Sarah Moore, 48, and her husband James, 47, started raising their children Bea, nine, and Miles, five, in Marton, Middlesbrough, but were tired of the long days and high bills.
As a result, the British family, tired of the monotonous life and grueling work schedule, moved to Cyprus and now live much happier, having only one salary, than they once had two in the UK.
The couple were exhausted by 60-hour work weeks that left little time for family, monthly heating bills and £400 council tax, and rising crime rates. Sarah, a former teacher, said she had lost confidence in the British education system, where Bea suffered stress and strict demands from overworked teachers.
IT specialist James, who lived in Cyprus as a young man while serving in the army, suggested moving to the island in search of an ideal work-life balance, better education and security.
After receiving an IT job offer in Protaras in November 2024, the family moved to Cyprus in April this year.
According to the couple, “the whole family instantly became happier.” They now feel much safer thanks to low crime rates, the children are delighted with their new international school, and the monthly rent for the villa is almost the same as the previous mortgage payments, while the property is larger, located by the sea and has a swimming pool.
James works fewer hours, but earns enough for the family to live on one salary, devoting more time to spending time together. Sarah, a housewife, emphasized:
“Children are under enormous pressure in British schools and they were unhappy. James and I worked long hours, but life in the UK was getting more and more expensive.”
She added that the decision to move was spontaneous:
“James applied for a job in Cyprus almost by accident. We decided that if it didn’t work out, we’d take it as an adventure. But everything turned out amazing, and the place is just magnificent. This is a dream that I never thought about and didn’t think would ever come true.”
Sarah, who worked as a teacher for more than 20 years, admitted that she was disillusioned with the British education system. Her daughter Bee suffered from blood pressure and even had difficulty sleeping at night.
“Bea is very smart, but the atmosphere at school was difficult. Throughout my career, I have seen the same thing in every school where I have taught,” she said.
The decision to move was strengthened by the tragic events in Southport in July 2024, when three children died during a dance class - a similar class Bea had attended.
“We didn’t want to live in a place where that was possible,” Sarah said.
James suggested moving to Cyprus, where he had once lived and was delighted with the country.
“James said they speak English here, they drive on the left and the crime rate is low. I was attracted by the education system, climate and hospitable people,” said Sarah.
The family quickly settled into a three-room house with a swimming pool, just a few steps from the sea, in a family-oriented area. Despite Sarah not working due to visa restrictions, rent is just €1,500 (around £1,310) and James now works 20 hours less than in the UK.
“We can afford to live on one income. Council tax here costs the same as we paid per month in England. Gasoline is cheaper, and the car is refueled right on the spot. A dinner that would cost £100 in England costs £68 here,” Sarah added.
She says the new international school has helped Bee sleep soundly at night again. Teachers here are less overloaded and create a more welcoming atmosphere, involving parents in the learning process.
Miles attends a play-based nursery until the age of seven (instead of four or five in the UK), and classes are limited to twenty children.
“The children are learning Greek, my son’s class is completely bilingual. Everyone - from teachers to parents - is incredibly friendly,” said Sarah.
The family enjoys their new lifestyle:
“There are great beaches, more time together and a feeling of freedom. The kids get home from school at 2:00 p.m., the husband returns at 3:00 p.m., and we can go to the beach, for a walk, or just for a swim. On weekends there are excursions, villages, a water park or a camel park.”
Sarah admitted that she has no plans to return to the UK:
“It was a serious step, but not a terrible one. We were miserable and had nothing to lose. Of course, we miss our friends, but they can come to us. We are happy here. This is a dream come true."
Monthly expenses: Cyprus vs UK Food (week) £100 (UK) - £100 (Cyprus) Rent - mortgage - £1200 (UK) - £1300 (Cyprus) Dinner in a restaurant - £100 (UK) - £60-70 (Cyprus) Car fuel Cyprus - 30p cheaper per liter Pint beer - £5-6 (UK) - £3.60 (Cyprus) Council tax £260 per month (UK) - £25 per month (Cyprus)
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
