Bradley Krae, a U.S. citizen known online as “Brad in China,” has reported a significant reduction in living expenses after relocating his family to Shenzhen. According to an interview with CNBC, Krae spends approximately one-quarter of what he previously spent monthly in the United States, despite now supporting a family of four rather than living alone.
Shenzhen Cost of Living vs. United States
Krae’s financial transition highlights a stark contrast in urban living costs. While working as an English teacher, Krae earned approximately €3,700 (roughly $4,000) per month. His fixed monthly costs in Shenzhen include €920 for a three-bedroom apartment, €27 for internet, and an average of €92 for electricity.
Food and healthcare costs represent another area of divergence. Krae reports spending about €92 monthly on groceries for four people, with dining out rarely exceeding €9 per meal. Monthly healthcare costs are approximately €83. These figures contribute to his claim that his total monthly expenditure is a fraction of his previous U.S. costs.
Pro Tip: When calculating the “geo-arbitrage” potential of a city, look beyond the salary. Compare the local purchasing power of essential services—like the €0.28 cross-city metro fare reported by Krae—against your current home city.
The Shift to Digital Content and Flexible Employment
Krae’s career path evolved from traditional classroom teaching to digital marketing. After starting a TikTok account to share his life in China, the resulting social media success led to a full-time role as a marketing manager starting in February.
While this role pays slightly less than teaching—approximately €3,220 per month—Krae supplements this with €1,100 from side activities. He notes that the marketing position offers flexible hours, allowing him to work from home and pursue independent projects.
Infrastructure and the ‘Cyberpunk’ Urban Experience
The infrastructure in Shenzhen is described by Krae as “futuristic,” characterized by a “cyberpunk” energy. He cites specific technological integrations that have eliminated the need for physical wallets or keys, relying instead on QR codes, smartphones, and biometric handprints for payments.
Daily logistics in the city include food delivery via drones in under 15 minutes and the availability of autonomous taxis. This level of automation is paired with a comprehensive public transport system that spans the entire city.
Did you know? Shenzhen is often cited as a global hub for hardware innovation and is home to some of the world’s largest technology firms, which fuels the drone and autonomous vehicle deployments experienced by residents like Krae.
Raising Trilingual Children in Urban China
For families, Krae identifies Shenzhen as a child-friendly environment featuring over a thousand parks and numerous indoor play areas. His children attend a public kindergarten where the cost is approximately €276 per semester for both children, including meals.
The educational environment supports a trilingual upbringing. According to Krae, his children are learning French from their mother, English from him, and Mandarin through their public schooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it affordable to live in Shenzhen for a family?
According to Bradley Krae’s CNBC interview, a family of four can maintain a high quality of life with a three-bedroom apartment for roughly €920 a month and low grocery costs.
What are the job opportunities for expats in Shenzhen?
Common paths include English language teaching and marketing. Krae transitioned from teaching to a marketing manager role, leveraging a social media presence to find employment.
How is the public transport in Shenzhen?
The city features a comprehensive metro system. Krae reports that crossing the city from one end to the other costs approximately €0.28.
What do you think about the trade-off between a higher U.S. salary and a lower cost of living in Asia? Share your thoughts in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more global living insights.