I ditched the UK and moved to a ‘paradise island’ – rent is only £300 a month and I can eat out for £1.12
A YOUNG woman has revealed that she ditched life in the UK and now lives on a ‘paradise island’.
After feeling “unfulfilled” and living “paycheck to paycheck”, Claudia sold everything she owned, quit her corporate job and jetted abroad.
The 31-year-old was just 24 when she first ventured to Thailand in search of like-minded people who weren’t stuck complaining about the bad weather and cost of living crisis back home.
It was in 2023 when the youngster uprooted her life and moved to Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest.
In the sunny destination, which she described as ‘paradise’, she started her own social strategy business.
Now, the travel enthusiast is able to live a much more affordable lifestyle and claimed that while rent is only £300 a month, meals out can be as cheap as £1.12.
The content creator even has a maid, so no longer has to stress about things like changing her bedding, doing laundry, or even ironing.
Posting on social media, Claudia has given her followers an insight into her life abroad, as she said: “I live in Koh Samui and it is a bit more expensive here but that is because it’s a paradise island.”
Claudia then shared a breakdown of living costs in Thailand, as she explained: “It completely depends on your lifestyle – as a bare minimum, if you are happy on a budget, you could probably survive on about £1,000 a month here.
“You could get some accommodation for £300 to £400 a month, the cheapest meals are around 50 to 60 Thai Baht [£1.12 to £1.35].”
Cooking is no longer a stress for Claudia, as she often eats out for every meal.
In another video, Claudia provided a breakdown of how much she typically spends on food in just one day.
She revealed: “I kicked off the day with a Pad Krapow for £1.58, then I got some fresh pineapple from the fruit store for 60p.”
The brunette then continued her day with an iced coffee on the beach for £3.80, followed by a poke bowl in a beautiful cafe and another iced coffee for £10.
Moving house hacks
1. Declutter Before You Pack
Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load.
2. Create an Inventory
Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move.
3. Use Quality Packing Materials
Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move.
4. Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized.
5. Pack a ‘First Day’ Box
Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day.
6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup
Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place.
7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items
Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury.
8. Colour-Code Your Boxes
Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home.
Then she had glass noodles and sipped a coconut on the beach whilst watching the sunset for only £5.60, bringing the total of Claudia’s food for the day to just £21.58.
‘Dream’ lifestyle
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @islandlifewithclaudia, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 320,700 views, 2,677 likes and 208 comments.
Social media users were gobsmacked by Claudia’s affordable way of life and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their thoughts on her ‘dream’ lifestyle.
Looks amazing in Koh Samui
TikTok user
One person said: “Koh Samui is my favourite place in the world. You are living the dream!”
Another added: “Looks amazing in Koh Samui.”
A third commented: “I need to move there. Visiting in November this year but I want to get out of the UK.”
Meanwhile, someone else simply wrote: “My dream.”
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club