Woman quits UK and now pays £150 rent for home in ‘paradise’ | Travel News | Travel

With the cost of everyday items and bills in the UK increasing every day as the cost of living crisis continues, it can be easy to daydream about what  life would be like elsewhere.  One Brit, named Casey, decided to make these daydreams into a reality, when she moved from Chorley, Lancashire, to a new and cheaper life in Vietnam. And she’s since taken to social media to document her new life on the other side of the world.

Vietnam was named the world’s most affordable place to live for the fifth year in a row, according to the Expat Insider 2025 survey by InterNations. And according to Forbes, 86 per cent of all expats in Vietnam praise the country’s cost of living and affordability – and Casey is one of them.

“Did you know that you can live in Vietnam for as little as £300 per month?” she said in one of her TikTok videos, which was made while she was living in Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in Vietnam well known for is gorgeous sandy beaches, scenic views, and iconic landmarks, like limestone caves and Buddhist shrines.

Casey moved to Vietnam in 2025, claiming she’d only given herself 24 hours to find an apartment, and still managed to find a luxurious apartment with pool access, for £490 a month for her and her boyfriend. She added: “I’ve been getting loads of comments that you can stay here for literally £150 per month.”

“It’s literal paradise here,” she said as she showed off the incredible views of her new flat. In a Facebook post, Casey recommended: “Do not look on Airbnb, use Facebook Marketplace because you’ll get it for literally half the price.”

Despite opting for a slightly more expensive apartment, which Casey said was mainly due to their tight deadline, she explained that she splits her rent with her boyfriend Taylor, which works out at £245 each a month, or £61.25 per week. And it’s not just accommodation that works out to be cheaper, as she’s also told her viewers that going out to eat at a restaurant is just as affordable.

“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, before going on for praising the taxis as they come ‘instantaneously’ and cost around £3 per ride. “So on average, I spend around £21 per week on taxi,” Casey revealed.

As for things to do, such as day trips or playing pickleball and badminton, the Brit revealed she spends on average £25-30, while also spending another £20 on things like massages.

For more essential spending, Casey said she also has travel insurance, which she pays £60 per month for, which averages at around £15 per week. As for making money, Casey works with her social media platforms and earns a living from her content.

People were left baffled by the amounts Casey said she was spending a week, as many said it made them think of making the same move. “Another great video! So so excited to get myself back to this stunning country,” one person said.

Another viewer commented: “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!!” someone else said.