- June 2, 2025
- Posted by: Regent Harbor Team
- Category: Business
Contents
From the Hustle of Austin to Tranquility in Thailand
Seven years back, Mike Holp was cruising through the busy streets of Austin as a food delivery worker. Earning just enough, around $15 to $20 an hour, he shared a modest rental with three others just outside of downtown.
The Austin Struggle
Despite a computer science degree, the tech job he dreamed of eluded him due to tough competition. Stuck in a limbo, Holp found himself asking, “What am I doing all this for? Just to get by?” His life in Austin began to feel unsustainable.
Breaking the Cycle
Every day, it was the same drill: long hours just to cover rent. Exhausted, he decided it was time for a change. In 2019, he saved up from his delivery gig and real estate photography, packed his bags, and bought a one-way ticket to Asia.
Finding Home in Thailand
After brief stops in Bali and Singapore, Holp found his groove in Thailand. In Chiang Mai, he met his fiancée, Mary. Wanting to be closer to her, Holp moved to Koh Samui.
House-Hunting Adventures
In Samui, Holp found their first home on Facebook Marketplace. After three years, they moved to a bigger property close to Mary’s new workplace. The rent? A mere 20,000 Thai baht, about $600 a month. Their modern home even stands raised to dodge flood worries.
Escaping the Rat Race
Holp’s daily routine now involves morning gym sessions on an islet and leisurely beach strolls. He runs a photography business and a consulting firm helping others relocate to Thailand. “It’s a much more relaxed lifestyle compared to Austin,” he shared. The lower cost of living in Thailand means he’s not constantly worried about rent.
Relishing the Simplicity
For Holp and his fiancée, monthly expenses range from 50,000 to 60,000 Thai baht ($1,500 to $1,800). Grocery runs cost around 2,000 baht. “Even the grocery store makes life easy—you can snag 30 eggs for just 5 bucks,” Holp noted.
Here’s a quick comparison of the cost of living:
| Expense Category | Thailand (Monthly) | Austin (Estimated Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $600 | $2,000 |
| Total Expenditure | $1,800 | Over $8,000 |
Cherishing the Island Life
Holp loves the warmth and friendliness of the locals. He feels very safe in Samui, something he never felt in Austin. “I don’t worry about locking doors unlike back in Austin,” he remarked. Plus, the big car culture in the US isn’t missed, thanks to the ease of getting around on his motorbike.
Holp hasn’t visited the US in five years, and frankly, he’s enjoying every bit of his new life.
Got a tale about relocating to share? Reach out to our reporter at agoh@businessinsider.com.
