A family moved to Cyprus and didn’t regret it (Image: SWNS)
A British family who became fed up with dreary UK life and lengthy working hours relocated to Cyprus – and can now enjoy a more contented lifestyle on one parent’s salary than they managed on two incomes in the UK.
Sarah Moore, 48, and husband James, 47, initially brought up their children Bea, nine, and Miles, five, in Marton, Middlesbrough.
However, the couple became worn out by 60-hour working weeks that allowed minimal family time, £400-a-month heating and council tax bills, and escalating crime levels.
Sarah, a former educator, also became sceptical of the schooling system where Bea battled with stress and severe criticism from overworked teachers, she explained.
IT specialist James, who resided in Cyprus during his twenties whilst serving in the military, proposed relocating there – for superior schools, enhanced work-life balance, reduced crime levels, and more economical living costs.
Following a job offer in IT in Protaras – on a UK salary with a UK firm, but working remotely – in November 2024, they relocated in April this year.
Sarah and James claim the entire family became “instantly happier”.
Currently, they feel considerably safer with reduced crime rates, the youngsters love their new international school, and monthly rent on their villa is practically identical to their mortgage payments back home despite having additional space, a seafront location and a swimming pool.
Moreover, James works fewer hours but earns sufficient income that the family can survive on just ONE salary – providing more family time than ever previously. Stay-at-home mum Sarah expressed her concerns about the UK education system, stating: “In the UK schools there is so much pressure on the kids and they were both unhappy.”
She also highlighted the high cost of living in the UK, saying: “And James and I were working such long hours but life is so expensive in the UK.”
Sarah revealed that her husband’s decision to apply for a job in Cyprus was somewhat spontaneous: “James applied for a job in Cyprus almost on a whim.”
The couple had a backup plan if things didn’t work out: “We thought, if it didn’t work out, we’d call it an adventure and then move back home.”
However, their move turned out to be a dream come true: “But everything is amazing and the place is absolutely beautiful.”
she said. “It’s a dream I never thought would be possible.”
Sarah, who used to be a teacher in the UK, became disillusioned with the education system.
She shared how her daughter Bea struggled under the pressure, even having difficulty sleeping: “Bea is very intelligent but the environment – well, oppressive is too strong a word, but it was not enjoyable.”
Drawing from her two decades of teaching experience, she observed: “In my experience over 20 years of teaching at several UK schools, it’s the same everywhere.”
Acknowledging the long workdays, poor work-life balance and lack of family time, Sarah and James began considering a move.
Their decision was solidified following the Southport stabbings in July 2024, which resulted in the death of three children at a dance class similar to one attended by Bea.
Sarah confessed: “I know we were nowhere near Southport, but we could imagine it happening.
“We didn’t want to live in a place where that happens.”
James suggested moving to Cyprus, having lived and loved it there in his twenties.
Sarah said: “James said English is widely spoken, they drive on the same side of the road, and the crime rates are low.
“Plus, the education system appealed to me, living costs are lower, the weather is amazing and the people are known to be very warm and welcoming.”
They swiftly made themselves at home in a three-bedroom property complete with swimming pool, mere moments from the coastline in a family-orientated area.
Despite Sarah being unable to work due to visa restrictions, the monthly rent comes to just €1,500 (£1,311) – whilst James puts in 20 fewer hours than he did back in Britain.
She said: “We can afford the life on just one income.
“The council tax here costs for the year what we paid per month in England.
“Petrol is definitely cheaper too – and you don’t even fill your car yourself, someone comes and fills it for you!”.
“We go out for a meal once a week and what would cost £100 in England costs just £68 here.”
Sarah revealed their international school is so superior that Bea is managing to sleep through the night once more.
Sarah explained the teaching staff face less strain, making everything more pupil-focused, whilst parents receive greater encouragement to get involved in their children’s learning.
Meanwhile, Miles will remain in nursery to “learn through play” until he reaches seven, instead of four or five as in Britain – with classes capped at 20 pupils maximum.
She added: “English is widely spoken but the kids learn Greek too – my son’s class is entirely bilingual.
“Everyone is absolutely lovely – a wide variety of nationalities – the teachers, parents and our neighbours are so friendly and make an effort.”
Sarah expressed that their new home is a dream come true due to the overall lifestyle, allowing them to spend more quality time together and have fun.
She described: “It’s beautiful with gorgeous beaches and more family time than I ever imagined.
“The kids get home at 2pm and my husband is home by 3pm so we can go for a lovely walk, or the beach or in the pool after school.
“On the weekends, we go to the beach, visit lovely villages or go to attractions like the waterparks or camel park.”
They love it so much they can never see a move back to the UK for themselves.
The move has been life-changing (Image: SWNS)
Sarah explained: “It was a big move but in a lot of ways, it wasn’t scary.
“It felt like a no-brainer – us and the kids were so unhappy in the UK so we didn’t have much to lose.
“Of course we do miss our family and friends back home, but they can come and visit us and see why we love it so much.
“I was amazed by how easy it has been and how quickly the kids have adapted.
“It’s a dream I never imagined would be possible.
“What we’ve gained in terms of lifestyle and family time leaves me seeing no reason to return to the UK.”
MONTHLY COSTS – CYPRUS VS UK:.
Grocery shop: £100 a week – same in both countries.
Monthly rent/mortgage payments: £1,200 in the UK, and £1,300 in Cyprus.
Meal out: £60-£70 in Cyprus, £100 in the UK.
Fuel for car: about 30p a litre cheaper in Cyprus.
Pint of beer: £3.60 in Cyprus, £5-£6 in the UK.
Council tax: £25 a month in Cyprus, £260 a month in the UK.
ENDS.
