What these numbers mean for your life
The calculator above reveals something that most Americans don't realize: financial independence isn't about having millions in the bank. It's about the ratio between your savings and your cost of living. Change the denominator, and the equation transforms.
In a US city, $3,500/month is considered modest. In Yiyang, $1,040/month gets you a 3-bedroom apartment with a full-time housekeeper and money left over. That's not deprivation — that's a better life for less money.
The three paths to China FIRE
- Path 1: Pure savings drawdown. You have $50K-$150K saved and no ongoing income. In the US, that's 1-3 years. In Yiyang, it's 10-30+ years. See the $400/month budget →
- Path 2: Passive income surplus. You have $2K+/month from rentals, SS, or pension. Your income exceeds Yiyang costs, so your savings grow indefinitely. See the passive income guide →
- Path 3: Self-employed via WFOE. You earn income from a Chinese company while living in Yiyang. This also gives you a legal work visa. See the business setup guide →
What you need to do next
If the calculator showed you something that made your heart skip, here's the honest path forward:
- Step 1: Subscribe to our advisory ($159/month) — get a personal consultation call within 48 hours
- Step 2: We walk you through WFOE setup, visa timeline, and apartment options
- Step 3: When you're ready, upgrade to our $6,000 WFOE registration package
- Step 4: Find your apartment in our listings ($40K-$280K) or we search for rentals ($150-$280/month)
- Step 5: Land in Yiyang, the hometown of China's Schindler, and start your new chapter