Couple who abandoned UK now live in 30C country and only have £2.76 water bill

A British couple relocated to Thailand after becoming "burnt out" by "poor work-life balance" and revealed they saved £1,000 a month in rent, with water bills costing just £2.76.

Engaged couple Roshni Ward, 30, and Louis Hunt, 33, began considering a move overseas after growing increasingly frustrated with life in the UK.

They claimed they felt unsafe due to crime rates and became weary of the British weather.

The duo, who shared a flat in Rye, East Sussex, worked 11-hour days and overtime.

Seeking a "slower pace of life", they relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in September.

They both immediately fell in love with the relaxed lifestyle, welcoming locals, 30C climate and beautiful architecture.

Additionally, their rent costs just £300, including a gym and pool, alongside £2.76 water bills, £1.50 taxis and £2 takeaways.

This saves them more than £1,000 a month compared to their £1,350 UK rent.

Roshni, now working 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 considering an overseas relocation following their return from a Thailand getaway in December 2024.

Roshni was employed full-time as a corporate team leader in broadband sales and revealed she frequently found herself working additional hours at weekends, preventing her from unwinding and savouring her leisure time.

Louis was employed full-time as a carpenter, enduring 11-hour days, including his commute, which left him physically drained as well.

Roshni explained: "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."

The pair 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.

Therefore, as soon as their tenancy agreement on their rented property in Rye expired, they started searching for rental accommodation in Thailand and relocated to Chiang Mai on September 3.

Both Roshni and Louis departed their UK employment, with Roshni transitioning to full-time content creation and Louis becoming an online fitness instructor.

She noted that the residents were all remarkably hospitable, and everyone was prepared to assist you if you required support.

There exists a substantial community of international expatriates, providing numerous chances to encounter fresh faces and socialise.

The duo loves exploring stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries, Thai eateries and cascades.

Roshni remarked: "There's something for everyone in Chiang Mai."

One of the most remarkable contrasts they've discovered compared to the UK is the significantly lower cost of living. Despite working remotely for international clients and earning UK wages, their lifestyle in Thailand is far more affordable.

Their condominium, a mere ten-minute drive from the city centre, boasts amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, and co-working space and costs them a mere £300 per month in rent. This is a stark contrast to their previous flat in the UK, which set them back by £1,350 each month.

Their water bill in Thailand is a paltry £2.76, a fraction of what they used to pay in the UK, which could go up to £76. A 20-minute taxi ride in Thailand sets them back by only £1.50.

Their electricity bills are a modest £44, compared to the hefty £300 they used to shell out in the UK. The affordability of taxis means they don't even need to own a vehicle, saving them additional expenses on fuel and maintenance.

The couple also highlighted the cheapness of food, with takeaways costing between £1.50 to £2, and a full meal with drinks at a restaurant setting them back by just £8 - a meal that would easily cost over £60 in the UK. She added that pints of beer are "no more than £2".

The only item they've found to be pricier in Thailand than in the UK is Bisto gravy granules, which cost around £5 due to import charges. Despite the significant savings, they insist that what they cherish most about Thailand is the relaxed pace of life and the rich culture.

Roshni shared: "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 enamoured with the culture - the opportunity to visit stunning temples, elephant sanctuaries and tours - as well as the tranquil and friendly locals.

She added: "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've fallen so deeply in love with the country 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 taxis.

Meal out: £60 vs £8.

Pint of lager: £5.50 vs £2.