn’t a small improvement.

This is a completely different financial trajectory.

But numbers aren’t the whole story

Yes, China is more expensive in some ways.

Yes, things have changed.

And yes, there’s uncertainty.

But here’s the key point that often gets lost online:

Not all teaching jobs in China are the same.

There’s a big difference between:

- Language centres
- Lower-tier schools
- And top international schools

And that distinction matters.

Because while some parts of the market have declined…

Strong international school packages still exist.

So what’s really driving this decision?

At this stage of my life (I’m 56), this isn’t just about adventure.

It’s about leverage.

The ability to significantly increase savings over the next few years
→ which directly impacts long-term financial security.

Thailand offers lifestyle optimisation.

China, for me, offers financial optimisation.

But there’s also something else…

Shenzhen puts me right next to Hong Kong.

A place I lived for 8 years—and still consider home.

Being able to spend weekends there, reconnect with friends, hike, explore…

That’s a lifestyle upgrade in a different way.

So… is this the right decision?

Honestly?

I think it is.

But not because China is “better” than Thailand.

And not because the internet says it’s a good idea.

It’s because:

- The numbers make sense
- The opportunity is strong
- And it aligns with what I need right now

That’s the real lesson here.

If you’re considering a move abroad…

Don’t rely on general opinions.

Run your numbers.
Talk to people on the ground.
Understand your specific situation.

Because what’s a bad move for one person…

…might be a very smart one for someone else.

I’ll share more once I’m actually in Shenzhen—what it’s really like, the cost of living, and whether this decision holds up in reality.