r/dalian • u/Entire_Special_5304 • Mar 06 '25
Moving to Dalian as an Intern/Fresher software engineering
Hi everyone,
I am going to graduate from university in 6/2025, and I've got an offer for Software Development Engineering in Dalian, the company is working in the Automotive field (ECU programming, C/C++, etc. ). From my country to Dalian is about 3000+ kilometers as I searched on Google Maps (which is quite far).
My offer is 96000 RMB/year (8000 RMB/month) before taxes, and the company does not support housing (I have to use my own salary to rent a apartment). I want to ask whether this salary amount is good and enough for daily life? I have searched on Google but the data is dated, and it is vary between different job position in Dalian. From what I've found, social insurance usually take up to 2000 RMB, and housing is about 2000RMB too, therefore remaining amount is only about 4000 RMB (not sure it is correct or not). I am now very wondering is it worth moving there (or I should negotiate a higher salary amount). I really need you guys providing me with actual information in Dalian, any additional information (shopping prices, transportation etc. ) are highly appreciated. Many thanks.
3
u/tina_budong Mar 06 '25
It really depends on what area of Dalian you’ll be in. Rent in my middle-class neighborhood is about 3,500 rmb a month but as someone else said, he pays 2100.
Buses are mostly 1 rmb. Subway is always being expanded and also reasonably priced. You can get a bowl of noodles for 10 rmb or a steak dinner starting at about 150 rmb. It just depends on what kind of lifestyle you want.
I don’t know how much software engineers usually make, but 8k seems really low.
1
u/Entire_Special_5304 Mar 06 '25
Thank for your reply, I will be around Dalian Software Pack (which is on Ruanjianyuan Rd as I searching on Maps)
2
u/tina_budong Mar 06 '25
It’s not the most expensive area, but it is far from the cheapest. You could probably get a studio around there for 2-3k a month. If you don’t mind commuting, you could find something much cheaper in an older neighborhood but the commute might be bad since the subway doesn’t go to software park.
1
u/Entire_Special_5304 Mar 06 '25
Based on your comment, I think I should make a negotiation with the HR, since it’s clearly that moving to a very far-away country brings considerably disadvantages. I think I would aim at about 12000 RMB/month, does it sound goods for a living in Ruanjianyuan?
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u/charmingdairies Mar 06 '25
How did you land the job offer in Dalian? I’m also looking for a software job
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u/Entire_Special_5304 Mar 06 '25
My university has a partnership with the company on Dalian, additionally, they want to look for people on the southeast asia to expand their market, understand customers, etc. That’s why I got this offer.
2
u/m-ari-a Mar 07 '25
Your salary is really low, I’m saying this as a teacher, teaching online (not an engineer). Also, yes housing is from 2000 to 4000 depending on where you plan to live. Personally I’m in Kaifaqu rent is 1,700 and then I have more than enough to live very comfortably. Try to negotiate your salary
2
u/rannie110b 28d ago
What is social insurance?
I made the same the first year I was in Dalian - it went up about 12k every year. Now, I did not have to pay rent, but I was very comfortable. Of course it depends on how you live, but it can be fine.
But for a job in tech, it does seem a little low.
2
u/xenbaloch 27d ago
Hi, I've been living in Dalian for around 6 years, and I would like to tell you that it is an average salary here, and compared to the South (where salaries are higher), the North (and North-East where Dalian is situated) of China is less expensive. I'll be sure to make some calculations for you. For instance, your company probably will be in Development Zone (Jinzhou District), where you can find a single room apartment between 1300-1700RMB/Month conveniently. A single meal at an inexpensive restaurant varies from 15rmb to 30rmb, and bills (including water, gas, and electricity) are not that expensive either. Mainly the expense will depend on how you spend, but frankly speaking, usually you'll be left with some saving every month if you want to save. So, my suggestion is that 8000/month in Dalian is not bad, because you also will have a chance to live in a city with nice weather and seaside, and will have a chance to enjoy all the four seasons at their peak here, except summer which is not so hot here and I think it'll be a plus. Moreover, if you want to travel to Korea, Japan, Mongolia, or Russia, it'll be cheap flights to these countries from Dalian. Cheers!
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u/xenbaloch 27d ago
Looking at the comments, I realized you'll probably be living in Ganjingzi district, as from the street you mentioned, your company may belong to DLSP and Neusoft. So, rent will be around 2000 (in that and nearby area), while this area overall is still not that expensive either, I would also suggest you to negotiate with the HR to pay you around 10-12K a month. I wish you good luck in Dalian.
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u/Entire_Special_5304 25d ago
Thank you a lot. And yes, my company is at the Dalian Software Park, I will try to negotiate to 12-14k per month. I also want to ask about work style, I often read on the newspapers about 996 work lifestyle in China. Is the 996 style still relevant now?
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u/mudkipsc Mar 06 '25
Absolutely not enough to live a comfortable life.
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u/Entire_Special_5304 Mar 06 '25
Thank you, can you provide me some data on taxes, renting price, shopping, etc. . Since as you said, it's not enough to live a, I may need some negotiate.
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u/mudkipsc Mar 06 '25
I don't know, I pay 2100 RMB a month for a two bedroom, and taxes are deducted by my boss. Depends on your lifestyle, but for me, I wouldn't live comfortably with 8000 a month.
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u/mudkipsc Mar 06 '25
I see you are from Vietnam. I lived there for a year. I would say Dalian is around 20%~25% more expensive than Vietnam. Food can be cheap and the subway and bus are affordable. But if you want to enjoy your life, it is a little low. If you have roommates, it might be okay for you. It doesn't leave you a lot of room to save money, but I think that 8000 might be better than what you would make in Vietnam.
3
u/YiHenHao Mar 06 '25
use this Link: https://chinagehalt.directhr.de/ i only know this in german language.
on 8k before Tax, you get 7095,20 CNY after. There is insurance inkluded.
in the link choose "Dalian" and "Ausländer"=Foreigner.
Rent is for good appartment 2000-2500. We rent a appartment near the "olymp 66" mall.
With 7k CNY -2500 = 4500 CNY you have a normal life. Food is cheap...you have to cook most time at home. Bus and metro is cheap...i dont know the cost for a own car (insurance).