A man has opened up about how he used to live in the UK, but decided to take a chance on Crete, and the cost of living compared to England has completely floored him09:38, 23 May 2026Everyone who lives in the UK is acutely aware the cost of living has risen in recent years - but it's all too easy to assume it's the exact same situation everywhere else in the world.‌But one man has shared he moved to Crete with his wife and daughter 18 months ago, and he's enjoying himself a lot more now. He's even able to afford a three-bedroom villa with a home gym, and organic groceries, which would not have been an option for him in the UK. Russell Grant said he wanted to "inspire" people to "start acting on that dream," saying you can "create your own version of freedom".‌He moved to become a digital nomad and said people often ask about the cost of living in Crete compared to the UK.‌Russell shared when he lived in the UK, he was renting a two-bedroom semi-detached house in the South East of England, which he admitted wasn't in "the nicest of areas".He was paying £1,400 a month in rent, and £140 a month in council tax, and all his bills would cost around £200 to £300 a month, "depending on the season".Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Russell said when it came to food, "you know what's going on in the UK," meaning that groceries are really not cheap.He said: "Now, I live in a beautiful three-bedroom villa with a massive 90 square foot rooftop. We've got 100 square feet of land around us, we've got fresh pomegranates, lemons and clementines every day."I've got my own home gym at the back here, you can see, and a nice little swimming pool for me, my wife, and my daughter. And this sets us back £850 per month.‌"There's no council tax, and the bins that get taken round there get taken every single morning, get taken for free. Our electricity and water every month is about 90 to 100 euros, so about 70 to 80 quid."And the cost of us eating every single week, buying organic fresh food like fruit and veg from round the corner [...] costs around £100 to £120 a week for all three of us to eat."Russell also pointed out if they eat in a taverna, it only costs them around £30 to £35, for "about eight to nine courses, with half a carafe of wine, and a nice little meal" for his daughter, too.Article continues belowIn the comments, one man pointed out: "Don’t forget to mention that all this is affordable if you can keep the 'UK' income. Locals are struggling over there, too."Also, just a side note: I wouldn’t promote any beautiful country and encourage people to move there, otherwise they will be ruined by all the Brits and Americans eventually."Another added: "Well done, my friend, you did the right thing early in your lives, and I’m sure you won’t regret it! Get well integrated in your new environment, learn the lingo, and you’ll be fine!!! I wish you and all your family all the best in your new life and start living well!!"