Last week, in a restaurant, I saw soft drink cans were charged CAD$3.5/each. Including taxes and tips, it costs RMB36.38/each. I remember, in 1988, my boyfriend bought 2 cans sprite for my parents. Each costs RMB 4.00. My mom's salary was 62/month. She holds a bachelor degree from 1962 and makes the top income in her high school. I mean most working class people make about 30 Yuan/month when a pop costs 4 Yuan/each, which is more than 10% of the monthly income.
Foreigners. In 1986, China pays a bachelor degree graduate RMB 54.00/month. But my English teacher in my medical school makes over RMB 2000.00/month. He was from London, UK, and holds a bachelor degree of Chinese literacy. In the same year, the government transfers 2400.00/year to the medical school for each student. We don't pay any tuition, and the accommodation is free. Parents provide life expenses for us. About half of the students accept financial supports from government. In 1990, I, as a doctor, had a number of foreign patients who were from Middle East, America, and Africa. Their regular expenses were quite high if you compare their life style with local people.