I have to agree with Waixingren. For Shanghai, not good at all! Life isn't cheap there, like any big city anywhere, and 4500 isn't a great offer. However, most universities around China offer approx' that salary as far as I can see. Depends also on what other benefits you'll get with that, where in Shanghai the uni is etc.
The ad might say Shanghai, but the municipality might be huge and encompass a lot of lesser "cities". This is certainly the case down here in Guangzhou where there are cities that are up to 50 kms away but are still referred to as being part of Gz. The satellite cities are much cheaper to live in and maybe in those satellites, 4500 isn't too bad. Might pay to find out exactly where, in Shanghai, it is before you commit to it. I do think that 4500 is terrible though, for Shanghai, wherever it is because you're going to want to go places, do things etc and that's just not enough at all, especially if you're young and like clubbing etc and a beer is something like 50-100 RMB!
Be careful, find out all the facts and best of luck!
My 2 cents!
