Family of six lives in Vietnam, raises twins, travels globally

Marissa Goldstein, a 40-year-old entrepreneur from the Boston area, and her husband moved to Ho Chi Minh City in 2016 with their 1-year-old twins. They initially planned to return to the United States in three months, but their plans changed significantly over the next decade.

The couple, who met in high school and married after she graduated, started a manufacturing and sourcing company focused on Vietnam around 2015. Their decision to relocate was partly driven by a business opportunity to help U.S. companies diversify their supply chains away from China.

After their first set of twins were born, Goldstein found being home with young children overwhelming. Despite having a strong support system, she realized staying home wasn't the right fit for her. Travel became a way for her to feel 'unstoppable,' and they moved to Vietnam the day after their twins turned one.

Goldstein and her husband have since had two more children, including a second set of twins. They now live in a five-bedroom serviced apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, about 15 minutes from the city center. The area has a mix of foreigners, international schools, and convenient access to various amenities.

The family spends about $1,000 a month on groceries, with local markets providing fruit and vegetables. They also pay around $900 a month for a live-out helper who assists with cleaning, grocery prep, and childcare. Health insurance for the family costs under $10,000 annually.

Schooling is the family's biggest expense, with international school fees ranging from $8,000 to $30,000 per child per year. They are at the higher end of this range, believing in the value of a quality education. Despite the costs, they feel the trade-off is worth it, as they would likely spend the same amount on education in the U.S. without the same level of travel and dining out.