How much does a domestic helper or ayi cost in China in 2026?

In Shanghai and Beijing, part-time cleaning commonly sits around ¥40–80 per hour, often with a two-to-three-hour minimum per visit. A twice-weekly cleaning routine can land near ¥1,000–1,500 per month for many households when you stay in that hourly band. Full-time live-out housekeepers who clean, cook, and manage laundry often quote about ¥6,000–12,000 per month in those Tier-1 cores, with English-speaking or childcare-heavy roles toward the top: Shanghai cost of living and Beijing cost of living.

Inland hubs such as Chengdu and many second-tier cities usually quote softer hourly and monthly bands for similar Mandarin-only cleaning work: Chengdu cost of living. Newborn yuesao specialists sit in a separate, higher profession with month-block fees that can dwarf ordinary housekeeping. Treat agency placement fees, accident insurance expectations, and a customary Spring Festival or thirteenth-month bonus as part of the true annual cost.

For couples without children, a part-time ayi is often the best yuan-per-hour upgrade in a dense Tier-1 flat: laundry, deep cleaning, and Chinese-speaking help with plumbers or couriers. For families, full-time help or nanny-style hours can rival a kindergarten seat as the second shock after rent: Childcare costs. International school fees remain a different driver; do not merge them into the ayi line: International school costs.

Most payments move on WeChat Pay or Alipay after you have local banking working. Write hours, rest days, cooking duties, and holiday pay before the trial week ends. Referrals through neighbour and expat WeChat groups remain common; agencies add cost and some screening. Family city choice still matters if you need school tracks plus help: Best places for families.