Alysha Nij, 28, was working three jobs in the UK, clocking 12-hour shifts from 8am to 10pm, yet still living pay cheque to pay cheque. In March 2026, she moved to Langkawi, Malaysia, where her rent is just £190 a month – a saving of £1,100 compared to her previous London flat. Her new one-bedroom apartment is two minutes from the beach and includes bills.
From Three Jobs to Two Businesses
Originally from Leeds, Alysha worked in creative management, social media management, and special effects makeup artistry. After trips to Malaysia and China in September 2025, she was drawn to the relaxed lifestyle. She sold all her possessions, returned to her parents' home in Leeds to save, and left for Malaysia on May 29. Now, she has dropped two jobs and is focusing on launching two businesses: one importing and exporting products from China, and another supporting female solo travellers.
“The UK is really difficult for young people and it's super expensive,” she said. “I was constantly burnt out, but I still didn't feel financially free. It's a different world out here; the people are so friendly, relaxed and happy.”
Cost of Living Comparison
Alysha highlights dramatic cost differences: a meal out in London costs £20, while in Malaysia it is 50p. Coffees are around 70p, and taxi rides never exceed £1. When furnishing her new home, she spent just £12 at a local discount store for cutlery, crockery, towels, and storage – compared to £380 when she moved to London.
“It's super affordable, and you get more than what you paid for,” she noted. She now does freelance creative management part-time, as her monthly outgoings are drastically reduced.
Safety and Lifestyle Improvements
Alysha feels safer in Malaysia than in London. “Whenever I was walking around in the UK, I'd always get cat calls and have to be wary of my belongings, but here it's a completely different environment,” she explained. “It takes so much mental stress away, especially being a woman.”
Her parents, who have Malaysian roots, plan to join her once she is settled. She is applying for Malaysian residency and hopes to buy property in Malaysia or China within a year.
Cost Breakdown
- Rent for a one-bed flat in London: £1,300 a month
- Rent for a one-bed flat in Malaysia: £190 a month
- Meal out in London: £20
- Meal out in Malaysia: 50p
- Home essentials in London: £380
- Home essentials in Malaysia: £12
Alysha documents her journey on Instagram at @alyshainasia.
