The allure of a tropical paradise and the promise of a more affordable lifestyle have long tempted many Australians to dream of a life beyond their shores. For one Sydney family, that dream became a reality when they traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the serene beaches and lush landscapes of Bali.
Now, they’re sharing their story and revealing why they have no intention of returning to their former home Down Under.
Ben and Lou, a couple who recently embraced parenthood, found themselves weighed down by the high cost of living in Sydney. With rent for a modest two-bedroom apartment costing them a staggering $4,200 a month and full-time childcare fees adding another $2,300 to their monthly expenses, the financial strain was palpable.
It was during a visit to Bali that the seed of relocation was planted. The island’s laid-back lifestyle and lower cost of living presented an enticing alternative to their stressful life in Sydney.
The couple’s entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish a business which they could operate remotely. This newfound flexibility, coupled with their desire to escape the financial pressures of Sydney, set the stage for their bold move to Bali.
Lou’s encounter with an old school friend who had already made the move to Bali further fuelled their decision. Witnessing firsthand the quality of life and the affordability of a beautiful villa, the couple was convinced. They took the plunge and relocated with their three-year-old son Archie, initially on a two-month tourist visa.
To extend their stay, they invested $1,500 in a 12-month Indonesian E33G visa, a decision they said they don’t regret.
The contrast between their lives in Sydney and Bali is stark. In Bali, they rent a spacious two-storey, three-bedroom villa in the family-friendly area of Sanur for $3,000 per month—$1,200 less than their Sydney apartment.
‘I overlook a tropical garden and the pool from my home office and Archie does swimming lessons every week with an instructor who comes around for $20,’ Lou said.
Moreover, the family benefits from the services of a housekeeper who assists with daily chores for $300 a month and a gardener who maintains their lush surroundings for $70 a month.
Childcare is also significantly more affordable, with a nanny providing 32 hours of care per week for $150 and full-time daycare for Archie costing only $400 per month.
Their transportation and food expenses have also decreased dramatically. Scooter rides cost as little as $1, and car trips are a mere $2 for an eight-minute drive. Groceries are delivered to their door, and dining out is a fraction of the cost, with dishes like a $3 vegetable stir fry becoming a regular indulgence.
Even healthcare is more accessible and affordable, with a GP consult costing just $5. The family’s quality of life has improved so much that the thought of returning to Sydney is now far from their minds.
‘We’ve been given an elevated lifestyle and the things we wanted in Australia are a reality here. We have it so good that it will be very hard to leave,’ Lou shared.
This family’s story is a narrative that could resonate with many Australians who may be contemplating a similar leap, whether for retirement or a change of pace.
For our readers considering a move abroad, it’s essential to research and understand the legal requirements, such as visas and permits, and to consider the long-term implications for pensions and healthcare. But as Ben and Lou’s experience shows, with careful planning and a spirit of adventure, a new chapter in a tropical paradise could well be within reach.
Have you ever considered making a move like this? What’s holding you back, or what’s pushing you forward? Share your thoughts and experiences with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below.
Also read: Why Australia is becoming the go-to destination for migrants from this nation
