In a radical response to soaring living costs, a couple in their mid-thirties have traded their conventional apartment for a life aboard a 57-foot canal boat, reporting monthly savings of around £800. Tish, 36, and her partner Josh, 35, made the decisive move in early 2024, driven by relentless rent hikes and an elusive housing market.
Escaping the Rent Trap for a Life Afloat
The couple executed their long-held dream years ahead of schedule, questioning why they should wait until retirement for the lifestyle they desired. "Our rent was continually going up, and the goalposts for the housing market kept moving," Tish explained. After years of saving for a traditional house, they realised their core desires—adventure, freedom, closeness to nature—could be fulfilled by a narrowboat.
Since moving onto the water, their outgoings have dropped significantly. "When we moved out of renting, our outgoings went down by roughly £800 a month," Tish stated. However, she was quick to note that running costs vary. Their boat uses a diesel-fired heating system, increasing fuel costs but eliminating coal bills. They also budget for future expenses like battery replacements, solar panel upgrades, and hull 'blacking'—a protective coating applied every few years.
The Daily Reality: Peace, Planning, and Practicalities
The benefits extend far beyond finances. Tish, a long-time mental health sufferer, describes a "day and night" change. "Living on water just agrees with me," she said, emphasising the profound peace and slower pace. The pair, who relocate their home every fortnight, feel permanently on holiday, valuing sunlight, water, and wildlife over material possessions.
Yet, this idyllic existence demands meticulous planning. Simple tasks become expeditions. Disposing of rubbish can mean a mile-long walk to find a bin, laundry requires a trip to a laundrette, and a 12-minute car journey translates into a five-hour cruise. "It's a more time-consuming way of life," Tish admitted, highlighting the need to fetch fuel and manage resources like water and electricity, which in winter costs an extra £200 monthly for diesel heating.
A Word of Warning: It's a Lifestyle, Not a Quick Fix
Despite the allure of financial saving during a cost-of-living crisis, Tish cautions against viewing boat life as a simple solution. "Money is the wrong reason to do it," she concluded. The lifestyle requires constant maintenance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace a different set of challenges. The primary reward is the transformative shift in mindset and connection to nature, from rescuing squirrels to having ducklings sleep by the door. For Tish and Josh, the highs of their aquatic adventure unequivocally outweigh the lows.
