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April 25, 2026
36-year-old Left the U.S. for China—Now Pays $1,000 Rent and $100 for Groceries for Family of 4: It's My 'Version of the American Dream'
A decade ago, Bradley Krae left the United States to teach English in Shenzhen, China. He spends less money and says he has found his own version of the American Dream there.
TL;DR
- Bradley Krae moved from the U.S. to Shenzhen, China, in 2016 to teach English and found his 'American Dream'.
- He met his wife in China, started a family, and returned to Shenzhen after a period in Tahiti due to the pandemic.
- Living expenses in Shenzhen are significantly lower, with a three-bedroom apartment costing around $1,000/month and groceries for a family of four costing about $100/month.
- Shenzhen is described as a futuristic tech hub with advanced public transportation, drone deliveries, autonomous taxis, and convenient mobile payment systems.
- Krae has a flexible job as an English teacher and content creator, earning a combined income of around $4,700/month.
- He feels Shenzhen is a safe and family-friendly city, offering numerous activities for children and a good public education system.
- Krae's children are growing up trilingual (French, English, Mandarin) with affordable schooling costs.