US Couple Sells Everything at 55, Starts Nomadic Life in Bali on $3,000 a Month

Shane and Sherry Peterson, who had spent years building a family and career in Arizona, decided at age 55 to sell everything they owned—their home, car, and physical therapy business—to pursue a nomadic lifestyle. The decision was influenced by the death of Sherry's mother, who had long dreamed of traveling after retirement but passed away from cancer just months before she could.

The couple bought one-way tickets to Bali, which became their first stop. There, they rented a home with a private pool for about $900 a month and gradually adapted to local life—shopping at markets, eating at affordable restaurants, and renting motorbikes for transportation. They initially felt uncertain due to the language barrier and lack of a concrete plan.

After Bali, the couple traveled to Thailand and other countries, living out of just two suitcases. Over roughly three years, they have visited more than 10 countries, keeping their monthly budget—covering food, lodging, entertainment, and transportation—under $3,000, sometimes even less in Southeast Asia.

Their experience offers a practical example for others considering long-term stays in places like Bali, where lower living costs can support an extended, budget-conscious lifestyle abroad.