30C

Roshni Ward, 30, and Louis Hunt, 33, were fed up with the UK and high living costs

A British couple, fed up with the UK’s “poor work-life balance” and cost of living, have found their own paradise where their water bill is a few pounds and a meal out costs a fraction of what it does at home. They say that, in Thailand, they save a whopping £1,000 a month on rent and pay just £2.76 for water bills.

Roshni Ward, 30, and her fiancé Louis Hunt, 33, were exhausted from working 11-hour days and overtime in their flat in Rye, East Sussex, and yearned for a “slower pace of life”. The pair decided to pack their bags and move to Chiang Mai, Thailand, last September.

They were instantly smitten with the laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, balmy 30C weather, and breathtaking architecture. Their monthly rent is now a mere £300, which includes access to a gym and pool, while water bills are only £2.76, taxis cost £1.50, and takeaways are just £2. This has resulted in savings of over £1,000 compared to their previous UK rent of £1,350.

Roshni, who now works as a content creator, said: “We always wanted to move abroad and had toyed with the idea of it. The UK didn’t feel safe and a poor work-life balance meant we were too burnt out to enjoy life.

“Since moving, we love the slower pace of life, as well as the weather, the rich culture and the welcoming locals. And the cost of everything is so much lower, which was a shock to the system – in a good way! If we can help it, we won’t come back to the UK.”

Roshni and Louis began earnestly considering an overseas relocation following their return from a Thai getaway in December 2024. Roshni was employed full-time as a corporate team leader in broadband sales and revealed she’d frequently find herself putting in extra hours at weekends, preventing her from unwinding and savouring her leisure time.

Louis was employed full-time as a carpenter, enduring 11-hour shifts including his commute, and would become physically drained as well.

Roshni said: “There was a poor work-life balance. When we got to the weekend, we were so burnt out that we didn’t want to do anything.”

They also felt insecure in the UK, especially Roshni as a woman, owing to crime rates, and recalled from their December break that they felt considerably safer in Thailand. So the moment their lease on their rented property in Rye expired, they started searching for rental properties in Thailand and relocated to Chiang Mai on September 3.

Roshni and Louis both quit their UK positions – with Roshni becoming a full-time content creator and Louis becoming an online fitness coach. She said the residents were all incredibly friendly and everyone was prepared to assist you if you were struggling.

There is a substantial community of international expats, providing plenty of chances to encounter fresh faces and mingle. The pair love exploring stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai eateries and waterfalls.

Roshni said: “There’s something for everyone in Chiang Mai.”

The couple have discovered that swapping the UK for Thailand has slashed their living costs dramatically. Despite both working remotely for international clients and earning UK wages, they’ve found life in Thailand to be a fraction of the cost.

Their stylish condo, just a ten-minute drive from the city centre and boasting a gym, swimming pool and co-working area, sets them back a mere £300 per month. This is a stark contrast to their previous flat in the UK which cost them a hefty £1,350 each month.

Utility bills are also significantly cheaper, with water costing a mere £2.76 compared to the UK’s steep £76. Even getting around is a bargain – a 20-minute taxi ride in Thailand will only set you back £1.50.

Electricity bills are another area where they’re making huge savings, paying just £44 compared to the UK’s whopping £300. And because taxis are so affordable, they’ve ditched owning a car or bike, saving even more on fuel and maintenance costs.

Eating out is also a steal, with takeaways costing between £1.50 and £2, and a full meal and drinks at a restaurant coming in at just £8 – a far cry from the UK, where it would be around £60. Roshni added that pints of beer are “no more than £2”.

The only item they’ve found to be pricier in Thailand is Bisto gravy granules, setting them back around £5 due to import costs. But despite the financial benefits, what they love most about their new home is the slower pace of life and the rich culture.

Roshni said: “In the mornings we can get lie-ins, go to the gym, have a swim and then start work. In the UK, everyone starts early and is asleep by 11pm, here, you could finish work at 10pm and everything is still open. Louis has some UK clients – he can have a business call at 11pm and we can still go out for a meal after.”

They are smitten with the culture – the opportunity to visit stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries and tours – as well as the tranquil and friendly locals.

She said: “Anyone will stop and help you if you need it. In the UK, if someone foreign came up to you asking for help, most people wouldn’t stop.”

Despite their short stay in Thailand, they are so enamoured that they can’t envision returning to the UK.

Roshni revealed: “We would like to stay permanently. We’d be more open to starting a family here than in the UK because it’s so much safer. We’ve just fallen in love.”

Costs: UK vs Thailand

Monthly rent: £1,350 vs £300

Monthly water bills: £76 vs £2.76

Monthly electric: £300 vs £44

Monthly transport: £95 for car costs vs £30 for taxi

Meal out: £60 vs £8

Pint of lager: £5.50 vs £2

In the recent Post Office Travel Money long-haul bargains report, Barbados had the biggest price drop since 2023, with a basket of essentials falling almost 19% in price

The price of staying in an island destination with white sand beaches and palm trees has plummeted in recent years.

In the UK, the cost of living has been on a steady rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. While inflation is now down to 4% after a rough couple of years in which it hit 11.1%, it continues to outstrip the wage inflation of around 3%. That means, for most people, life is getting more expensive.

All the more reason to head to a destination where the relative price of holiday staples such as beer, wine and meals out has been tumbling.

In the recent Post Office Travel Money long-haul bargains report, Barbados had the biggest price drop since 2023, with a basket of essentials falling almost 19% in price.

A bottle of lager costs £2.78 and a cup of coffee £2.54, while a cocktail will set you back £6.34 and a glass of wine £4.76 on average. This is significantly pricier than destinations at the top of the list such as Hoi An in Vietnam, where coffee costs just £1.21 and beer £1.23.

However, Barbados has a reputation as more of a premium holiday location and is a relatively small island, so you’d expect prices to be a bit higher. Especially given the fantastic weather in Barbados, where the average temperature in October and November is 30C.

That said, the falling cost of holiday goods and the presence of some surprisingly good value accommodation options mean you can still experience this beautiful island without breaking the bank.

The more affordable options start from just £82.52 per night for two adults. One such option is Ocean Spray Apartments. Situated right on the beach, these eco-friendly apartments offer stunning views of the renowned Surfer’s Point – an ideal choice for ocean lovers.

Another budget-friendly choice on Barbados’s south coast is the family-owned Carambola Hotel, just a five-minute stroll from the beach. With rates starting at a mere £87 per night for two adults, it’s a real steal.

As for dining, Barbados offers incredible food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The island’s cuisine is a vital part of its identity, and travellers seeking authentic island flavours will discover that some of the best meals come without a hefty price tag.

A trip to Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night is a must-do. It offers a mix of fresh seafood, music, and a buzzing community vibe. Locals and tourists rub shoulders, tucking into grilled marlin, flying fish, and macaroni pie straight off the grill.

Expect to pay between £11 – £13 per head. There are also top-notch fast food options, including Rihanna’s beloved Chefette. A meal here will set you back around £7. But it’s not your average fast food joint – famous for its legendary rotis, crispy fried chicken and tropical milkshakes, Chefette is a true Bajan gem.

When it comes to activities, Barbados is ideal for those travelling on a (relatively long) shoestring. The island’s breathtaking natural beauty can be enjoyed without spending a penny. Every beach in Barbados is open to the public, meaning holidaymakers can unwind on the same gorgeous sands as the celebs.

Pebbles Beach, in particular, offers a uniquely Bajan experience, as racehorses from the nearby stables are brought down to the shore each morning for a swim, a sight that combines local culture with natural beauty and won’t cost you a thing.

Getting to Barbados can be much cheaper than some of the other destinations listed on the Post Office Travel Money report. Skyscanner is currently listing a return flight in November from £407.