How a 36-Year-Old Found His American Dream in Shenzhen, China, Living on $1,000 Rent and $100 Groceries for a Family of Four

Bradley Krae, a 36-year-old former U.S. resident, left America a decade ago to teach English in Shenzhen, China. Today, he lives there with his wife and two children, paying just $1,000 a month for rent and $100 for groceries, a fraction of what he spent in the U.S.

His story highlights how relocating abroad can offer a more affordable lifestyle, a futuristic urban environment, and a safe, family-friendly community, redefining what the American Dream means for him.

From a Life of Moving Around to Finding Home in Shenzhen

Bradley grew up moving across multiple U.S. states and never truly felt settled. At 27, he took a leap by accepting an English teaching job in Shenzhen, a booming tech city near Hong Kong. Selling his car to fund his first international trip, he embraced the unknown and soon found a new home.

Living in Asia opened doors to travel across Southeast Asia, testing his resilience and broadening his worldview. It was in Shenzhen that he met his wife, a French teacher with Chinese heritage, and started a family.

Stretching Dollars Further: Living Costs Compared to the U.S.

After returning to Shenzhen in 2025 with his family, Bradley resumed teaching English, earning about $4,000 monthly. Their three-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000 per month, with internet and electricity adding minimal expenses.

Groceries for the family of four run about $100 monthly, and healthcare costs are approximately $90. Dining out rarely exceeds $10 for the whole family. Overall, Bradley spends roughly a quarter of what he used to pay living alone in the U.S.

Living in a Futuristic City with Cutting-Edge Convenience

Shenzhen combines the innovation of Silicon Valley with the energy of New York City. Drones deliver food within 15 minutes, autonomous taxis navigate neon-lit streets, and public transit is efficient and affordable, with subway rides costing about 30 cents.

Payments are seamless, often made via phone scans or biometrics, eliminating the need for wallets or keys. This blend of advanced technology and accessibility creates a vibrant, cyberpunk-like atmosphere.

A Flexible Career and Growing Influence

Bradley’s wife encouraged him to share their life in China on TikTok, which quickly gained popularity. This exposure led to a marketing manager role paying $3,500 monthly, supplemented by $1,200 from side gigs.

His flexible job allows him to balance work with family life and pursue other interests, a lifestyle shift from his previous teaching career.

Raising a Trilingual Family in a Safe, Family-Friendly Environment

Shenzhen offers over 1,000 parks, numerous indoor play areas, and community activities, making it ideal for children. Bradley feels secure raising his kids here, free from concerns like gun violence.

His children are growing up speaking French, English, and Mandarin, attending a public Chinese kindergarten that costs about $300 per semester for both, including meals. The local food options are healthier than what he experienced in the U.S.

No one is more surprised than me that I've found my own version of the American Dream here in China.—Bradley Krae

What Bradley’s Journey Means for Others Considering a Move Abroad

Bradley’s experience illustrates how relocating internationally can offer financial relief, a dynamic urban lifestyle, and a safe environment for families. For those feeling stuck or seeking a fresh start, Shenzhen’s blend of affordability and innovation presents an inspiring option.

As global mobility increases, stories like Bradley’s challenge traditional notions of success and home, encouraging others to explore opportunities beyond their borders.