$2,000 Philippines Budget per Month

[@MisterDigDug]

I study every budget video I see. My spreadsheet has many items not listed by one or more bloggers. But taking the best of them all gives me a dynamic all inclusive list. Thanks for budget info & the enthusiasm in which you shared it. I’m about 4 months behind you. Philippines bound in 2025.

[@ntnurobert218]

Hi Britt, I think it’s great you spend a lot of effort helping people understand how they can come out and enjoy happiness like you have . You are a generous person with your time and information. The $2K is kind of a floor imo, but it does show what is possible at that level which can be eye opening for bc a lot of people. Make sure you save time for yourself and don’t overdo the KZbin thing ~ KZbinrs often say they easily get burn out on creating videos . Wouldn’t want that to happen to you

[@BrittMcalister]

Thank you so much!

[@careysretirementjourney]

Good info Brit especially for those who don't live here yet. I stay in contact with about 15-20 foreigners living here in Phil. I only know one guy living on less than $2000 but he is in his 80s and doesn't do much more than daily coffee. Everyone else is closer to $3000 (especially if they date or live with someone) if you count in regular travel either within Phil or annual trips to home country. I'm single and golf 3 times a week living in Cagayan de oro and my annualized spending divided by 12 is $2700usd. That includes once a year back to Canada to see family, Chistmas/Bday gifts and of course any philanthropy which most do some of either here in Phil or elsewhere.

[@barrygilliand]

Where are the best golf communities and courses?

[@JustAnotherPersonHere]

Your happiness there makes me happy 😊 Filipinos are the nicest they come and I'm delighted that you're able to experience that too. Love your channel. I'm so happy I came across it and maybe a few years down the line, when I go back, I'll take you to lunch to thank you for inspiring me. I appreciate you sir!

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks for the great comment.

[@ntnurobert218]

Keep up the good content. It makes me happy to see you enjoy yourself so much 😊

[@BrittMcalister]

Thank you so much 😁

[@CarnacTheMagnificent]

Nicely done Britt. Glad you're enjoying life!

[@BrittMcalister]

Yes! Thank you!

[@HapaBoiAdventures]

Bro, you definitely got me over the fence! I'm part Filipino, born and raised in Hawaii so the island life has been my dream, and the Philippines is now my new dream destination to reconned to my roots and live that "island life". Thank you for also outlining your plan in your previous videos on how to do it before you hit retirement age, great plan, well executed and now you're living your best life, congrats brother! Take care and looking forward to your next video. Aloha...

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks for the great comment.

[@robertoaguila9874]

I guess I can't retired in the Philippines then , my home country. My pension is only $1,400 a month .😭

[@BrittMcalister]

@robertoaguila9874 You could make it. A lot better here than in the states.

[@michaelmcalister8263]

Another great video Britt! Thank you for the info.

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks so much.

[@johnc202]

Great video Britt!!

[@BrittMcalister]

Thank you so much.

[@brilliantmind4709]

The videos are getting better and better

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks so much.

[@maximeguerin5017]

Good budget video. But i think youre forgetting a few items , ( medical insurance 150 USD per month appx) + (clothes, not much but those are required after a while) + (medecine and Hygiene products) + (small savings for people who plan on a return trip to their home country every 2-3 years, return ticket are not cheap when on a budget)

[@BrittMcalister]

I don't have health care. Been to the doctor once in over a year. 2300 pesos for a full blood work analyst.

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks for commenting.

[@maximeguerin5017]

Thats an option also. I guess it dépend on your level of stress living the risk just like any insurance. Personally my concern would be being involve in a road accident.

[@RichardCrews]

@@BrittMcalister Good luck.

[@dream33611]

Excellent points, everyone's budget will vary depending on what they want/need. My thought process is get an idea what kind of budget I would need/want then add maybe another $1000 to it, that's the income I would want to have every month, it's there if you need it and if you don't let it sit in a high yield savings account. When you want to make that big trip back to your home country you have the funds and it won't set you back.

[@jongibbs8115]

Good video-- everyone's budget will differ. This is a good help for people. The best part of this video isn't the budget stuff- it's the enthusiasm you show for the place. I love it there too and I love seeing good expats doing it right with a great attitude. Too many are grumpy old men that complain. Don't be that guy (I don't think you are that kind of guy....). Thanks for being a good example and being happy for every day you get there. It shows through in your videos.

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks for the great comment. 😊

[@Florida-Ken]

Congrats on 2k Britt, I'm getting fired up to visit Cebu!

[@BrittMcalister]

Come on.

[@MRS.RM1]

Awesome video Britt!! Our house is close to Oslob the province sure feels very relaxing! Hope we meet you when we visit Cebu in June!

[@BrittMcalister]

I hope so too!

[@MRS.RM1]

@ Britt you’re also welcome to visit our house in the province if you want to relax in the province, and experience provincial life!

[@BrittMcalister]

@MRS.RM1 I would love that. Where's the nearest hotel?

[@MRS.RM1]

@@BrittMcalister we’re from the south, in Dalaguete. There’s a lot of beach resorts in that town.

[@stevepowers9658]

Hello Britt! Thank you for the great content and extremely personal approach to your experiences and perspectives on what would be a MAJOR lifestyle change for most men considering this type of move. I am in this catagory and have been doing research off and on for about 9 months for where I would like to start my asian retirement adventure. My situation is a bit different than yours as I won't be retiring early, but will be able to do so in roughly 8 more years, (we are pretty close in age as I just turned 56). I too share your distain for the dating scene and overall craziness of life here in the U.S. I plan to take a few trips to the Philipines prior to retirement to kind of feel it out. My Brother lives on Smith Lake right out of Cullman and I plan to move to that area from Indiana where I have lived for 28 years (from Vicksburg originally), so pretty close to your stomping grounds to work my last few years in order to gain max pension payments. I have been downsizing for the last two years after divorce and sort of setting myself up for a drop and go scenario when the time comes. I am a Federal employee and have quite a bit of time off available that I have built up over the years and it's time I start taking it. Would you suggest that I start there in Cebu to get a grasp of what is available? I would probably be there for around 3 weeks at a time when I come.

[@peacefulprepper2402]

Outstanding video. Thank you. Keep these expense videos coming. I am going to the Phillipines in July this year. I need all the info I can get, lol. Thanks . You are in Cebu and I may go there also so your cost of living will be very helpful. Salamat

[@BrittMcalister]

@@peacefulprepper2402 Very welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[@MegaSwole1]

You're better better everyday. Keep pushing out the consistent content and you follower count will be soaring high in 2025 Can't wait to be back in the Philippines

[@BrittMcalister]

I appreciate that!

[@terrysphilippinejourney9347]

Like your positive vibe !!!

[@BrittMcalister]

@@terrysphilippinejourney9347 Thanks so much.

[@RichardCrews]

No mention of health care or hospital cost for emergency or accident. Major factor for senior residents but a factor for all.

[@BrittMcalister]

That video is coming. At this moment I don't have health care benefits. I've been months doctor once in over a year. Did go here for a yearly physical. The charge was 2300 pesos for a full blood work analysis. Most doctors charge around 600 pesos per visit. That's $10.30

[@wil4596]

Had a friend there that got into a motorcycle accident, was taken to a local hospital, then had to be seen in a Large hospital in manila. Unlike the U.S. you better have a good savings, or credit card with large credit, or someone to sign & viuch for you. He couldn't oay it all and was held in hospital, then finally released, but couldn't leave the country without settling his debt. Otherwise be blacklisted. Just understand things can go wrong when u least expect it.

[@BrittMcalister]

@wil4596 Thanks for your comment. Just posted video about health coverage.

[@coreyjensen5882]

Great chanel Thank you

[@BrittMcalister]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@KB3TLE]

Cool beans..... but many don't want to pay over $400 / mo. rent ? --- Big city life costs more and it's OK if that is your thing - yet many want the more thrifty budget available over there ! Some are quite comfortable on $1000/mo -- others in BGC require $3000 or more ?

[@BrittMcalister]

There are several here in the city for less than 20,000 pesos. Videos to come.

[@gbrooks28]

I have an apartment in a province and only pay 4500 peso per month. 2 bedroom 2 story. I have our Filipino family living in it while me and my family are in the USA

[@williamroseboom9361]

There are no 6 months extentions anymore

[@account4info]

Would a retirement Visa with an annual renewal be easier than getting 2 month extensions?

[@tyremango]

Good video my friend. My wife and I live in Isabela province. We built our new home on the 1000 sq m lot we had. We have no electricity bill as we are 100% solar off-grid. At the same time, we bought a 3 hectare farm to grow rice. So rewarding knowing we are feeding the Philippines. Our monthly budget is quite low as we have no mortgage/rent. We can easily live off 30K PHP, have an amazing lifestyle and even save some. Breakdown is below - Food 15K Wifi 1K Diesel 1K Water bill 250 Drinking water 200 Eating out/Entertaining at home 5K Hope this helps? Cheers, Simon

[@BrittMcalister]

@@tyremango Thanks for sharing. Great info.

[@tyremango]

@BrittMcalister You're welcome my friend.

[@Semiam1]

Got a potential video idea: Golfing in the Philippines. Not sure what the options are and haven’t seen a video on it from several Phils based vloggers.

[@dannynicart2389]

Living in a province where it is cheaper as compared to Manila, I believe such an amount will go a long way. You have a good life!

[@spincube5734]

Healthcare? Emergencies?

[@BrittMcalister]

I don't have it right now. Spent 2300 pesos on a blood work analysis in over a year.

[@BrittMcalister]

Video coming soon.

[@rocketrob333]

there are NO 6month visa extensions in the PH, false informationits visa free your first 30 days, then two month extensions after that up to a couple or three years, may last two month extension ON TIME was close to 8K

[@SteveMatthews-wr2wg]

Good video Britt. Thank you. A couple questions: What city/cities do most US Expats live? In Cebu do they have good hotels to stay while looking for housing arrangements (or even seeing if the PI are right for me)? What areas have the best beaches, and exercise facilities? NC here. Thx again

[@BrittMcalister]

DUMAGUETE, BGC in Manila, Cebu City, Davao, and the best beaches are probably in Bohol. Bit again I haven't traveled every where.

[@enzos711]

"Health Insurance" ..

[@BrittMcalister]

Video coming.

[@deant007]

Thanks Britt 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks for watching.

[@earl7224]

How about medical insurance?

[@BrittMcalister]

I don't Healthcare. I'm doing a Healthcare video soon. I've been to the doctor once in over a year. 2300 pesos for a blood work analysis.

[@jonpritz9838]

Check out pacific cross insurance - many global policies. $100 and up monthly

[@earl7224]

@jonpritz9838 Thank you I appreciate all the help

[@davidarnold6087]

What part of the Philippines are you in Britt? Can you give a comparison of cities and province cost of living?

[@BrittMcalister]

@davidarnold6087 I haven't lived in the province. Can do an interview in the near future.

[@charlesetienne6037]

I am from Seychelles and thinking of moving there in a bubble city for my home base in South east Asia, my budget is 2.5K.That will make me feel good because I am a chef and prefer to cook for myself.

[@BrittMcalister]

Sounds good. Thanks for commenting.

[@dream33611]

Hey Britt thanks for the information about Visa's. You mentioned the 6-month extension was one-time. Is that one-time period or if you were to leave the PI for a vacation would you be able to do another after you return? Also, the 2 month extensions can you do them on-line also or do you need to go in person? I think I've seen on other video's you have to do in person but these things are always changing.

[@BrittMcalister]

Found out they did away with the 6 month extension. They are trying to bring it back I believe. You can do the 2 months extension online.

[@dream33611]

@@BrittMcalister Great, thank you much for the quick reply.

[@BrittMcalister]

@dream33611 so welcome

[@datingsignals8851]

Great Channel my friend....If you came over without a lot of capital, could you make money? Example. ... I'm a singer, entertainer. Would there be an avenue for that?

[@scareybailey]

Healthcare costs?

[@BrittMcalister]

@@scareybailey I don't have health care yet. I'm doing a video this week.

[@fenderbend3r]

Hi Britt, new here. Is this in cebu, manila, the main city or is this in the province expense? Great video. People get to have an idea. All comes down to lifestyle you choose living in the Philippines. Thank u

[@Benny-mp5bs]

Hypothetically if I was wanting to visit cebu could you connect me someone with a 15k-25k unit for the month? I want to do explore trip do a month in cebu 2 weeks in CDO and save 2 weeks for what ever happens.

[@BrittMcalister]

I can ask around.

[@Impeach44]

What about taxes like property tax sales taxes 18 holes of golf?

[@BrittMcalister]

@Impeach44 I no longer pay those taxes. I did in the states.

[@Impeach44]

@ that’s awesome 👍👍

[@alanwright7964]

Ty for the video

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks for watching.

[@Fives-gm2bv]

you can live good there on 2 k as long as your not paying for women

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

I live on $300 - $350 a month but we had a house built on the land we bought. Sometimes it might be $400 a month if we go to the city

[@jonpritz9838]

Geez what are you eating?

[@russellsesula1181]

Loooser

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

@@jonpritz9838 meals three times and smoothies every night...I live in the province where there really are no restaurants.

[@johndoe-cb5ck]

@@russellsesula1181 jealous? I bet you are,hehe

[@russellsesula1181]

@johndoe-cb5ck i live in royal tagaytay estates in 4 bed 3 bath house. Membership at the club and play golf about 4 times a week. I have a car and 2 motorcycles. My girlfreind is gorgeous. My purebred german shepherd is beautiful. Our groceries cost about 600 a month. So i am not jealous, like is said you are a super low budget loser. Im sure my dog eats more meat than you.

[@ericlambert9899]

I know you left out the cell phone bill but what about medical insurance

[@BrittMcalister]

@ericlambert9899 I'm getting health insurance soon. Phone bill varies. I pay $20 per month. Some guys keep their US cell service at $120.

[@ericlambert9899]

@BrittMcalister What do you estimate for Medical insurance?

[@BrittMcalister]

@ericlambert9899 I'm looking at getting the plan discussed in my new video. It will be $1900 per year.

[@ericlambert9899]

@@BrittMcalister Thank you

[@FlaGrown1955]

My husband loves your condo. Do they have a 3 bedroom and if so how much?

[@BrittMcalister]

I've only looked at 2 bedrooms. I'll ask around.

[@JefeLee1267]

What's your age sir,thanks for the great info.

[@BrittMcalister]

@@JefeLee1267 Just turned 55.

[@BrittMcalister]

@@JefeLee1267 Thanks for commenting.

[@momohmart]

Congrats on 2K subs. Wondering if u're on the retirement visa and if you got a company helping you with the visa (like C&G or something). Thanks for all the great info man.

[@BrittMcalister]

I'm here on my regular passport.

[@Gurkha9]

It seems he's just on a tourist visa based on what he said. I'm currently in the process of the SRRV Classic and using C&G

[@account4info]

@@Gurkha9 That's the Visa I want to get once I turn 50. Let me know how the process went to obtain it.

[@momohmart]

@@Gurkha9 That's great. Can you let us know how the visa process goes and how C&G is to work with? I've been thinking about the SRRV.

[@Gurkha9]

@@momohmart So far the process is going smoothly. Better to start it when you're still in your home country, it takes a while. Things take time here as you can imagine but I am glad I went with an agency. C&G has been good to work with in my opinion.

[@bradprice3924]

Health care insurance???

[@BrittMcalister]

That video is to come.

[@SadButTrue__]

Can i ask what condos you live in? I'm planning on moving to the Philippines and see how things go there for me in about 6 months or so and you live the exact life style and cost of life that I would love to live.

[@BrittMcalister]

I've lived in 38 Park Avenue and Marco Polo.

[@cgheorgh]

Britt, what is your rent at Marco Polo and is it a 1 bedroom? Thanks.

[@BrittMcalister]

I pay 25,000 pesos. $429

[@Kracaus]

Is there no car insurance requirement?

[@BrittMcalister]

It's 300-700 pesos per year. That's $3-$7 per year.

[@mred8969]

Did you say anything about health Care?

[@BrittMcalister]

That video is coming.

[@gordonb1737]

Where you from? Accent sounds like Ky or Tn, maybe Ar

[@BrittMcalister]

NC and GA.

[@biform13]

Thank you very much for your highly informative videos Britt. Please allow this old man to ask about foreigners and Western Union (WU) in the Philippines. WU has a relationship with Stellar and people use their token (the Lumen) XLM to send money around the world. May a foreigner receive XLM conveniently there in the Philippines at a WU and get Pesos and at a good rate? Would you like to receive some and try? Thank you very much. ~Decline Management

[@BrittMcalister]

@biform13 Western Union is here. I've never used them. I use Wise bank to bank.

[@dougcallahan171]

Why do you have that UNC hat on? did you go to college there?

[@BrittMcalister]

I did. UNC at Charlotte.

[@andrewmorita8252]

Do not forget the tax you pay for the girlfriend. I understand that just like our budget everyone is different. But a pic and sum tells the story. Also some general heath care cost. But just like the gf tax our heathcare cost are unique to us. Make your budget vid different than all the others would be nice.

[@achakco8759]

I'm guessing... When you reach 3k subs, will you make a 3k dollar budget vlog? 😂

[@BrittMcalister]

Maybe!

[@alvinhenders]

$2k usd mo. for 2k subs, good one ..... 👍

[@BrittMcalister]

Thanks so much.

[@ralf7901]

Such a good deal 2k a month. With massage 3 times a week,cmon 😊

[@BrittMcalister]

It really is!

[@TheSchill]

$2000 would be the absolute minimum to move here.

[@BrittMcalister]

That's about what I live on.

[@Gurkha9]

I agree but some are on less and some on more

[@truss6282]

Use the 1,2,3 1k/mnth you'll survive 2k/mnth you'll live pretty comf. 3k/mnth life is good

[@BrittMcalister]

I'm going to do 3k, 4k, 5k, and so on.

[@deanmickiewicz495]

2 and 3 are similar.

[@MegaSwole1]

You're better better everyday. Keep pushing out the consistent content and you follower count will be soaring high in 2025 Can't wait to be back in the Philippines

[@BrittMcalister]

I appreciate that!