How Much Money Can You Save Teaching Abroad?
(Realistic Breakdown by Country)
Time to read: 8 minutes
With real numbers from my life in Vietnam, China, and Thailand
One of the biggest questions new teachers ask is simple: “Can I actually save money teaching abroad?”
The short answer is yes — and in many Asian countries, you can save far more than you might expect. But the real answer depends on where you live, what kind of job you take, and how you manage your lifestyle.
In this guide, I’ll break down the realistic savings potential in popular Asian teaching destinations. I’ll also share my personal numbers from Vietnam, China, and Thailand so you can see exactly what life and savings look like in real time, not in theory.
Vietnam: High Savings on a Low Cost of Living
Vietnam is one of the best countries for new teachers who want a balance of lifestyle and savings. Salaries are solid, the cost of living is low, and opportunities for extra work are everywhere.
Typical Salary Range
- Public schools: 1,200 to 1,800 USD
- Language centers: 1,500 to 2,200 USD
- International schools: 2,000 to 3,000+ USD
- Private tutoring: 15 to 30 USD per hour
Typical Monthly Expenses
- Rent: 250 to 450 USD
- Food: 150 to 250 USD
- Transportation: 20 to 40 USD
- Utilities: 10 to 20 USD or INCLUDED IN RENT
- phone bill: 40 to 60 USD PER YEAR
- Lifestyle: 100 to 200 USD
Realistic Savings
Most teachers save 600 to 1,000 USD per month without trying too hard.
My Vietnam Experience
When I lived in Vietnam, I worked two jobs: a public school during the day and a private international school at night. I decided to work an 8 hour day over 12 hours, mostly for fun, experience, and networking. It was worth it. Even with a comfortable lifestyle, I only needed 400 to 500 USD per month to live well. That meant I could save around 1,000+ USD per month during the nine‑month school year.
The international school job was only 90 minutes a day, but it covered all my living expenses. The public school income became pure savings. This was also where I met a teacher from Scotland who became one of the most grounded, respectable educators I’ve ever worked with — a reminder that teaching abroad is about people as much as it is about money.
Private studio, Private bath, Living room and Kitchen common area, the Grandmother washed my clothes every two days, Parking, Security camera and gated entry, and weekly room cleaning. Total Cost = 5 Million VND = $200 per month.
You can see my new Honda Vision in the picture also .
China: The Best Savings Potential in Asia
China consistently offers some of the highest salaries in the ESL world, especially for teachers with experience. Combined with a relatively low cost of living (outside of Shanghai and Beijing), it’s one of the strongest places to build real financial stability.
Typical Salary Range
- Training centers: 18,000 to 26,000 RMB
- Public schools: 12,000 to 20,000 RMB
- International schools: 20,000 to 35,000+ RMB
- Housing: sometimes included
- Bonuses: common
Typical Monthly Expenses
- Rent: 3,000 to 6,000 RMB
- Food: 1,500 to 2,500 RMB
- Transportation: 200 to 400 RMB
- Utilities: 200 to 400 RMB
- Lifestyle: 1,000 to 2,000 RMB
Realistic Savings
Most teachers save 800 to 1,500 USD per month, and experienced teachers often save more.
My China Experience (thus far: A city outside of Beijing )
Right now, I earn a GOOD wage at a training center. 3 times more than the locals in fact. Even with a comfortable lifestyle, I only need about 1,000 USD per month to live on. That means I can realistically save 1,000 to 1,500 USD every month OR MORE, which adds up to nearly 20,000 USD per year. Imagine that. This can be you.
And here’s the part most people don’t expect:
I’m not living cheaply.
I live in a great neighborhood with two castle‑style buildings on the property. I eat out every day. My apartment is a two‑story, fully furnished home with internet included. My utilities cost around 500 RMB every 60 to 75 days, and my rent is 4,777 RMB per month, paid monthly — which is rare for it’s amenities and incredibly convenient. Believe it or not people in my city consider this expensive — $700 USD.
My savings and allotments a thought about in four categories:
- Emergency Fund (health or last‑minute USA travel)
- Relocation Fund
- Vacation Fund
- General Savings
This system keeps me stable, prepared, and able to enjoy life abroad without stress.
Thailand: A Great Lifestyle, Moderate Savings
Thailand is one of the most beloved destinations for teachers, but it’s more of a lifestyle country than a savings country. Salaries are lower than Vietnam and China, but the quality of life is high.
Typical Salary Range
- Public schools: 900 to 1,200 USD
- Language centers: 1,200 to 1,600 USD
- International schools: 2,000 to 3,000+ USD
Typical Monthly Expenses
- Rent: 250 to 450 USD
- Food: 150 to 250 USD
- Transportation: 20 to 40 USD
- Lifestyle: 150 to 300 USD
Realistic Savings
Most teachers save 200 to 500 USD per month, unless they work at an international school.
My Thailand Experience
Thailand is where I go to recharge, but it’s a place the first helped inspired me to teach abroad. Every year, I use my vacation fund to spend a full month there, and it’s one of the best decisions I make for my mental health and overall balance. I usually bring around 80,000 THB (about $2,500), but I never spend all of it. Realistically, I only use about 50,000 THB (around $1,600) for the entire month.
I bring more than I need on purpose. When you’re living abroad, you learn quickly that emergencies don’t wait for payday. I’ve had my share of unexpected situations in Thailand like getting sick, falling, needing to change apartments last minute, and having extra cash on hand made those moments manageable instead of stressful.
Even with those challenges, Thailand remains one of the easiest places for me to relax, reset, and feel human again. The lifestyle is warm, affordable, and emotionally grounding. The only reason I can enjoy it without worrying about money is because I’ve always saved consistently both in China and even back when I worked in the USA.
That’s the real lesson here:
Teaching abroad isn’t just about earning money.
It’s about building the freedom to live the life you want.
If you save intentionally, you can enjoy Thailand (or anywhere else) the same way I do: comfortably, safely, and without financial anxiety
Other Asian Countries:
Quick Savings Overview
Here’s a fast breakdown of what teachers typically save in other popular destinations:
South Korea
- Savings: 800 to 1,200 USD per month
- Notes: Free housing, strong benefits, stable jobs.
Japan
- Savings: 300 to 700 USD per month
- Notes: High salaries but high cost of living.
Taiwan
- Savings: 500 to 900 USD per month
- Notes: Great lifestyle, moderate savings.
Malaysia
- Savings: 300 to 600 USD per month
- Notes: International schools pay well; others vary.
Cambodia
- Savings: 200 to 500 USD per month
- Notes: Low salaries but very low cost of living.
How to Maximize Your Savings Abroad
No matter where you teach, your savings depend on:
1. Job Type
International schools and training centers pay more than public schools. Always increase your qualifications and experience.
2. City Choice
Smaller cities = lower rent and higher savings.
3. Lifestyle
Eating out daily in China is cheap. Eating out daily in Japan is not. Have fun, but control your vices. Many foreigners fall victim to the party life and expenses.
4. Housing
If your school provides housing, your savings jump instantly. It’s highly recommended to take the allowance instead of “company accommodations”, and then find your own accommodation (possibly with help).
5. Side Work
Tutoring, online teaching, and part‑time gigs can add hundreds per month. Find where you can benefit and always do your best to respect local laws and your contract.
Final Thoughts:
Teaching Abroad Can Build Real Financial Freedom
Teaching abroad isn’t just a cultural experience — it can be a financial reset. Whether you want to save for travel, build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or create a relocation cushion, Asia offers some of the best opportunities in the world.
I’ve lived in Vietnam, China, and Thailand, and each country taught me something different about money, lifestyle, and freedom. With the right job and a simple budget, you can save more than you ever expected while living a life that feels meaningful, exciting, and full of possibility.
If you want help choosing the right country, job type, or city for your goals, I offer personalized consulting for new teachers. You don’t have to figure this out alone — I’ve lived it, and I can help you start your journey with clarity and confidence.
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