As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets across Britain, many are dreaming of escaping to a more affordable lifestyle abroad. For one British woman, that dream has become a stunning reality after she swapped her home in Chorley, Lancashire, for a new life in Vietnam, a country repeatedly named the world's most budget-friendly destination.
From Lancashire to a Coastal Paradise
Casey, originally from Chorley in Lancashire, made the bold decision to relocate to Vietnam in 2025, seeking a sunnier and significantly cheaper alternative to life in the UK. She now resides in Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city celebrated for its expansive sandy beaches, dramatic limestone caves, and serene Buddhist temples.
In a series of social media updates, Casey has detailed the remarkably low costs that define her new lifestyle, capturing the attention of thousands online.
Accommodation: Luxury for Less
Despite giving herself just 24 hours to find a place to live upon arrival, Casey secured a luxurious apartment complete with swimming pool facilities for £490 per month, which she shares with her partner, Taylor. This splits the cost to £245 each monthly, or approximately £61.25 per week.
"I've been getting loads of comments that you can stay here for literally £150 per month," Casey revealed in a TikTok video, emphasising that even more basic accommodation is available at that price point. She advised prospective movers to avoid platforms like Airbnb and instead use Facebook Marketplace to find properties at half the price.
Food and Transport: Astonishingly Affordable
When it comes to daily expenses, Casey highlights the extreme affordability of dining and getting around. "Food is obviously super affordable - if you eat the western food it's £4 per meal, but if you eat Vietnamese food it's £1 per meal," she explained.
Transport costs are equally minimal, with taxi journeys typically costing around £3 each and arriving almost instantly. On average, Casey spends about £21 per week on taxis, making local travel both convenient and cheap.
Entertainment and Essentials
For leisure activities, such as excursions, playing pickleball, or badminton, Casey allocates roughly £25 to £30 weekly. She also sets aside another £20 for treats like massages, which are widely available at low prices.
On the essential side, she maintains travel insurance at a cost of £60 per month, breaking down to about £15 weekly. Casey generates her income through social media content creation, leveraging her online presence to fund her new lifestyle.
Global Recognition for Affordability
Vietnam's status as a budget haven is well-documented. It has been crowned the world's most affordable destination for five consecutive years in the InterNations' Expat Insider survey, with the 2025 edition reinforcing this ranking. Furthermore, Forbes reports that a staggering 86% of expatriates living in Vietnam praise the country's low cost of living.
Casey's experience echoes these findings, as she enthusiastically describes her new home. "It's literal paradise here," she said, showcasing the breathtaking views from her apartment.
Inspiring Others to Consider a Move
Her revelations have sparked considerable interest and debate among viewers, with many expressing a desire to follow in her footsteps. Comments on her posts include:
- "Another great video! So so excited to get myself back to this stunning country."
- "I was planning on moving to Thailand permanently but after researching Vietnam especially Da Nang I'm now heading there."
- "I need to move to Vietnam. It's so beautiful and the fooood!"
As living costs in the UK remain a pressing concern, stories like Casey's offer a compelling glimpse into an alternative life where financial pressures are significantly reduced, and quality of life is enhanced by stunning surroundings and cultural richness.
