A woman who left the UK for Congo pays just £132 a month in rent and says she could buy a mountain for £1,500. Fidelia Okanze, 32, was born in Congo but moved to the UK as a child. She returned in November 2025 with her husband, a surgeon, to reconnect with family and enjoy a lower cost of living.
From London to Brazzaville
Fidelia traded her £1,000-a-month one-bed flat in Pimlico, London, for a two-bed apartment in Brazzaville, the capital of Congo. Her monthly expenses dropped from around £1,800 to just £218. She now spends £1.50 per meal and saves significantly.
Property and Land Opportunities
In Congo, buying land is straightforward. Fidelia says, 'You can easily buy acres for like £300. In 2021, I had the opportunity to buy a mountain for £1,500.' Land is held by families, not the state, and leases can be negotiated directly.
Cost of Living Comparison
UK monthly costs: Rent £1,000, council tax £52, water £42, electricity/gas £134-£200, broadband £33, SIM £10, transport £300, food £200. Total: £1,771-£1,837.
Congo monthly costs: Internet £20, rent £132, council tax £0, electricity £5, gas £5.50, water £3, food £53. Total: £218.
Missing London but Embracing Congo
Fidelia admits she misses 'everything' about London, including friends, Lurpak, and muesli. However, the climate and family ties keep her in Congo. She says, 'I love the UK, but I couldn't imagine living the rest of my life on vitamin D tablets.'
Cultural Connections
In Congo, aunts and uncles are considered parents, creating a close-knit family dynamic. Fidelia enjoys this bond but notes there is less to do than in London. She stays in touch with friends via video calls.
Future Plans
Fidelia plans to buy land in Congo and eventually split her time between both countries. She launched a TikTok channel to build her content career, emphasizing that networking is key in Congo's job market.
