A growing wave of young Britons are packing their bags and starting fresh abroad, citing rising costs, political tension, and the pressures of work life as key reasons for their departures.
Last year, the number of UK citizens moving overseas reached 257,000—far higher than the Office for National Statistics had previously reported.
The Cost of Living and Work Culture Push Many Away
Emma Hardie, a 33-year-old content creator from Glasgow, recently moved with her husband to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
She describes leaving the UK as a financial and cultural decision.
“Everywhere you turn, it felt like you were getting squeezed,” she said.
“Even going out in the UK is stressful with the price of parking, train tickets, and entry fees.”
In Malaysia, she enjoys a higher standard of living for a fraction of the cost.
“Electricity is seven times cheaper here,” she noted.
Beyond finances, Emma highlights the cultural differences: “We’d fallen into this work-grind cycle where nothing else mattered.
Here, life feels balanced again, almost like stepping back into the 1990s.”
Political Divisions and Stress Also Factor In
Other young professionals cited societal division and long working hours as major reasons to leave.
Ricardo, a 32-year-old software developer from Berkshire, relocated to Bratislava, Slovakia, before the last election.
“Everything in the UK was very expensive, and you don’t always know where your taxes are going,” he said. “I felt society was growing more divided, and I needed better work-life balance.
Here, I can work remotely and even take trips around Europe for the weekend.”
Finding Safety and Community Abroad
For some, safety and lifestyle were the deciding factors.
Alexandra Mocroft, 34, moved from Faversham, Kent, to Kraków, Poland, a year ago.
She rents a studio flat for just £400 a month while learning Polish, tutoring, and babysitting.
“It’s safe and quiet. I feel comfortable walking around, even at night,” she said.
Alexandra also enjoys the city’s efficient trams and finds the atmosphere more positive than in the UK.
“After seeing how Kraków recovered from war and communism, that spirit of reconstruction inspired me,” she said.
Business Opportunities and Lower Costs Attract Entrepreneurs
Some young Britons are relocating not just for lifestyle but also for career opportunities.
Joe Brady, 27, moved from Portsmouth to Bangkok, where he runs his own AI agency.
“My overheads are much lower here, which lets me invest more into my business,” he said.
“Life is less stressful, and I have more money in my back pocket.
For a young professional, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.”
Record Emigration Raises Political Debate
Net emigration from the UK has surged since last year’s general election, with a net 116,000 leaving between September 2023 and September 2024, far higher than previously estimated.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp attributed the exodus to rising taxes, warning that Britain is losing talent to cities like Dubai and Milan.
A Generational Shift in British Migration
From Kuala Lumpur to Kraków and Bangkok to Bratislava, young Britons are seeking affordability, safety, work-life balance, and opportunities abroad.
Many describe feeling disillusioned with political division and high costs at home, and none of the expats interviewed plan to return anytime soon.
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