A family of five from Derbyshire has abandoned what they call the "hamster wheel" of UK life for Bali, where they now save £2,783 a month on living expenses. Joseph Oxley, 37, and his wife Rebecca, 37, sold their four-bedroom home in Darley Dale for £390,000 and left the UK in February 2026, following a health scare that finally pushed them to act.
Cancer scare sparks life-changing decision
The couple had talked about moving abroad for years but always found excuses to delay. That changed when Rebecca discovered a lump in her neck. Doctors warned there was an 80 per cent chance it could be cancer. "The world fell in. We didn't know what to do," Joseph said. Rebecca had survived breast cancer at age 22, making the news a "massive blow." The family paid for private medical tests and learned the lump was benign, but the scare convinced them to stop postponing their dreams. "Once we got that result, we weren't waiting anymore. We were going," Joseph added.
From Australia dream to Bali reality
Originally, the family planned to move to Australia after falling in love with it during a holiday in October 2024. "We just felt like we were on the hamster wheel in England. Australia felt much more laid back," Joseph said. However, they struggled to find suitable work opportunities there. A family holiday to Spain in summer 2025 cemented their decision to leave the UK. "We were standing in the sea having a chat and saying, what are we doing?" Joseph recalled. Within a week of returning home, they put their house on the market. It sold for around £390,000, and they accepted an offer in October 2025 before departing in February 2026.
Life in Bali: slower pace, lower costs
The family initially planned to travel through Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines before reaching Australia, but changed course due to events in the Middle East. They have been based in Bali since April 2026. Their monthly expenses have dropped dramatically: from £4,543 in the UK to just £1,760 in Bali. Key savings include rent (a villa with a pool for £600 versus a £1,387 mortgage), energy bills (included in rent vs. £290), council tax (£0 vs. £316), and transport (£60 vs. £950). Food costs fell from £1,600 to £1,100. "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," Joseph said.
Family embraces new lifestyle
The slower pace of life has transformed the family's outlook. "We feel a lot more relaxed. We've realised that not everything has to happen right now," Joseph said. Their three children, aged 13, 11, and 6, 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," he added. Rebecca noted the friendliness of locals: "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 family remains open to eventually settling in Australia, but for now, they are enjoying their newfound freedom.
