Couple Finds New Life in Egypt with Dramatic Cost Savings
A young British couple has made a bold move, leaving behind what they describe as the "miserable" weather and soaring rental costs of the United Kingdom for a sun-drenched existence in Egypt. Kelsey O'Mahoney, 26, and her partner Russell Edwards, 41, relocated to the popular Red Sea resort city of Hurghada in January 2025, seeking a warmer climate and a significantly more affordable lifestyle.
Escaping the UK's High Costs and Grey Skies
The couple, originally from Cannock in Staffordshire, were paying £820 per month for a two-bedroom flat in the UK. They have now upgraded to a spacious three-bedroom apartment in Hurghada for just £300 per month—a reduction of more than 60%. Beyond housing, their overall cost of living has plummeted.
"We were desperate to escape the depressing weather and the expensive rent in the UK," Kelsey explained. "Every day here is so busy. We love the heat, the views, the clear blue skies. We don't miss the UK weather at all." She highlighted that even in January and February, temperatures can reach a balmy 28 degrees Celsius.
A Detailed Breakdown of Financial Savings
The financial benefits of their move extend far beyond rent. Their monthly household bills, including wifi, electricity, and water, have dropped from £380 in the UK to a mere £20 in Egypt. Groceries and dining out have also become remarkably cheaper.
- Rent: UK: £820 | Egypt: £300
- Monthly Bills: UK: £380 | Egypt: £20
- Weekly Food Shop: UK: £80 | Egypt: £40
- Meal for Two: UK: £70 | Egypt: £10
"Food is so cheap too," Kelsey noted. "A punnet of fresh strawberries at the market is 40p, and a two-course meal costs less than £10."
Building a New Career and Community
Professionally, both are embarking on a new path. Russell previously worked as a taxi driver, while Kelsey was a personal assistant. They are now focusing on building careers as full-time content creators, using their social media platforms to promote Egypt as a tourist destination and share insights into their expat life.
"Our aim is to become content creators and promote Egypt worldwide," Kelsey said. "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." They share their journey on Instagram under the handles @kelsinegypt and @edhertz.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
The decision to move 2,600 miles away was not without its emotional hurdles. The couple, who have been together for five years, found saying goodbye to close family and friends difficult. However, they have an open invitation for visits. "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," Kelsey remarked.
They were drawn to Hurghada not only by the climate and costs but also by Russell's parents, who have lived in Egypt for over seven years. The couple cites the welcoming nature of the Egyptian people as one of the best aspects of their new home. Despite some language barriers, they report no significant struggles and plan to reside in Egypt long-term, fully embracing their new life of sunshine, exploration, and financial freedom.
