Diem Huong moved to Canada and has been renting an apartment since October 2023. In mid-July, her family relocated from a smaller apartment to a larger three-bedroom house in Vancouver. The couple is currently in the process of furnishing and decorating the interior of their new home.

Having previously lived in a one-bedroom apartment, Diem Huong noted that some acquaintances expressed concern, believing her life abroad was "too difficult". However, she expressed satisfaction with her choice. After many ups and downs, at age 38, she no longer feels pressured by external judgments or opinions. Instead of rushing to "put down money" to buy a house in Vancouver - one of the world's most expensive cities - she chose to rent to maintain financial flexibility and avoid the burden of debt.

Diem Huong and her husband prepared a private bedroom for their 8-month-old son in their newly rented apartment. Photo: Supplied by subject.

The beauty queen calculated that a three-bedroom apartment in her area costs approximately 1 million CAD (over 18 billion VND). According to Miss World Vietnamese 2010, in Canada, one only needs to put down 10% to 30% of their own capital to acquire a home, but buyers face significant financial burdens from additional costs. Besides mortgage payments, homeowners must regularly pay property taxes, insurance fees, and monthly management fees. Each major apartment overhaul, occurring every 5 to 10 years, can cost tens of thousands of CAD (approximately 180-500 million VND).

Diem Huong and David Lieu in a photo commemorating their two-year wedding anniversary. Photo: Supplied by subject.

"My husband and I will wait for the right time, when our accumulated income is substantial enough to buy a house without being overly burdened or constantly stressed about tax and maintenance costs," the beauty queen stated.

The decision to move to a larger apartment stemmed from the family welcoming a new member - baby Ong, 8 months old. Additionally, Diem Huong also required a private space for her business operations.

Currently, the beauty is both caring for her infant and working part-time as a bridal makeup artist and cosmetic tattooist for the Vietnamese community. She mentioned that client numbers are not yet consistent, and her personal income only covers her individual needs. All family living expenses and rent are currently borne by her husband, David Lieu, thanks to his business work at an automotive corporation.

Diem Huong (second from left) with her family traveling at Lake Louise, Canada in March. Photo: Supplied by subject.

The addition of a new baby has tightened the family's finances, compelling the couple to minimize shopping expenses. The beauty queen views this frugal lifestyle not merely as a temporary solution but also as a method of raising her children. She wants her eldest son, Noah, 11, to learn financial management through his parents' practical way of life. Besides sharing household chores, the couple also maintains the habit of organizing short outings and trips to strengthen family bonds.

Diem Huong, 36, won Miss World Vietnamese in 2010. She competed in Miss Earth 2010, reaching the top 14. She also participated in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant in the US. In early 2024, she married for the third time and gave birth to her second child late last year.

Hoang Dung