Family Escapes UK 'Hamster Wheel' for Bali
A British family has traded the relentless grind of life in the United Kingdom for the tranquil shores of Bali, reporting monthly savings of £2,783. Joseph Oxley, 37, and his wife Rebecca, 37, along with their three children, now spend just £1,760 per month on all living expenses, a dramatic reduction from the £4,543 they were paying in Derbyshire.
The couple had long discussed moving abroad but always found reasons to delay. A health scare involving Rebecca—who discovered a lump in her neck—finally galvanised them into action. Medics estimated an 80 percent chance the lump could be cancerous, prompting a frantic period of private medical examinations. Ultimately, the lump proved benign, but the scare convinced the family that waiting was no longer viable.
From Four-Bedroom House to Private Villa
The Oxleys sold their four-bedroom home in Darley Dale, Derbyshire, for £390,000 in October 2025 and left the UK in February 2026. Their initial plan was to travel through Southeast Asia before settling in Australia, but geopolitical events in the Middle East led them to alter their route. They spent time in Thailand before arriving in Bali in April, where they have since established a new life.
In Bali, the family rents a private villa with a swimming pool for £600 per month—a stark contrast to the £1,387 monthly mortgage they paid in the UK. Other costs have also plummeted: transport dropped from £950 to £60, food from £1,600 to £1,100, and council tax and energy bills, which totalled £606 in the UK, are now included in the rent.
Work-Life Balance Transformed
Joseph, a self-employed telecommunications worker, described the UK experience as a 'hamster wheel' where working to make ends meet left little time for family. 'It was just relentless working a job just to make ends meet and never seeing your kids—what kind of life is that?' he said. In Bali, the slower pace has brought a new perspective. 'We feel a lot more relaxed. We've realised that not everything has to happen right now,' he added.
The couple's children, aged 13, 11, and six, have also thrived. '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,' Joseph noted. The family home-schools the children, who are learning the local language and culture while making new friends.
Positive Community and Lower Costs
Rebecca highlighted the warmth of Balinese locals as one of the most pleasant surprises. 'In Bali everyone is so helpful, friendly and positive. They're very proud of their culture and traditions and love teaching people about them,' she said. The family now enjoys dining out for around £50 for five people, including drinks and desserts—a fraction of the £100-plus they would spend on a pub meal in England.
While Australia remains a possibility for the future, the Oxleys are currently embracing their newfound freedom. '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,' Joseph concluded.
Cost Breakdown: UK vs Bali
- UK monthly costs: Mortgage £1,387, energy bills £290, council tax £316, transport £950, food £1,600 — total £4,543.
- Bali monthly costs: Rent £600, energy bills £0 (included), council tax £0, transport £60, food £1,100 — total £1,760.
