COST OF LIVING IN MANILA - All my costs and a supermarket tour.

[@cadizwilmo9687]

Just discovered you! Finally!!!!... a vlogger not sitting on a chair and just talking. I like your format and video editing style. You're really out there and showing it like we're there too. Thank you sir!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Welcome aboard!

[@CharlieS123Z]

If you like people like that I would recommend 'Mikey Bustos vlogs' he vlogs in the Phillipines every day

[@karlhonculada7630]

You are one of the few vloggers out there who are showing us raw and authentic filipino living. Thanks for this

[@sherlockgnomes8971]

I’ve only just found this channel and I loved the supermarket monologue, made me chuckle. As a Brit who has done solo travel across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, I really enjoy your videos. Philippines is definitely on my list for the future once the P word has settled a bit. Keep up the great content mate, sending positive vibes your way 🤙

[@yoojin232]

As a Filipino working in the city, the kind of lifestyle you have in Manila right now could be comfortably afforded by upper middle income class (50k+ Php income monthly).

[@markk2745]

I live in the province. Literally a beach front 2 story 5 meters from water, that and all other expenses for roughly 20 to 25k pesos total a month. That is decent but local lifestyle. It's comfortable and no more crazy crowds and rules in manila. If you want cheap but still nice get out of big cities... BTW my rent is 3500 pesos about 30sqm.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

That is awesome!

[@douglascollison6098]

Outside the city nice but nothing to do

[@markk2745]

With all the testrictions you really nothing to do in the major cities now anyway. It depends on your lifestyle if you want to go out the bars every night done of course it's not going to work but if you like the beach it might work i don't really like the beach but it's nice to look at and it's peaceful and very cheap

[@christaylor7049]

100 percent right , pork for example in poxy manila around 380 pesos kg in province i live 220 pesos, some provinces piss all over polluted manila and cebu

[@stevetash5032]

@@markk2745 what areas do you recommend for the newbie? We are about to retire and my gf is a PI citizen so Tagalog isn't a problem but other lang. are very diff ie Bisiya.

[@aintijustthecutest3863]

Vlogging in the streets are still pretty foreign for Filipinos, so you'll tend to get a lot of "video bombers" here and there. As for Robinson's prices, they tend to be higher than the other grocery stores, Savemore, etc. But there's no doubt on their quality. Our much local grocery stores can offer half of the prices (in mostly produce) you saw, though. lol Stay safe!

[@nicholascherry5962]

FINALLY a breakdown that includes insurance. Forget everything else lol, insurance is right after food on my list too. I plan on joining the Phuket Sandbox while I wait for PH to open. I'll be living in Manila the same day the open the country up

[@pauljones3557]

In Manila the main supermarkets have the same prices. 1. Sm Savemore 2. Robinsons 3. Puregold There is no discount supermarkets in the Philippines. Aldi in Europe has cheaper prices than the Philippines.

[@abgeebssr7344]

Nice declamation inside the supermarket. You sounded like narrating the Night Before Xmas.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Hahaha

[@amaliahightower]

Out of topic...when you renew your visa may I recommend you go to BI yourself much cheaper and hassle free. No lineup and no interviews. I paid around 2,700 for 2 months. Friendly employees in Dasma, Cavite. 💜 SM Aura at BGC should be the same . Take care Marshall 🙏

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks for the tip!

[@amaliahightower]

@@marshallbuttersvlogs6880 You need an ACR also it’s valid for 1 year. You can get it at the same time you get your visa extension.

[@edwardcook8982]

Your ph100K monthly pension is quite heaven in Dumagute City. Try scounting Negros Oriental, Bacolod, Ilo-ilo, Bohol, Palawan, Bukidnon, Cagayan De Oro City because these are places best to retire.

[@imiverson3265]

I suggest. Buying Groceries at Landers Or S&R. Much Cheaper

[@markgilsollegue216]

For ordinary people in the philippines robinsons supermarket still expensive compared to any grocery stores like savemore even rich people still to buy foods in the market what we called palengke because its fresh and much cheaper.

[@chiquivil132]

Great Video...Straight Forward and lots of info!! No Hesitation...Clicked Subscribed in few seconds. Thank You

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Welcome aboard.

[@udon6743]

I'm living just around the Robinson forum before pandemic hit. There are smaller groceries near the MRT area where price are abit cheaper. For vegetables and meat there is a wet market a few minutes walk from the Gasoline station opposite the mall you can try!

[@lovesoul7566]

Expect expensive price in supermarket inside the mall and try to go to Palengke and u can save to much money.

[@vyannigomez2198]

Excellent channel so realistic so natural as Marshal reviews are very on point to every aspects of vlogs tru to life story thank you for taking us in your journey lots of 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

I appreciate that!

[@OneJuanWon]

Good vlog MB 👍 Approximately $2000 USD a month for Manila living sounds about right considering the dining out and grocery store options. Eating at home is definitely cheaper, but you need to get out and enjoy alternatives too. We know wet markets are cheaper but how the food is handled/displayed at some concerns me. Personally I think I would prefer Cebu because it can be a little more affordable than Manila and it offers close proximity to open spaces to explore nature and beaches while still offering many of the conveniences of the PH capital.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Good argument sir.

[@bhobg]

You can live pretty well on 2000 USD a month provided your rent is reasonable. Cebu may be cheaper than Metro Manila but there are cheaper options still.

[@magnificent6668]

Groceries are rather expensive. In fact, the meat and pasta & many of the veg prices are more expensive than my area in the US.

[@LordDavid04]

If it's imported, it would be expensive. The meat prices didn't seem too bad, even for USD.

[@harleyja]

it's much more cheaper in the local market

[@hari081868]

Nice vlog mr De Niro! I was just wondering if you have a car?

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

No, not in Manila.

[@marjunmarcelocristobal2678]

Luv your Manila roundabout!!.. It is more FUN in English- Speaking Philippines!!

[@gheerock4077]

thank you for posting. this helped me decide and choose Philippines vs Mexico. I'm Filipino-American and has not seen this country of many islands in over 30 years. Immigrated to U.S. when I was a kid. I'm due to retire in 5 years from workforce. I could have ask my long distance Filipino cousins, but I prefer not to give handouts of my hard earned lifetime savings, so I will go in full tourist mode and live alone incognito. I want to enjoy my life during my old age. I think I could live comfortably on $500 USD, or 25,036.17 pesos/month on condominiums close to many shopping, local restaurant and entertainment centers around Manila and vicinities. Please keep us updated on your new videos. Thanks again.

[@millennialinmanila5621]

That would only pay for monthly condo rent. A very basic condo studio type unit.

[@countOLA]

Lol 500 us dollar😅🤣😂

[@homework5846]

can't believe you just want to move here to continue living a western lifestyle. if you have money to invest, build a farm resort, that way eat good healthy organic food, get your relatives in to produce their own cottage products, too ! :)

[@ian4569]

I happen to catch one of your vlogs and I love it. Didn't think twice about subscribing. I think you're on the right track. Before you know it you'll have a ton of followers. All the best to you and your channel! 👌😃🍺

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@anishlavarez348]

Very entertaining vlog. Makes me miss the Philippines so much, here from LA. Your topic is very entertaining and different from the others. That's why I didn't think twice about subscribing to your channel. More please! 😊

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad you enjoyed it and welcome aboard.

[@roycerenzogaleos9977]

For your health insurance you can try to check Pacific Cross or AXA. Two of the best if not the best.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

That's who I'm talking to. Waiting for approval of my application.

[@wydeeoliveros5957]

That was so funny when you said that there are some people in the grocery looking for love! 😂😂😂. You are so good with words...i like the way you described the grocery. It was like a poem. 😊

[@HMaxTube11]

👏👍 Shocked that food prices seem remarkably similar to Palm Desert California, August 2021/Aldi, Walmart. Your rent for the studio is about 20-24% of what you’d pay in this locale at this moment. We are roughly 400-500% times your rental rates I’m estimating for an average/not luxury apt. Surprised how modern Manila is for some reason, even as a major city

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks for the info!

[@bhobg]

Food is expensive in Philippine cities relative to what most earn. Whereas in the states its relatively cheap. Gasoline is the same price here as it is in the states, pretty much, so it is expensive.

[@TheDarkrider100]

It's good that you tried there. I used to work there, in a nearby call center (Sitel). New subscriber here by the way.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks and welcome aboard.

[@spectralknights2]

Food shopping is cheaper in a typical wet markets(palengke) there to buy meats, vegetables and fruits, etc. Not in a grocery esp in Malls

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Check out my previous vlog.

[@ronaldabigan1074]

One interesting thing to note with the prices in the Philippines is the fact that the prices you see already include the Tax (VAT/GST) instead of a sales tax being added to your bill on checkout. Thank you for this video!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thank you for your comment. That's what happens in Australia. Is it different in your country.? The nasty surprise??

[@ronaldabigan1074]

@@marshallbuttersvlogs6880 oh I’m actually in the Philippines too. But I did notice this difference on handling of sales tax on my overseas travels. I feel it’s often overlooked when comparisons on cost of living are made between countries. Most people treat the GST as a small figure only but it can add up and mess up someone’s budgeting if they’re not taken into account.

[@mickelboy182]

@@ronaldabigan1074 hate when I'm in the US and you never know how much something actually costs. Good to hear the Philippines is the same as Australia.

[@maryellen5616]

Thank you for this very relevant and timely blog about food and commodities prices in Manila. Excellent presentation 👍🏻

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad it was helpful!

[@romeoeledana8221]

Thanks again for your show. Your really good in what doing.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

I appreciate that!

[@karenbrecio1649]

Interesting vlog again Marshall. I like doing groceries. Your vlogs are very much appreciated. Stay safe🙋👍

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks Karen.

[@dirkmanila]

Wow, that’s high prices. We visited Manila 8 times in 6 years. And our last manila visit was in 2019. But the prices now are much higher. Many foods are cheaper in Germany. Can’t believe the high prices there now. How it will be paid by normal Filipino families….. then it’s better to visit local (wet) markets.

[@ronberi7773]

the rise of middle income families allowed restaurants to thrive further by increasing their prices. so it is not really practical to eat out 3-5 times a week. once a week eat out should be enough for us Filipinos.

[@noddybebetrain9896]

Unfortunately, even the wet markets are expensive, pork per kilo is now cheaper in metropolitan France, specifically Paris. A recent survey showed Manila to be the 3rd most expensive city in ASEAN, and 2nd only to Singapore in rent prices. What makes it worse is the average salary in Manila is not even 1/5 in Singapore. Real estate has always been relatively expensive in Manila, but the insane levels of inflation in commodity prices happened around 2018. Ironically, it happened when the government loosened restrictions on importing agricultural products. It's double whammy, it killed the local producers while jacking prices up. And the country's self-sustainability for agricultural produce is the lowest in 20 years. So it's most likely officially sanctioned cartels for commodities, that people are simply not noticing and speaking out against, they're still under the spell of their dear leader.

[@banshee1133]

The supermarket he went to has expensive produce. Sometimes double the cost at other supermarkets.

[@benjespina]

I used to walk from BGC to that area everyday. Im surprised that not more people do it. ;) Great video, man.

[@lourdespalmer1219]

Happy to watch an Aussie’s vlog living in Manila . I miss to see my family in Pangasinan Due to restriction ,very hard , keep safe From Adelaide SA

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Sorry to hear that Lourdes.

[@glennt1962]

Manila is ultra crowded and that supermarket is empty. $2,000 US a month I can live very comfortablely in Australia and run my Bemo!!

[@TitaMariamLovesfoodandtravel]

Excited for the next blog. Take care too.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thank you! You too!

[@hernanbondoc817]

Try to look for an apartment on residential areas but near the city.. It can cost you from 10-15 thousand pesos.. Lil bit lower from 19500.

[@miklosgergely2356]

Good evening Mr. Butters, I really love this video sharing your insights!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@miklosgergely2356]

@@marshallbuttersvlogs6880 I appreciate your feedback, thank you!

[@Spy359]

Interesting tour of the supermarket. Thanks on the costing update.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@chnsa2540]

A very Informative Vlog, good job Marshall. A relevant information that everyone should know! Thank you!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicholas6823]

Was that your Clive James impression on entering the supermarket? Nice informative video on real cost of living in manila. Thanks.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks, I did like Clive James.

[@theopinion9452]

If you were living in Cabanatuan city like I was,you would be paying 5K average for rent and half prices for the food,electric bill is a bit more expensive but water is cheaper for sure.

[@jeromefelizardo614]

Nxt time you buy again in grocery store, try to taste the Rose bowl sardines is so delicious Sir Marshall..

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Sounds good!

[@vphoenix5278]

One thing i can't tolerate living in d philippines is it's humid weather🥵

[@jasperboleyley9659]

come to the north...CAR...we chillin in here

[@brianbrown9512]

If this is priced in USD it's same as Thailand in general.

[@brianh9358]

I am guessing it was Australian dollars - which currently is 1 AUD to .73 USD - so bring the price down about 25 percent.

[@brianbrown9512]

@@brianh9358 Cheers mate that makes a big difference. Thailand's by no means cheap now, same as some of Europe. Seen big changes here in my 15 years.

[@ljryleigh1583]

Take care and waiting for more vlogs!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks.

[@franklumanog3043]

Very informative thank you

[@benjaminbermudez2632]

I love the copy you crafted as you entered the supermarket. Very illustrative.:P

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks mate!

[@fishingbuddyph8786]

Another awesome and informative vlog. Thanks for sharing, Marshall! 👍 Looking forward to "more interesting " vlog you mentioned. 😀

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@douglascollison6098]

Getting expensive now a day in Bonifacio Global City Taguig 😔😔😔😔😔

[@eavxphilgrlifeinhongkong]

I love ur vlog u go around the country u show the food the rest wow amazing....enjoy staying thre in the Philippines. Cheapest living in the Philippines and more fun...watching from Hongkong

[@josephramos980]

if you want to save more money next time try to shopped in the local market. Though the presentation of products there were not that neat as like in the mall settings. However, you can save more and have the extra😅

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

See my previous vlog my friend.

[@northernwings1672]

"...Some people are actually here looking for love." BUWAHAHAHAHA! I almost died choking on my "meryenda".

[@ronberi7773]

peynge naman meriends 😂

[@119jle]

My first visit to a grocery store was $900 US. My second was $2100. We rented a truck and driver. We stock up, eat well, and don’t count pesos. Live large or go home 😄

[@imcaufieldholt]

Wow that is more than twice what me and my family spend in the UK......

[@josepanicucci8591]

The Philippines is the promised land & heaven on earth for the rich & powerful only

[@AlistarTalos2025]

Thats so expensive... 34 US Marine Vet living in Manolo Fortich Bukidnon, 4000 peso for rent, 1300 for internet, 890 for electricity, 130 for water. I live down the street from wet market and from super market.... doing very very well here on south island.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

That's cheap rent. Good luck to you my friend.

[@rowenawhengesmaya]

New friend here from.hongkong I wonder how your living there in our place dont worry all people there are so kind

[@bernadetteoneill7014]

Meat, etc are still cheap from Robinson's, mind you. Lot cheaper than here. Thanks Mr Butters. Great info on costs! Robinsons was my old stomping ground during Uni. Days. 😊👍💰

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

My pleasure Bernadette.

[@edjolly1643]

Marshall I've just recently 'discovered' your videos and absolutely love them all! Thank you for sharing them...may I ask what video editing software you use?

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Hi Ed, I'm using Imovie. Thanks.

[@jccortez9376]

Curious as to who you buy the health insurance from for that price?

[@thetraveltranslator7465]

Hello Marshall, very informative video for someone like me, planning to travel to the PH next year. I got interested in your health insurance, doesn´t sound too expensive. May I know which one it is? Thanks!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

I actually haven't paid yet. I'm still thinking.

[@senpintravelsandmore]

I've been watching your vids since I found you. Still trying to catch up. I'm a little bit older than you but I can still explore like you, I think;)

[@renecruz4628]

Wow- I just started following your very informative blog. Hopefully you’re still in M Manila by this time I found your blog ( Jan 2022) stay safe and well.

[@NoorKhan-rb2ez]

The rent is cheap but rest shopping prices is same here in gulf countries

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

That's what I wanted to know. Thank you.

[@AllanDelosReyes]

Can’t wait to retire there in the Philippines

[@neiladordionisio847]

Love your videos 😍 from Manila Philippines

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad you like them!

[@RoseBill423]

Wow $3:50 for the toilet paper 🧻 that size is like $25 bucks here in NYC lol

[@eraxie7329]

Try Rosebowl and Youngstown sardines. Taste better than the one you took.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks for the tip.

[@froztbyte]

Meat are expensive in Ph than USA. Fact: grocey near wet market is cheaper

[@petemorris777]

I like Robinson but I find city mall supermarket much cheaper some say pure gold is the best value but I find city better Off course the markets are much cheaper although I would never buy meat there The best value can often be the mobile fruit and veg vendors I have got a pineapple a melon 3 mangos and half a bunch of bananas for 200 pesos 😊

[@bigbadzzbear4236]

Me and my mom around 80 to 100 usd per week and we cook and rarely buy fast food etc

[@TheMidasMD]

This is probably one of the most expensive supermarkets in Manila. By Filipino standards, it is very expensive.

[@rommelb.8070]

I think the place is Robinson's Pioneer right ? 😀

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Correct.

[@rignacio9586]

Good update on supermarket prices, Marshall; stay safe, sir!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks Roy, very hard to make a video that isn't stone cold boring about supermarket prices. I hope I succeeded to some extent.

[@nosananolife1449]

I think 19,500 pesos for a studio apartment is expensive for its size, Sir. Usually, studio rentals cost about 15,000 to 16,000 pesos only.

[@thinkforyourself9334]

Not where he lives. Plus it is furnished.

[@joea8650]

Good job...nice content!!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thank you so much 😀

[@nardsearn7421]

enjoy yourself in the island brother (from Texas)

[@e.diokno2000]

A little costly when buying in supermarkets...cheaper in markets..seafoods in wet markets like in Seaside Market roxas blvd Paranaque a little bit cheaper

[@kevinsoundmixer]

Great job creating content, despite the ECQ BBQ banana-Q restrictions!!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

It's not easy to make videos at the moment. That's for sure! Thanks.

[@ronberi7773]

HAHAHAHAHA nice one

[@almoemason]

Hmm ... I live in Tampa, Florida - the food prices seem about the same

[@johnchristiandelacruz5909]

So excited for your surprise vlog keep safe sir!

[@gamalielvincenzolorenzo322]

🙋 nice to see you again marshall

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

Thanks for a great video Marshall! Can you share who the health insurer is you were looking at and the plan name in any? Thanks!

[@tesschavit3009]

Enjoy shopping

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thank you, I will.

[@hauptmannvasquez6808]

G'day Mate! 8:18 Where I was sitting 10yrs ago after a tiring day looking for job. I miss my Philippines even its full of negative things. - Watching from NSW, Australia

[@jervichans4829]

No full of negative things in Philippines instead more positive such as a lots of ongoing constructions of BIG infra projects including Subway Train etc..

[@hauptmannvasquez6808]

@@jervichans4829 In my opinion

[@louloop9137]

For the clothes: Try to buy Airism shirts, undergarment and shorts from Uniqlo, or any dri-fit shirts, it will help with the hot weather here in Manila. A micro fiber mini towel or kitchen mini towel will help to wipe perspiration when you wander around Manila.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks for the tips!

[@hernstv]

I am a Fil-American, born in PH. Planning to retire someday in PH where cost of living is cheap in the province.

[@patriciaevans7953]

great video, very informative,

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikewood4242]

Costs would be much higher for me,currently 39 peso for $1 CDN.

[@crewcutter2030]

Oh, that mall is still standing, that was supposed to be demolished around jul last year to pave way for a newer mall.

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

That's interesting.

[@patrickobrien5367]

Good evening great video thanks got placed next to green belt one bed condo next to the park 😀will be coming back for good in September great place to live 😀great food wife loves shopping 🛍 ok thanks again for your video 📹😀

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Sounds great!

[@ChillManilaDrives]

$2000 monthly is pretty comfortable here in Manila actually. :)

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Yes.

[@thessmanzano3552]

Praying you’re subscribers will be more

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

Thanks Thess my friend!

[@jamesalias595]

Those grocery prices are expensive.

[@YBlnx]

Meat and produce are really getting expensive in the philippines.

[@algee3902]

Most Filipino spent 300 dollars a month, you spend like 3k foreigners rate

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

I live in a little SM condo and my rent is more than that.

[@gracejonesgj3368]

Sir Marshall the more vlogs you made the more your channel grown, im a fan here more food vlogs 😊ingat po!

[@marshallbuttersvlogs6880]

More to come!

[@samjewellery3336]

Nice video. This is luxury living cost.