Moving to Asia
Salaries, Lifestyle, and Family Considerations
Why Move to Asia?
Asia is one of the most popular destinations for international teachers (and expat families). It offers competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and a dynamic cultural experience.
From the high salaries in China and South Korea to the tropical lifestyle of Thailand and Vietnam, Asia caters to a wide range of teaching professionals.
Asia is home to some of the fastest-growing economies, creating a strong demand for qualified educators.
Asia Overview
Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore are expensive, while Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur offer a more comfortable lifestyle.
China and South Korea typically offer high salaries with benefits like free housing, airfare, and bonuses.
Southeast Asia provides a lower salary but an affordable lifestyle, making it attractive for teachers seeking adventure and a relaxed pace of life.
Salary Expectations in Asia (for Teachers)
East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong)
$2,500 – $6,000 USD/month
High salaries, strong benefits, moderate to high cost of living.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
$1,500 – $4,000 USD/month
Lower salaries but affordable lifestyle and decent savings potential.
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)
$1,200 – $3,000 USD/month
Lower salaries but very low cost of living – may be limited international school opportunities depending on your chosen country.
Cost of Living in Asia
The average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Asia typically ranges between $1,600 and $6,500 USD, depending on the country, city, and how much of your lifestyle is covered by your teaching package.
Popular destinations like Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea tend to sit at the higher end of the scale, particularly when it comes to housing, schooling, groceries, and transport. On the other hand, countries like Vietnam, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines often offer more affordable day-to-day living, with lower rental prices and inexpensive street food and services. Though if you secure a role at a top international school in these regions you’re likely to earn as much as those at the higher end of the scale.
However, how affordable Asia feels can vary significantly based on:
- Your location (urban vs. rural, capital vs. regional)
- The benefits in your teaching package (accommodation, health insurance, school fees)
- Your lifestyle and spending habits
For example, in Singapore, a family might spend $5,000–$7,000 USD/month, depending on rent and school fees (often much more!). In contrast, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a family could live comfortably on $2,000–$3,000 USD/month.
Many international schools in Asia offer perks like housing stipends, health insurance, and tuition waivers. This is especially common in East Asia or highly competitive markets like Shanghai or Tokyo. But in Southeast Asia, packages can vary more widely, and not all schools cover full tuition or provide generous allowances.
Other financial considerations include:
- Whether your accommodation is fully covered or just subsidised
- If your children’s tuition and school-related fees (uniforms, trips, after-school activities) are included
- Whether you rely on imported goods or can adapt to local brands and cuisine
- How often you travel – Asia is very tempting for frequent getaways!
- Exchange rates and currency fluctuations (especially if you’re saving in USD or another strong currency)
Some families can save a significant portion of their salary, especially in places where costs are lower and packages are generous. Others, especially in high-cost cities or with multiple children in school, may find themselves spending much more than expected.
For a more detailed look into city-specific costs, explore:
- Local expat Facebook groups and forums
- Numbeo – real-time cost of living comparisons across cities (though based on our experience, it tends to be on the low side so we recommend inflating it slightly (say 5 to 10%) to give a more accurate indication).
- Expatistan – another handy tool for comparing two cities side by side.
School Types in Asia
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of schools you’ll find throughout Asia for international teachers.
International schools
The highest salaries and best benefits, often following IB, British, or American curricula.
Private Language Centres
Common in China, Japan, and Thailand, with flexible hours and lower pay.
Public Schools
Government programs in Japan (JET), South Korea (EPIK), and Taiwan offer solid salaries and benefits.
Universities
Popular in China and South Korea for experienced educators, offering lower teaching hours but requiring advanced degrees.
Moving to Asia: Hiring Seasons, Visas, Schools & Safety
Hiring Seasons
Peak Hiring Time: January – May for an August start; September – November for mid-year hires.
Language Centers: Hire year-round, especially in China and Vietnam.
Visa Processes
China & Taiwan: Requires a Z visa (China) or work permit (Taiwan), usually provided by schools.
South Korea & Japan: Visa sponsorship is standard, with government-run placement programs available.
Southeast Asia: Visa processes vary, with some teachers working on business or tourist visas before obtaining work permits.
International Schools
Top-tier options in China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Growing international school networks in Vietnam and Thailand.
More limited choices in South Asia, though bilingual and private schools exist.
Healthcare and Safety
World-class healthcare in Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.
Affordable private healthcare in Thailand, Malaysia, and China.
General safety is high, but some areas require extra caution regarding political stability and air pollution.
Moving to Asia
Expat communities in Asia have some of the largest expat networks in the world, especially in cities like Shanghai, Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur.
These cities offer social clubs, networking groups, and international amenities to make settling in easier.
