‘We left hamster wheel UK and now life costs £2,783 less every month’

A British family ditched the “hamster wheel” of life in the UK for Bali and claim they are saving £2,783 on their monthly outgoings. Joseph Oxley, 37, and his wife Rebecca, 37, who educates their three children at home, had discussed relocating abroad for many years.

They consistently found reasons to delay the dream until Rebecca’s cancer scare finally prompted them to take action. The family sold their four-bedroom property in Darley Dale, Derbyshire, for £390,000 and departed the UK for Thailand in February 2026.

They have since settled in Bali from April – spending just £1,760 a month on all their living costs, compared to the £4,543 they were forking out back in the UK.

Joseph, a self-employed telecommunications worker, said: “It was something we spoke about for years, but it was always one of those things we would do one day. There was always a reason or an excuse not to do it.

“It was just relentless working a job just to make ends meet and never seeing your kids – what kind of life is that? It has got so ridiculous in the UK, you have a pay cheque and it goes before your eyes.”

The couple resolved to make the move after Rebecca discovered a lump in her neck and medics cautioned that there was an 80 per cent likelihood it could be cancerous.

Joseph said: “The world fell in. We didn’t know what to do. My wife survived breast cancer when she was 22, so hearing that was a massive blow. She said we were not put on this world just for bricks and water, to chase debt and be too busy raising our kids because we’re working so much.”

The family funded private medical examinations and were hugely relieved when results showed the lump was benign. However, the health scare persuaded them that postponing their emigration plans any longer was not an option.

Joseph said: “Once we got that result, we weren’t waiting anymore. We were going.”

The family had initially intended to relocate permanently to Australia – having fallen head over heels for the country during a family break in October 2024 – but found it difficult to secure appropriate employment prospects.

Joseph said: “We went on a family trip to Australia and thought, wow, this is an amazing place. The climate, the atmosphere and the way of life were incredible.

“We just felt like we were on the hamster wheel in England. Australia felt much more laid back. There were beaches, the sea, the climate and a better work-life balance where you’re not killing yourself working all the time.”

A family getaway to Spain during summer 2025 sealed their determination to depart the UK.

Joseph said: “We were standing in the sea having a chat and saying, what are we doing? We were spending time on the beach in a good climate and hated the thought of going back. So we decided to put the house on the market and figure everything else out later.”

Within a week of returning home, the family’s property was placed on the market. The house sold for approximately £390,000, with an offer accepted in October 2025 before the family departed the UK in February this year.

Their initial intention was to journey through South East Asia before ultimately arriving in Australia, however global events forced them to alter their itinerary.

Joseph said: “We went to Thailand and planned to go on to Vietnam and the Philippines before Bali and Australia. But because of what was happening in the Middle East we changed our plans and came straight to Bali.”

The family has now been settled in Bali since April and revealed that the unhurried pace of life had completely transformed their perspective.

Joseph said: “We feel a lot more relaxed. We’ve realised that not everything has to happen right now.

“In the UK you have next-day delivery and everything is urgent. In South East Asia it’s more like, if it doesn’t get done today, it’ll get done at some point.

“People are so positive and that’s started to rub off on us. Instead of worrying about bills and money all the time, we’re enjoying each other and the slower pace of life.”

The considerably lower cost of living has also proved a significant advantage. Previously paying £1,387 per month in mortgage repayments, the family now enjoys a private villa complete with a swimming pool for just £600 a month – with the beach a mere 1km stroll away.

Joseph said: “If you went for a pub meal for five in England you’re looking at £100 at least. In Bali, five of us can eat out for around £50 including drinks and desserts.”

Rebecca said the warmth of local residents had been amongst the most pleasant surprises.

She said: “When we were in Thailand we thought you couldn’t meet nicer people, but in Bali everyone is so helpful, friendly and positive. They’re very proud of their culture and traditions and love teaching people about them.”

The couple’s three youngsters, aged 13, 11 and six, have similarly adapted to their fresh environment.

Joseph said: “You could see the stress in them in the UK, which is crazy because kids should be kids. Here they’re happier, lighter and enjoying themselves. They’re learning the language and culture, making friends and experiencing life outside a classroom.

“We don’t know exactly where we’ll end up yet. Australia is still on the cards, but right now we’re enjoying the freedom.”

Energy bills: £0 – Included in rent