A British family has left the 'hamster wheel' of UK life to move to Bali, where they are saving £2,783 a month on living expenses. Joseph Oxley, 37, and his wife Rebecca, 37, who home-school their three children, sold their four-bedroom house in Darley Dale, Derbyshire, for £390,000 and departed the UK in February 2026. They have been based in Bali since April, spending just £1,760 monthly on all expenses compared to £4,543 in the UK.
Cancer scare prompted decisive action
The couple had discussed relocating abroad for years but continually found excuses to delay the dream. Their decision became urgent when Rebecca discovered a lump in her neck, and medics warned there was an 80 per cent chance it could be cancer. Joseph said: "The world fell in. We didn't know what to do. My wife survived breast cancer when she was 22, so hearing that was a massive blow." The family paid for private medical tests and were greatly relieved to learn the lump was benign. However, the frightening ordeal convinced them they could no longer put off their plans.
From Australia dreams to Bali reality
The family originally aimed to move to Australia after a holiday in October 2024, but struggled to find suitable employment. A family break to Spain in summer 2025 sealed their resolve to quit the UK for good. Joseph said: "We were standing in the sea having a chat and saying, what are we doing? We were spending time on the beach in a good climate and hated the thought of going back." Within a week of returning home, they put their house on the market, receiving an offer in October 2025 before leaving the UK in February 2026.
Lower cost of living transforms lifestyle
In Bali, the family rents a private villa with a pool for £600 a month, compared to their UK mortgage of £1,387. Their transport costs dropped from £950 to £60, and food bills fell from £1,600 to £1,100. Energy bills are included in the rent, and there is no council tax. Joseph said: "If you went for a pub meal for five in England you're looking at £100 at least. In Bali, five of us can eat out for around £50 including drinks and desserts."
Positive community and slower pace
Rebecca noted the warmth of the local community: "In Bali everyone is so helpful, friendly and positive. They're very proud of their culture and traditions and love teaching people about them." The couple's three children, aged 13, 11 and six, have adapted well. Joseph said: "You could see the stress in them in the UK, which is crazy because kids should be kids. Here they're happier, lighter and enjoying themselves." The family remains uncertain about their final destination, with Australia still a possibility, but they are currently enjoying the freedom and slower pace of life in Bali.
