Couple leave 'miserable' UK for holiday spot with 28C winters and £300 rent
A couple have ditched the "miserable" weather and skyrocketing rent in the UK for 28C winters in Egypt and say their rent is now less than half the price. Kelsey O’Mahoney, 26, and her partner, Russell Edwards, 41, a taxi driver, decided to move to the popular tourist destination of Hurghada in January 2025, after enjoying a few blissful holidays there.The duo, originally from Cannock, Staffordshire, swapped their £820 a month rent for a two-bed flat for a swish three-bedroom apartment that costs just £300 and now spend their days relaxing in the sun and exploring their surroundings. Kelsey, who previously worked as a PA back in the UK, is now aiming to build a career as a full-time content creator by sharing insights into her new life of leisure.The pair, who have been together for five years, said they were desperate to escape the "depressing weather" and "expensive rent" in the UK and decided to relocate 2,600 miles away for a new life in the sunshine.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 fell in love with Egypt after holidaying there when visiting Russell's parents, who have lived in the North African nation for seven years. Attracted by the hot weather, friendly locals and low price of renting, they packed their bags in January 2025 and headed to Hurghada, a city along the Red Sea coast.Saying goodbye to friends and family was hard for the couple, but they promised their relatives they could come and stay with them anytime. The pair were paying £820 a month in rent back in the UK, but are now living in a plush two-bed apartment for just £300 a month.Kelsey and Russell aren't currently working in Egypt, but have been using their social media platforms to promote the country and to help tourists book onto excursions, with the aim of becoming full-time 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.They also spend just £20 a month on household bills, including wifi, electricity and water, compared to the £380 a month they were paying back home. Their favourite thing about the country is the people, who they say are so welcoming and kind.Despite a few language barriers, the couple haven't had any struggles so far and are hoping to live in Egypt long term. They share their story on @kelsinegypt and @edhertz.Kelsey and Russell's costs in the UK and EgyptRent in UK: £820Rent in Egypt: £300Bills in UK: £380Bills in Egypt: £20Weekly food shop in UK: £80Weekly food shop in Egypt: £40Meal out in UK: £70Meal out in Egypt: £10
