Casey from Chorley, Lancashire moved to another country that has been named the world’s most affordable place five years in a row, with rent from £150, meals costing £1-4 and taxis just £3
Casey left her home in Lancashire for a sunnier and cheaper life in ‘worlds cheapest country’(Image: Getty Images)
As everyday essentials and household bills continue to climb amid Britain’s ongoing cost of living crisis, it’s tempting to fantasise about building a life somewhere more affordable. One British woman, Casey, turned that fantasy into reality by swapping Chorley, Lancashire, for a significantly cheaper life in Vietnam.
Vietnam has been crowned the world’s most budget-friendly destination for five consecutive years, based on InterNations’ Expat Insider 2025 survey. Meanwhile, Forbes reports that a staggering 86 per cent of expatriates residing in Vietnam commend the nation’s affordability and cost of living – and Casey is one of them.
“Did you know that you can live in Vietnam for as little as £300 per month?” she revealed in a TikTok video filmed while living in Da Nang, a bustling coastal metropolis renowned for its stunning sandy shores, breathtaking views, and famous attractions, including limestone caverns and Buddhist sanctuaries.
Casey relocated to Vietnam in 2025, revealing she’d allowed herself just 24 hours to secure accommodation, yet still managed to snag a luxurious flat with swimming pool facilities for £490 monthly for herself and her partner. She continued: “I’ve been getting loads of comments that you can stay here for literally £150 per month.”
“It’s literal paradise here,” she said while showcasing the stunning views from her new apartment. In a Facebook update, Casey advised: “Do not look on Airbnb, use Facebook Marketplace because you’ll get it for literally half the price.”
Although she chose a marginally pricier flat, which Casey attributed largely to their pressing timeframe, she noted that sharing the rent with her partner Taylor means they each pay £245 monthly, equivalent to £61.25 weekly. Beyond housing costs, she’s also informed her followers that dining out at restaurants proves equally budget-friendly.
“Food is obviously super affordable – if you eat the western food it’s £4 per meal, but if you eat Vietnamese food it’s £1 per meal,” she detailed, before lauding the taxi service which arrives ‘instantaneously’ and typically costs approximately £3 per journey. “
So on average, I spend around £21 per week on taxi,” Casey shared.
Regarding entertainment options, including excursions or playing pickleball and badminton, the British expat revealed she allocates roughly £25-30, whilst also setting aside another £20 for treats like massages.
For more fundamental expenses, Casey mentioned she also maintains travel insurance, costing her £60 monthly, which breaks down to about £15 weekly. As for income generation, Casey operates through her social media channels and makes a living from her content.
Folks were left scratching their heads at the sums Casey claimed to be spending weekly, with many expressing that it made them consider a similar move. “Another great video! So so excited to get myself back to this stunning country,” one individual remarked.
A different viewer shared: “I was planning on moving to Thailand permanently but after researching Vietnam especially Da Nang I’m now heading there.”
“I need to move to Vietnam. It’s so beautiful and the fooood! !” another person exclaimed.