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I Left the U.S. for China—The Unexpected Costs & Shocking Lifestyle Differences
Discover the real price of starting over in China—from daily living expenses to surprising hidden perks you won’t believe.
Ark
July 11, 2025
Living in Chengdu: An American’s Perspective on Life in China
Introduction
For many Americans, China remains a land of mystery, often misunderstood due to cultural and geographical distance. Elise Lightyear, a 35-year-old American who moved to China in 2019, offers a firsthand account of life in Chengdu, a bustling metropolis of over 20 million people. Her journey from a high-pressure life in New York City to a fulfilling and affordable lifestyle in China challenges common misconceptions and highlights the opportunities available in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
From New York to Beijing: A Life-Changing Decision
Elise grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and spent a decade in New York City working in reality TV production. The grueling 70-hour workweeks left her exhausted, feeling like a “50-year-old woman” in her 20s, and living paycheck to paycheck. One day, she woke up and realized this wasn’t the life she wanted. Determined to make a change, she moved to Beijing in 2019, where she lived and taught for four years before relocating to Chengdu in 2023.
Leaving behind family and friends was daunting. Elise faced fears about a 15-hour flight, unfamiliar food, and a new career as a teacher. However, her excitement outweighed her anxiety, propelling her toward a new chapter in China.
Life in Chengdu: Modern, Affordable, and Vibrant
Chengdu, often unknown to many Westerners, is one of China’s largest and most modern cities. Elise describes it as a place where skyscrapers meet affordability, shattering stereotypes about life in China. As a university teacher, she works just 18 hours a week, four days a week, teaching essay writing to English-speaking freshmen. Her commute via Chengdu’s subway system is seamless, with bilingual signs and announcements, and costs only $0.28 for a round trip.
Elise’s annual salary of $30,000 may seem modest by American standards, but in Chengdu, it affords her an upper-middle-class lifestyle. Her three-bedroom downtown apartment, complete with a balcony and just a five-minute walk from the subway, costs $556 per month, with her employer covering half, reducing her rent to $278. The apartment, furnished by her landlord, includes a cozy living room with a sectional couch, a projector for streaming Netflix and HBO Max, a small but functional kitchen, and a wardrobe room. Additional perks from her job include free healthcare insurance, a $15 monthly subway allowance, and a $1,200 annual flight allowance.
Affordability and Quality of Life
Elise is amazed by how far her money goes in China. A Michelin-recommended meal can cost less than $4, and a bowl of noodles at a local spot is just $2. Monthly, she spends about $75 on groceries and $150 on eating out, though dining at Western chains like Cheesecake Factory can cost $60, comparable to U.S. prices. This affordability allows her to save up to $1,000 a month, a stark contrast to her paycheck-to-paycheck life in New York. These savings have helped her pay off student loans and plan to buy a beachfront casita in Mexico.
Living in China comes with challenges. As a woman of color in a homogeneous society, Elise often attracts attention, with locals pointing and commenting on her appearance. Homesickness and the learning curve of adapting to a new culture were also hurdles, but she has embraced these challenges with resilience. She’s built a community of both local and expat friends who have enriched her understanding of Chinese culture.
Elise feels safe in Chengdu, noting that crime rates are low. Her confidence has soared, and she credits her time in China with personal growth. “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” she says, redefining the famous New York adage.
A Dual Career: Teaching and Content Creation
Beyond teaching, Elise is a YouTube content creator, which supplements her income and allows her to share her experiences with a global audience. This dual career not only supports her financially but also fulfills her creatively, giving her a platform to dispel myths about life in China.
Looking Ahead
Elise’s story is a testament to the possibilities that await those willing to step outside their comfort zones. With her savings, she dreams of owning property abroad, a goal that feels attainable thanks to China’s low cost of living. Her journey underscores the modernity, affordability, and safety of life in Chengdu, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to live in China today.
