Couple swap ‘depressing’ UK for spot with 28C winters and £300 rent

A couple have traded the “miserable” British weather and soaring rent costs for balmy 28C winters in Egypt, where they now pay less than half their previous rent. Kelsey O’Mahoney, 26, and her partner, Russell Edwards, 41, a taxi driver, opted to relocate to the popular tourist hotspot of Hurghada in January 2025, following several idyllic holidays there.

The pair, originally from Cannock, Staffordshire, exchanged their £820 monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat for a luxurious three-bedroom apartment costing just £300. They now spend their days basking in the sun and exploring their new environment.

Kelsey, formerly a PA in the UK, is now striving to establish herself as a full-time content creator, sharing glimpses into her relaxed new lifestyle.

Having been together for five years, the couple were eager to escape the “depressing weather” and “expensive rent” in the UK, choosing to embark on a new life 2,600 miles away under sunnier skies.

Kelsey said: “We’d been on holiday to Egypt a few times and Russ’ parents have lived there for over seven years, so we thought we’d make a go of it ourselves. We fancied a change, a challenge and a new life.

“It was hard saying goodbye to family, as we’re all so close, but I’ve said they can visit anytime, it’s only a flight away. Every day here is so busy.

“We love the heat, the views, the clear blue skies, we don’t miss the depressing UK weather. I think people think in January and February it will be cold, but today has been 28C.

“Renting was so expensive in the UK, we were paying £820 a month; our new apartment is £300. Food is so cheap too, a punnet of fresh strawberries at the market is 40p and a two-course meal costs less than £10.

“The people here are so welcoming, Egyptians are amazing people. Our aim is to become content creators and promote Egypt worldwide.”

Kelsey and Russell developed their affection for Egypt while on holiday visiting Russell’s parents, who have resided in the North African country for seven years. Drawn by the warm climate, hospitable locals and affordable accommodation costs, they departed in January 2025 for Hurghada, a coastal city situated along the Red Sea.

Bidding farewell to loved ones proved difficult for the duo, though they assured family members they were welcome to visit at any time. The couple previously paid £820 monthly in rent in Britain, but now occupy a luxurious two-bedroom flat for merely £300 per month.

Kelsey and Russell aren’t presently employed in Egypt, but have been using their social media channels to showcase the nation and assist tourists in arranging excursions, aspiring to become professional content creators.

“We’re trying to create content with local people to get the word out on how cheap things are, and to encourage people to come on holiday,” she said. Their monthly household bills, encompassing wifi, electricity and water, amount to a mere £20, in stark contrast to the £380 they were shelling out back home.

The couple’s favourite aspect of the country is its people, whom they describe as incredibly welcoming and kind.

Despite encountering a few language hurdles, the pair have faced no significant difficulties thus far and are planning to make Egypt their long-term residence. They share their journey on @kelsinegypt and @edhertz.

A comparison of Kelsey and Russell’s expenses in the UK and Egypt

Rent in the UK: £820

Weekly food shop in the UK: £80

Weekly food shop in Egypt: £40