Kate, Leigh and their children (pictured) packed up their lives in Sydney and moved to Bali. Picture: Supplied
An Aussie family has revealed why they packed up their lives and moved to Bali.
Kate and Leigh were casually chatting in a cafe in Sydney’s Erskineville when they made the bold decision to move abroad with their two children.
“I was imagining us aimlessly wandering Sydney, sipping coffee with no real purpose. But then we realised, why not do something extraordinary?” Kate told The Daily Mail.
Within months, the family had swapped Sydney’s sky-high costs for Bali’s breezy affordability. They settled in Canggu.
One of the things the family noticed was the cost of living.
Villas ranged from $25,000 to $140,000 per year, and often included household staff, cleaners, gardeners, and pool maintenance.
The $25,000 price tag equates to $480 a week, a substantial difference to the average weekly cost of renting a home in Australia at $800 a week, according to PropTrack data.
The cost of a local meal for a family-of-four is just $15, while transport via Gojek scooters was rarely more than $1.20.
“We live in gym clothes,’ Leigh said.
“We’ve simplified everything. It’s healthier, cheaper, and we spend more time together.”
MORE: Fortune left behind by John Laws revealed
FlightCentre heir’s 99 Bikes $17m store axing
Shock: Andrew paid Queen Lodge with pepper
Kate, Leigh and their children (pictured) packed up their lives in Sydney and moved to Bali. Picture: Supplied
The family’s story comes as a number of Aussies are moving abroad as the cost of living pressures mount.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 30,000 Australians left than returned in 2022–23, followed by over 24,000 in 2023–24, the highest net departures in nearly a decade.
Another hotspot attracting Australians is Dubai, thanks to its zero income tax, safety, and luxury lifestyle.
With more Aussies relocating overseas, experts fear a “brain drain”, a loss of talent to countries offering a better lifestyle and financial freedom.
Simone Collins, founder of Our Year in Bali says motivations for the move are changing.
“Before, it was all about adventure,” she told Daily Mail.
“Now, it’s about survival. Families are coming to Bali because they’re overwhelmed by the cost of living in Australia, especially childcare, housing, and everyday expenses.”
The family say that the cost of living changes are the most noticeable in their Bali lifestyle. Picture: Instagram
Ms Collins told the outlet that she’s seen a surge in inquiries from young families and retirees alike, particularly from Sydney and Melbourne.
“People are exhausted. They’re working long hours, paying high taxes, and missing time with their kids. In Bali, their money goes further, and they get their time back,” Ms Collins said.
“Food is at least 30 to 40 per cent cheaper. Transport, domestic help, and childcare are dramatically more affordable.
“Even if housing costs are similar, you’re getting a villa with a pool and staff, not a cramped apartment.”
MORE: New era for Michael Hutchence movie site
English (US) · 