A Typical Filipino Budget Versus An Typical Expat Budget !!!!

[@jameslee9726]

I’m originally from the Philippines, been in Seattle for 42. Yrs , five more yrs I’m going to ritire at 62 yrs old . My work don’t have a pension just 401k and all I have for revolving fund is my social security at $1400 a month. No choice but to go back home. For $1400 I can’t even afford to live in a low income senior home here in Seattle. I bought a home in the Philippines for $130,000 and with my $1400 I think it’s going to be better than a senior home in Seattle .

[@majtom5421]

Glad to see someone have a vids like this. The was one young guy who lived on about $400 a month with filipina. Lived in a hut, dirt floor, gather wood to cook ate her diet, washed clothes in a pale, hauled water and took showers at a community water spigot bathe with clothes and also gathers food in the woods. I know extreme case. Most westerners don't have any desire to live like local.

[@kevink1214]

Good information. I agree with you that people are not going to live the good life for 1000 or under in the Phil. With that said, you have to also realize that if a person has a low budget they are not going to go out with friends at home, they won't be able to afford AC either. If they don't own their home they are not going to be able to rent, eat, have transportation, phone, utilities in the USA with an income of 1000 or less per month. So for many it still is a way better option to move for the ones that have a very tiny budget. An 850.00 budget is not going work out well at all in the USA., but very doable in a different country such as the Philippines. They are just going to get by, however they will have a place to live and food to eat. I understand their dilemma.

[@chinalamb2605]

I’ve been in and out of the Philippines in a bunch of locations over the last 10 years, all of them with their own challenges as places to LIVE versus vacation. And it’s easy to see that living like the locals isn’t possible unless you are just hiding out. One of my good friends on Bohol has to make those hard decisions, when we met, he had to decide between getting his own very advanced pinkeye treated and his son surgery. And his goal every day to make his wife happy is bring home 100 pesos and a fish. As an expat, how can you think you can live like that? Can you live in a bamboo shack with a thatched or tin roof, can you catch a fish a day? Can you live off 2 cups of rice and some stewed veggies? Every day? What are you going to do if you get an eye infections, bad crotch rot, foot rot, or a serious injury? Listen to Steve, “getting by” is not living. And sadly, finding a companion is all about economics. Can you offer more than a good looking 20-30 something native? If not, why would some 20 something gal want ya? No doubt island life can be much more carefree than the rat race, but we all need money to live.

[@hechecraynes6635]

You are telling the truth... REALITY IS ALWAYS IN YOUR WORDS!!!

[@ekim0513]

To me, if you're going to risk living in a foreign country on less than $1000 a month, why choose the Philippines which is on the other side of the earth? For a 4 hour plane ride you can test it out in Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Columbia, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico etc. They are comparable to Philippines in weather, political stability, living expense, housing etc. Panama never gets hit with hurricanes vs the Philippines which constantly gets pelted with Typhoons. . If you need to get back to the states, you're only 4 hours away vs. 20 plus hours in the Philippines.

[@tomper2204]

The one factor that some do not understand is that there is a the Filipino price and the foreigner price for many things as well. Guess which one is higher?

[@ericg9092]

Great video. I can't believe someone would allow you to rent a car, be taken around by your gf, and not even think about covering your expenses or giving her something for her time. Yikes! Thank you for spelling everything out honestly and giving all of us a real view on what things cost there. Very much appreciated.

[@chiburner]

True that one 'can' live on 500 USD a month based on the fact that Filipinos can...BUT that's in large part because they live in larger family groups where they can all contribute. You as a foreigner, will rarely have those networks in place.

[@Adam-gg7ps]

Nice video, as usual! One plot line often lost in many of these conversations is the fact that while Filipinos do not have anything close to a comparable USD income as expats, most expats are also not as self sufficient as Filipinos, and do not have the network of the locals. Many Filipinos do not need to go to the store to buy their eggs or veggies, because they have it on their own plot of land, or a person they regularly trade with. But expats are putting eggs and veggies on their monthly budget. (There is indeed a reason why roosters are the alarm clock of Philippines, even in cities). One way obviously still does not equate to the same quality of life as the other, but it is a great learning experience watching how the society works outside of our own mentality of, "I need to go to the store and buy something." Expats are from societies based on consumerism instead of self sufficiency, so we NEED more money. I have watched this expat in Thailand who is living like a local. The way he does it is basically as a farmer in the country side now. Also, (although it does change from region to region) in many places around the Philippines, entire city/town blocks will be relatives/family. Even when that is not the case, they still help each other to make sure nobody is going hungry. Do most need more money? Obviously, yes. But that Filipino self sufficiency and interconnectedness with their immediate surrounding community are the missing ingredients in the stories of, "How do they live on that salary?" I know some Igorut communities require that each homestead has so many food bearing plants on their property that can be used by the local council to help those in need. They come and inspect this communal portion of your plants and make sure you are taking care of it, because that is (in a way), your tax or debt to society in a place where taxes are not collected. Expats who want to live on a local budget need to be self sufficient, have the patience of a saint to completely embrace a different pace of life and defer to different cultural traditions, and have great tact and networking skills to become part of a local community where people trust and respect you enough to trade goods/services.

[@eugenel.ferguson3110]

I live in the province, Biliran island. I have a Nipa hut in jungle about 200 yards off the beach. Cost about 1500$ to build. Its okay. But i rent an apartment in town with all the good stuff, furnished, air con hot running water, cable TV, unlimited wifi. For about 180$ a month. I live pretty good on 1200$ a month. Dont own a car or motorcycle, dont want one or need one. But I don't drink or go out to places much. Don't really want to. For me its perfect. But maybe not for others so much. I've been here 7 years.

[@tswej]

There's no way anyone should travel to foreign country without enough money in a emergency account to get back to their home base. At a minimum you should take a exploratory trip with a roundtrip ticket just to give yourself time to weigh the pros and cons.

[@thomasmanning829]

Steve I enjoy your videos. I just want to say that living here on $1370 per month is, at least for me, very doable. My province girl Filipina is very loving and happy to cook, clean, and loves the intimacy and security I offer. We are eating lots of rice, vegetables, and a little chicken, pork, fish. She is as happy to live this simple life as I am. Our bedroom is the only air conditioned room which is good enough for us. Filipinos are, for the vast majority of them, kind and happy. My income in the U.S. was not good especially considering inflation. Inflation is rising here in Leyte but not like on the U.S. American wages are much higher than here and a cost of living increase I'm America adds up to a faster rising inflation for American poor than a $1400 a month expat in most parts of the Philippines.

[@ericbown1551]

My house energy bill is £400/$600 a month alone …I’m in Manila in two weeks looking at flats etc. I’m hoping to move in July… I’m in the UK ..inflation is going to sky rocket.

[@nandorblue]

Do your live in a city? Leyte is not a popular place for kanos it seems.

[@brianh5373]

Some of the vloggers showing they live on 600 - 800 USD tend to downplay the upfront cash outlay they used to buy a condo or house with their filipina. Of course your monthly living expenses are lower if you subtract rent/lease payment. Living to enjoy your life and existing to just get by are two very different things.

[@fazbell]

I collect about 2600 USD a month from three income streams ( SS, state retirement, and an annuity) Living in Thailand, this is enough, but it doesn't take into consideration any medical emergencies. At age 72, there is no telling what the premium would be for medical insurance. I have several pre-existing conditions. Absolutely a big problem. I would like to move to the Philippines, but I may be better off staying where I am.

[@lolodixon1212]

I've met retired people going back to work & they're still in the red here sad stuff(Florida)

[@lolodixon1212]

@Evral Tatum-Mcfield I agree, yet some are left in a bad financial situation due to divorce, family medical issues etc. Not always bad planning.

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Ask yourself this: would this girl date me if she lived a few houses down the street in my neighborhood here in the west? Say she is a nurse or works as a dental tech.. Would she date me here now? Then what is her motivation for dating you in the Philippines?

[@Synfulz]

No matter what a person's time, all persons time has value. Sad those didn't respect that.

[@RCDM606]

Agree!!

[@davidkluender7238]

We bought a lot of land in Compostela COMVAL province right in the center of town. We built a 7 unit boarding house, huge carport that we can rent out as a function hall, and a Sari Sari store which is more of a mini mart. We plan to live off these businesses and then just save my pension and SSI. All our units have a kitchenet and indoor bath room. The smaller units we rent for P3,000 and the jumbo units P4,500. Maybe we could help you out to rent out to some expats. All of our renters are professional's, teachers and civil engineers. The property is very clean, safe and gated, and our renters love the fact that they can buy all their daily needs without leaving the property.

[@tylerfactura1785]

I really think I can do it on $1k in Cebu. Been there a few times have connections. Moving back first chance I get!

[@lindrahena9024]

YOU ARE VERY OBSERVANT OF THE SURROUNDINGS AND YOUR WORDS ARE ALL TRUE, RELIABLE AND TO BE TRUSTED!!!

[@paulrogers2605]

Happy Birthday Steve, love your channel find you insight brilliant. i have been looking on line at homes in tagaytay and find it difficult to find a ranch home. more curious as to why more then anything else. really your channel is the best. keep on keeping on!!! finding youtube challenging - tried to send you a greeting during your live feed but could not figure it out or was denied doing so. who knows....take care all the best. cheers Paul

[@marksjourneytothephilippin9574]

You can live on a super cheap budget in nyc, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit etc too in a crappy apartment in a dangerous neighborhood too, but again that doesn’t mean you would want to. You can live anywhere on a cheap budget, McDonald’s dollar menu and ramen noodles, but as you correctly stated is that really living though.

[@frankkluz9787]

Very good SOL advice Steve ! - It still is a " $ talks & BS walks " kind of world wherever you go. - - There are many " pie in the sky " people that still exist with " champagne tastes on a beer drinkers budget. " - ! see it repeatedly and often (as a veteran advocate) as they repeat the same mistakes almost every month ! - Paradise or Shangri - la requires a budget many can't afford - and - then some of them often don't get their money's worth and are still disillusioned. - Basically it's " the law of the jungle " working in the jungle. It is a hot bug infested sweaty miserable environment (if you live like the low income locals) much of the time ! An AC & bug free pleasant environment costs money especially if you like to eat good & go anywhere and/or do anything. - Something for nothing is very rare and can not be counted on ! Your overall advice is a sound and smart approach to living a somewhat "happy" life.

[@joebombero1]

The riddle is Filipinos have large, close families. They take care of each other and help each other out. This is how they live in 25,000 pesos a month. It is like seven expats with Social Security teaming up and sharing expenses.

[@rorybellamy2533]

Lots of Freebees in the USA. free food in most cities and towns . lots of Free support safety nets.

[@Traveling-boomer]

Yep yep As I always tell anyone that asked me how much do I need to live in the Philippines the two numbers I spell out to them minimum $1500 a month and minimum $50,000 in an emergency fund if you don’t have either one of them do not get on that plane

[@paulosterhout6573]

Well presented Steve... Window #1 are words to be aware of.

[@eugenel.ferguson3110]

I never heard of that, but im definitely going to keep it in mind

[@RBV1962]

All good information Steven. This definitely helps me think of the different avenues. Thank you for being here.

[@xtxt9135]

Powerful words. Getting by is not living.

[@joeasuncion7854]

Communication Steve. You have to tell people your wife doesn't work for free. She'll take them around, show places, etc... And it's 500.php at least. People assume it's free, and take advantage.

[@RogerExtein]

Well Steve, you know that you can’t believe everything you hear on the internet. If you’re moving to the Philippines you need to be prepared. I will be there by next June if all goes right. My wife and I have been married for 17 years and I already retired. Our house is being built as of right now and will all be paid for by then our transportation is all paid for. What I recommend to anyone planning to move there is as I been doing is every month I send several boxes of things I want to have there. The main thing is be prepared. I can only hope that I can meet a few people who are as honest as you are. Who knows it might happen. Keep up the good work

[@bradleymiller7375]

Right On Steve good informational video!

[@RLV_RLV]

My Filipino budget is P40k - P50k ($800 - $1k)

[@HBP2]

My budget is fine I do want to live simple so i can go enjoy more things and always have exit plan money first

[@carsonnavigator4066]

We are at the beginning of prices going up. This will likely continue for some years. Food shortages wiil be common. Famine expected in many parts of the world. We all need to do some serious realistic thinking. Good reminder, Steve

[@tomm.6265]

Great video Steve and I completely agree I am heading to Thailand in May then will visit PH in a few months after that

[@royfleury9860]

Great Video, and yes I am the guy who emailed you. I will be moving to San Pedro Laguna in October. My budget is $80,000 pesos per month. That way it will allow for me and Sofia to do things. She has her own house which I will do a minor reno on. I also will have an emergency fund left in Canada for my daughter to access should it be needed. SO maybe we can go out for Dinner when I move there because you are not that far. I will buy it LOL promise!!! Have a great day. Too many vloggers talk about a cheap budget but I am pretty sure none of them live on a cheap budget LOL

[@jasenwm]

I have no problem hanging out at a Phil's place or sleeping there, but when I go ill live in a modern condo with all the amenities. Why would I leave the comfort of the US when I can afford to live like the US almost anywhere. My budget will be 4k a month

[@leroypauley3836]

100 for rent 100 utilities 200 for food 100 for visas and personal highgene items. I don’t see where you need 2000 a month unless you are supporting half the Philippines and if you are doing that it’s on you. You would not support the whole family in the states why do it there?

[@leolubong6514]

$1000 (52,000 pesos) . In PHILIPPINES A teacher, policeman, military man starts at 30,000 pesos at least a month, already a good one "to US filipinos." at 52,000 pesos and still complaining? Better find another country that suits the lifestyle you longing for.

[@loulou55...]

You lure the cheap Charlies with your $80 apartment proposals. These people don't tip. You need to clarify your girlfriends rates. Don't wait for tips or handouts. Just my 2 cents... 🙄

[@kfox4973]

I see this topic from a different view anf I know this will result in much disagreement. First question - what are the MAIN reasons to move to the Philippines? Answer most time - to live cheep, nice beaches, nice people, beautiful young women - truth, most are egoistic reasons - dont get me wrong, everybody needs to decide for them self. But honestly, this could be also Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Mexico...... So my point is, its not the country Philippines, its the reasons more countries could fullfill. My view are not the reasons, its the country itself. So things like low cost living, beautiful women are not my main reasons. Try to think also from this perspective - could help in some difficult situations for expats to find the right solutions. Sorry for my bad English, hope you still could understand what I meant.

[@RCDM606]

May we please have a walking tour of Trece at your convenience ? I enjoy seeing the beautiful people and a bit of daily life

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

I am an expat Canadian on indexed pensions totalling about $1100CAD/month (about $800USD). My wife, little boy and I live in a little block house we built before I moved here. We live next to her family in a little fishing community in the provinces in Cebu. We have a sari sari store, raise 10 to 15 pigs at a time and about 100 chickens. We eat simple but nutritious food. We have a good social life with family and locals, and many expats and their families who visit often. This would be a challenging life for many expats, but I'm not one of them. I grew up poor and spent much of my spare time back in Canada backpacking in the wilderness or staying at my rustic cabin for sometimes months on end. I am quite content with my lifestyle here. Like you said, that is not for everyone, and many I've noticed, especially many Americans, want it just like back in the US. Well, the best thing to do if you want to have just like in the US is to stay there, as you would not have the extra challenges of living in this very different culture.

[@nathanielcarreon5634]

Born and raised over there, made good here in los angeles after 20 years and might visit there every now and then but will never stay there permanently again. Too old for heat, humidity and pollution.

[@independentthinker8923]

Hi .that sounds horrible for some foringers to ask you for help n not pay you anything for you n your wife helping n directing them 😉 if they tried on there own theres no way they would find a deal at all cuz some help from strangers they would over charge them you guys are good hearted n god bless you n wife good things will come back to you guys for sure ....take care n god bless

[@GlennGipson]

Please realize that poor Filipinos are willing to eat and live in conditions that most Americans can't endure. The typical poor dish of a Filipino consists of a plate full of rice and maybe a single hotdog as a side serving. Then you have to live in conditions were seeing large roaches and mice crawl right by your feet is a normal daily occurrence. I have also seen poor Filipinos die from things that could have easily have been treated in a hospital, but that poor Filipino who died didn't have money for health insurance (in the Philippines they will not admit you without either payment or health insurance up front.) While I love the Philippines, and I know that many Filipinos are not poor as I describe, it is by far better to be poor in America.

[@edwardlawler9487]

Absolutely correct never move to a place to live like them that’s not smart

[@gregorybrown6739]

You can live a quality life there for $1,000 a month is a quality life measured by living a low stressed life. However, if you get sick or even need to spend time in a hospital, then you would be sunk. Was to save money include hiring a live-in yaya (maid). She will protect you and give good advice. Also she will fix your meals like the Filipinos eat who only earn $400 a month. Rarely go out to eat. That is expensive! When I lived there, I joined a gym, walked everywhere, played basketball, learned karate, went to an English language church, and spent time with friends. These activities don't cost you much and fill your time. What did I do without? Cable TV, regular Internet, freedom to eat at a restaurant very often, going to more than one or two times to a movie, dating a lot, and personal transportation

[@joenbikey143]

Nice place very relaxing roaster sound background

[@usersubscriberSC]

Hang in there, Steve. In a few weeks, rains and typhoons are coming to the Philippines.

[@jimdunlap2769]

Good stuff my friend...i just subscribed to your channel...I'm up here in San Mateo,Isabela love the small town life here...i pay 6,000php a month on a 4 bedroom home...modern home at that..no first or last plus I'm on a month to month...landlord is awesome

[@blkman1576]

I appreciate you! I have been looking at different peoples channels to try and gauge if the Philippines would be a good fit for me. I have been looking at Thailand, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rico and a few other places the Philippines I really think might be the place. The fact that English is widely spoken and understood is a big plus. Have only looked at two or three of your videos so far and you give a lot of good information. There are about four or five people that I watch that are the most credible to me. If I were to come there based on what I have heard $2500 to $2750 a month seems like enough to live pretty decently. I am pretty healthy but know that things can change in the blink of an eye and wonder how much you can really depend on what you have in the states to help out if need be. I am retired with medicare A&B with Plan G medigap. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[@Roof_Pizza]

A westerner living on $400 a month is akin to a 7 foot tall Filipino, I'm sure they exist but I've never seen one.

[@MrSteven5975]

They exist but live like a homeless man

[@daveinthephillipines7055]

The days off liveing over here on 1000 dollars a mounth have gone u could live for that but you come here to be better off and live stress free Imm here now for 3 years liveing costs have increased and yea I know it has back in aussie as well I was working on 1k a mounth and could easily for a while but now more like 1300 plus Imm lucky we are well set up have our own homes and ricefields but I do think a lot less guys will come here as expats due to costs and requirements to get here as philipines has opened up but they still require tests to go from 1 place to another so still under restrictions And everything here happens really slowly I cant imagine tourists flocking here like they did before coved becouse they have to jump through so many hoops it's going to hurt tourisam here but they dont seem bv to care

[@willieshoemaker8680]

Not only that...It seem the Phils could slam the door shut at any second, could leave you stranded on some Island, no thanks I will wait a few more months and see what happens. There already talking about a new variant out there... good grief.

[@alansullins3024]

Thank you for a truthful video. You were to polite, I lived in VN for 3 years . Visited P.I. for a few weeks I could not wait to get back to VN.

[@Will67267]

I live in BGC and also have a place in Boracay with a budget of $2500 a month. A lot of advantages of living in the city plus there are more interesting educated women that I can meet and date. Best place in South east Asia.

[@Highwayman7549]

New to the channel... great talk thanks...

[@evacabello6347]

Nice to meet you one day i am the one of your subscriber here in cebu ...

[@georgeclarke2258]

I'd be interested in hearing your comments about medical care. My wife is Filipina, and given the madness in the US, we have discussed living there. I can certainly afford it, but worry about medical care. Im 66, have no health problems, but at some point I will. There is ample medical care in Manila, but I'd prefer to live in the province. What worries me is that I will die from something from which I could have survived in the US. Here I can call 911 and get attention rather quickly if necessary, but there I envision someone putting me in the back of a pickup and driving 25 miles to a medical facility, and I die on the way. Enlighten me. Am I accurate or just paranoid?

[@MrSteven5975]

You are very accurate

[@leecourt8509]

Thanks, fantastic real world insight that will save some people a world of pain....

[@MrJrweir]

Steve, another subject that had to be quantified. Your numbers and my numbers are important to whom, me. Over the past year you've covered this extensively and your words not mine, "get this through your thick skull", one has to learn by their own experience. You showed an apartment for $80.00 a month, needs some elbow grease, would an ex-pat want to live there, I doubt it. We are creatures of habits and would want to live the lifestyle or very close to it that one lives in their country, on a budget that is no longer affordable, your next move is to a more affordable country, your mindset tells you, "I can do it", you get there and it's now an eye-opener, totally different lifestyle, something you have never encountered in your home country, wow what am I going to do, how do I live, remembering that you now must start with a blank slate, a new culture, the need to have a guide, added expenses, am I willing to give up the daily beer run, these are things I think you're trying to convey to the newbie. The cost of living in the USA has risen in some states by, give or take 15 to 20 percent, or has quadrupled the last COLA received and with that single guys and that's who you're talking about, are on the run. I think your budget of $2.5 to $3.0k a month, are great numbers but how many of us have that sweet spot, my suggestion, let them learn, some will live on a lot less and survive, some won't, great subject covered by yourself and other bloggers, hopefully, we will learn how to live in the Philippines, thanks again for the exposure 🤔🤔🤔

[@MrSteven5975]

I live in an $80 apartment and love it

[@Sweet-T-Mama]

Thanks for your honesty 👍

[@MrSteven5975]

Always!

[@thechanneldaily]

good advice steve.

[@phil-be-health]

If these people need your help for setting up their WiFi and finding them a place to live I am sorry they are not cut out for travel or living in another country. I understand most of your clients are much older guys but honestly if they are broke at that age and have no clue how to setup their WiFi they will be in serious trouble. They are better off staying put in the states. At least they have a safety net back home should things go belly up.

[@tinglestingles]

In my experience, a lot of people aren't reliable - promise a lot but do not follow through. Some just talk a lot.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

I know it's cheaper to live over there but I wouldn't want to even think about it with less than $1,000.00 US a month. Fortunately my own pensions amount to a lot more than that. We can live real good in our little condo in San Fernando (Pampanga) but since we're still paying for it, every spare cent I have each month gets put towards paying that off so we can live cheap, and we should be able to bank quite a bit every month at some point in the future. The fact that we used lines of credit at our Canadian bank to buy it means we can pay as little as the interest (2% above what ever prime is at the time) each month or as much as we have to spare.

[@robocop581]

Smart strategy as mortgage rates in the Philippines are as high as 9%

[@DirtyLurker1]

I'm hoping to live on 13,000 USD.. 3000 USD for My Vegas Budget (5 Months) Philippines 10,000 USD for the Philippines (7 Months). I retire in 2 years. I was lucky to start young and retire at 50.

[@kingdavid1614]

Make sure you have a 15000 reserve fund to use just in case you do not have a least a 1000 a month income

[@judyjaz947]

$500 it’s already good if you own a house. You only worry about the water, electricity and internet. Then the rest groceries. I guess depends on your lifestyle. 🤗

[@nandorblue]

Judith are you a Filipina?

[@franciscusjohannesburger3720]

Thanks for the Story , sorry to heare people are like that .

[@derekcho2312]

sorry people... I'm going there in 2023 - 2024 married to a filipines nurse. $ 4k a month, buy house outright. not braggin, factual reporting. I been working since 10 years old. Imagine delivering newspapers with a 50 pound pack on your back going up the hills in San Francisco at 5:30 am delivering the newspapers. Midcrest Way is 1 mile at a 40% slope. Cityview is 1/2 mile at a 60% slope (little flat area 1/2 way). B4 u judge me...my goal is to Feed People and spread the Gospel in the Phil. I spent $ 3k at Falas going out of biz sale clothes. Name Brand Shirts for 50cents. they aint for me, they are for the poorest of the poor

[@josey-kidlat-baracuda3176]

Steve, those are the "sabong roosters". I love your explanations regarding a situation where, when Filipina girls found out that the guys cannot afford it, it is Bye-Bye time. Steve, it is just common sense, and you have to explain that in your post. I was born and raised in Pandacan, Manila and because of that, I become tough, able to adapt, and endure the worst situation in the world. Kudos to you for the Video. God bless and good luck.

[@LB-ty6ks]

There's a difference between living and existing.

[@unclejames3355]

Watching Gillian’s Island doesn’t prepare you to live here on a low budget ! The skin problems , food poisoning, bug bites , you have to have to make trips to the doctors and buy medicine ,You need money !

[@texasinthephilippines]

Good informative video

[@mactan_layover]

I dont care so mich as i got a house but i do remeber you saying a 2 bedroom bungilo 250 300 a month in gated comunnity and pool

[@aritst_abroad]

Hi Steve, I'm here with my filipina been 1wdek out of the 3 weeks I'm staying the heat is real so happy I have aircon in the place I stay beautiful place and amazing food but now I have an idea excuse I have a kitchen so i am buying food too so I'm seeing cost especially going out to eat I now have a better idea and need to work toward the budget I want I knew coming to visit first is far better than to come and just stay permanently

[@daisyapontehavenmemoriestr8552]

I am glad you tell the true and reality. Not like some KZbinrs they lying to people. Yeah you can leave by$500 but like you said. Miserable and struggling and in a country you don’t really know

[@paulatudor691]

They don’t have rent , or insurance sometimes so you have to add that to the budget with some guilty foods or stuff you don’t want to give up.

[@Buildsolarhomes]

The bottom line is LIFESTYLE.

[@kristopherforeman4549]

If you own your house and car already then you can easily live on 1500 USD a month in the provinces. In manila expect 3000 USD a month.

[@mikeabner6629]

Very informative, thankyou.. My budget is not the best around $1400. My biggest concern is the the medical are that is available. I am covered by VA now. Not sure how that would work there. I was in the Navy for 10yrs.

[@willo5537]

Surviving is not living and $500-1000 is surviving. Living costs $1500-2000, living good is $2000-3000, living the good life is $3000 and up.

[@DigitalNomadsExplore]

Good advice Steve!

[@banjammy4116]

That place you showed in Tagaytay was so nice, i would be afraid to sit on the furniture that orange fenced in area is that a Philippines prison?

[@Freddy4fingers2]

My sweetspot budget is $5,000 a month. I have a comfort level i am accustomed to. I brought my western lifestyle here to enjoy my retirement, not to live like a native.

[@George-Aguilar]

In many developing countries, the majority of families live on a relatively low income and may struggle to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and other necessities. This can make it difficult for these families to save money or plan for the future, and they may have to rely on government assistance or other forms of support to make ends meet. On the other hand, American expats living in a developing country like Guatemala may have a higher income and be able to afford a higher standard of living. This could include things like better housing, more varied and higher-quality food, and access to education and healthcare. However, it is important to note that even among American expats, there can be a wide range of incomes and budgets, and some may still face financial challenges

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Good talk!

[@hunnyarie]

I think if you own your own house . 1,000 dollars a month should be good to live happy there..

[@teacherjohnsadventure9550]

You always have good information my friend...thanks for this video...guys need to realize that the help you and your gf are giving is invaluable...nothing wrong with paying a fee for the services..!...I am definitely interested in using it when I come back later this year....God bless you...

[@robjulian2955]

Even though the peso is favorable to the dollar right now, things could swing the other way and you could end up with 42 pesos to the dollar, like before with a 20% loss of your buying power. That coupled with higher prices across the board, means a lot of expats on small budgets could be in a lot of trouble. In this day and age i would not want to retire in the Philippines with anything less than $2000. Your money is constantly shrinking as time goes by from inflation. Better start off with a high budget, than a low one.

[@eugenel.ferguson3110]

Im good on 1200$ a month. But my needs and wants are simple. I have small apartment in gated place, all the comforts, cable tv, no bugs, unlimited wifi for two for 180$ a month. Its small but nice.

[@rickylee6129]

Good Video 📹 👍

[@thomasrobson6370]

honestly "Expat Budget" is one of the most subjectual (I'm a bad speller) subject. For me budget and actual income are two different things, if I'm single over there my "target" budget might be $500-$600 a month (consisting mainly of rent, food, electricity, and entertainment), my income should be at least $1,200 (maybe more, been hearing a hint of SSI increase). I'm "simple" in the way I want to live, it my wife who is the money spender; long before (27 years ago to be exact) the thought of moving to the Philippines if my wife dies before me, when I built the first shed on our (her 😛) land (8'X12'), I said "I could live in this" (L.O.L. you should have seen the look on her face when I said that 🤣🤣). That example is a bit extreme but shows you just how small of a "footprint" I have/need. Maybe 12'X12' or 16'X16' would be more comfortable to have a 3/4 bath in one corner, a kitchenette in the opposing corner, and the rest of the floor area used for everything else.

[@larryviars6199]

For some reason where I live they hand out the electric bill sometimes to your neighbor to give to you. I got an electric bill of 8k pesos. The neighbor showed me his bill and it was 250 pesos or less. He only uses a single light bulb. I thought to myself yeah I’m weak. I need AC and hot water and if it came to survivor PI I would wouldn’t make it.

[@seay302]

When the money is gone, love flies out the window!

[@banjammy4116]

I get the impression what is given is shared.

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

Condos in cebu/davao are 200-250 dollars. What 600 dollars are you talking about?

[@aso6437]

I live on about 500 a month most of the time, but I already have everything I need. I live with AC on most of the time. Three meals a day. Granted, I don't go out much but that is by choice. But coming here and trying to live off of 500 a month right from the start that is almost impossible don't try it. I'm pretty sure even a 1000 a month would be difficult for most people. I been around here for 17 years. But I do make a little over a 1000 a month and I bank a lot of it. I can spend a thousand a month and my life would be no different, But living an American lifestyle in a foreign country is crazy.. As a fact I just bought a new car 2022 Honda city. learn to buy what you need, not what you want. I wasted so much money buying wants and not needs.

[@babydigos]

If a guy with a smaller budget found and lived with a woman in the province on her family farm, they would have a much better chance of making it.