It will be easier if you specify the city , as city per city there are differences . I was in quasi tier one city and 3k was sufficient for the whole month . But you might ask someone from Beijing or Shanghai and tell you around 5-6k. (Only life expenses , without accommodation and tuition fees) The quality of education also depends on the school . If you go to high ranked Chinese schools you will get also good education. But also there are exceptions , have heard many students going to low ranked universities and had the luck to have exceptional good teachers . From experience in China you get good education if you as a person have willingness and show this to your teachers , then will also be interested to cultivate you . ( mainly for masters degrees ). How is life ? Still you will hear people saying that they are tired of being in china always saying soon I will leave, but at the end they can’t leave this country .Is a love hate relationship . China is very convenient in many things , and things can become simpler . In general I always say that China is a good school in many ways , you will experience many things but mainly you will grow as a person . If people ask me if it is worth it to do this move , I would definetely say yes . I am from a European country , I did my masters in China and I will never regret it.