Hey guys,

First, thanks for all your help from the regular posters.

So, I need to find a reliable resource that'll tell me about the cost of living in China, but Shanghai in particular. I'm sure I can find some info, but you all have been there, done that.

I'm getting some good, direct-from-the-school offers, finally, but in some cases the probationary period seems a little long. For instance, a monthly salary of 12,000RMB is actually only 8,000 for the first two months, out of which all of my living expenses must be drawn.

So I just want to know what it'll take to pay taxes, eat some western food (but authentic chinese is doable), sleep in a decent apartment, pay my utilities, go to the club or bar and pick up girls a night or two a week, travel a little, etc., etc.

I just wish to calculate, with maximum mathematical precision, how well my salary at any given point in my employment will stack up against my needs and wants.

Dusty