Expect to pay about 10,000 rmb and upwards for a decent 3 bedroom 130 sq. meter apartment. Food is relatively cheap in China if you do most of your own cooking. Restaurants vary upon price and quality but there are some nice eateries both Chinese and Western food if you know where to go. Taxis are fairly cheap compared to the West. Schools are expensive for decent foreign teachers. Expect to pay about $15,000 US per kid per year in school. Lifestyle is what you make of it. China is a fascinating place with 5000 years or culture and history and some very beautiful and exotic places. On the other hand the ATC delays, medicals, checkrides, and QAR punishment culture will eventually wear you down. Most ExPats stay 3-5 years and then move on. It is centrally located in Asia and a good jumping off point for vacations to Thailand, Phillipines, Singapore etc. Best of Luck!