Cost of living in the Philippines 🇵🇭 3/28/2024

My budget in the Philippines for march of 2024

[@user-kd4pg8eb7z]

Too many expats and their drama in Dumaguete. I moved to the Philippines to get away from the drama and conflict in the US. My wife and I live on the outskirts of Cebu City. I am the only foreigner in my subdivision. Life is sweet. Stress free and drama free.

[@brentstrippin8867]

Totally agree

[@youngandfree93]

Those are guys in that area are too old anyway and way out of shape.

[@astrangerinastrangeland]

Just turn youtube off & the drama is gone.

[@kenmcleod8618]

They are all driving the prices up and educating the women very well

[@user-zu5tv7zt6v]

Same here, but we have some foreigners in our subdivision. Some from other countries are decent, but not aligned with most from the US, neither politically, nor most other ways. Many are allowing themselves to be fleeced by single mothers and, of the one's I've met, often asking for loan. Don't need that hassle here, nor am I interested in drinking every day. Sadly, the ones migrating to the Philippines are giving the rest of us a bad reputation, and teaching the women how to fleece them.

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

We are currently in Guatemala in Xela, the 2nd largest city. We have a nice 3/1 with a view of the mountains and city for $350 and it includes water, cable, internet, and electric. All in with no budgeting we spend about $1100/month…for two. Weather is cool, people are friendly. We will eventually check out the Philippines…maybe Bagiou as we aren’t crazy about hot weather.

[@roygoad2870]

I’ve been looking at accommodation and the prices are almost double than what you would be paying for a similar place in Thailand for a month or even less for a year’s contract! You haven’t even got a kitchen! I’am paying $273 a month for a 48sqm studio on the beach fully furnished. Has a massive swimming pool. Electric is $20 a month, don’t use the aircon as am right on the beach in Jomtien! For a one year deal! I love the Philippines but Thailand is superior in many ways imo! If you don’t drink or party, your budget will be less!

[@brentstrippin8867]

I love Thailand

[@user-zu5tv7zt6v]

Oh man gotta have some AC here, but otherwise our costs are the same. I support a family of 3 here (our own child). The basic costs are around $850/month, but allow for extras and savings. Not sure what people are paying for at the 2K level, but I expect it's for a woman, her children and/or extended family, traveling, eating out a lot, or living in the heart of Cebu or Manila. Many of us just cannot do that on our incomes.

[@davidwright5619]

Do you speak Thai?

[@brucegruetzmacher5891]

A new tuk-tuk costs 200,000 Paso's (that's 4000 USD) (A Tuktuk is what they call a three wheeled trike in Thailand) Best, most versatile, economical form of transportation here in the Philippines. Scooters suck when it's raining.

[@brentstrippin8867]

Agreed. But parking can be extremely difficult to find for anything bigger than a scooter.

[@apoloestrada2908]

Thanks for the video and sharing, I live with the budget of $1500 a month and that's in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. Very happy enough to not pay any mortgage or rent. Only 5 farangs living in that area and both military veterans.

[@theswede5402]

A damn good video, i plan on living at 1200 bucks a month down there soon and im cool not having to party every weekend or travel to islands. Il enjoy the local food and hit the gym a few times a week, go out on the weekend here and there.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

I really like a place that includes everything! Sounds awesome!

[@nomadinthemaking]

50,000 pesos a month is shoestring 75,000 is budget/midrange 100,000 is comfortable. This is for a single person in a non premium area

[@frankkluz9787]

Very good. 👍 You have a system and it works. > Good for you ! 🤗 Be happy. 🙏

[@gmm5550]

A budget depends as always where u live and how u live. no expat filled city (like manila cebu or Dumaguete) take a more normal Philippine city No western food in restaurants and no crappy starbucks(local food and coffee is better) rent a small comfy condo with pool and gym 3-6 months or 1 year contract no bars or bad ladys

[@davidwright5619]

is there a V.A. or Kaiser Permanente there or nearby? Ty

[@gmm5550]

@@davidwright5619 where? as i understad it its a Us vet insurance u asking for..so what are u asking? if its any hospitals in Philippines or if your insurance works in Philippines?=)

[@user-zu5tv7zt6v]

Rather than expensive health insurance, have a medical savings account (hint: if you already have a chronic disease or need frequent medical care, consider a country with better facilities. The Philippines is probably not for you) and, especially, take better care of your health. Exercise, get enough sleep, and steer clear of the local cuisine and, especially, moderate your drinking. You can eat VERY healthy if you add lots of fruits and veggies from the local markets. Keep some essential meds on hand, like a beta blocker, aspirin, and antibiotics. Rent closer to a hospital, if you think you'll need emergency care. To live in the Philippines as an older foreigner means you have to be proactive about your health.

[@gmm5550]

@@user-zu5tv7zt6v sadly does most american expats i see continue with their unhealthy american lifestyle.. Want to find a american in phil, look in the fastfood places or starbucks or in the bars. European(except uk) expats tends to adapt better and eat better

[@desipage9862]

Good info all the little stuff adds up

[@Roof_Pizza]

I live about 100 miles from the big city. It's a resort town and I'm 200 yards from the water with a huge park as my backyard. My landlord is very good with things like the extra security lighting that I requested. I pay 35,000 for my place and it covers absolutely everything except Netflix. I cook all my own meals and don't drink. I give myself another 35k a month for everything else rarely going over. If I do go over it's for a new phone or similar. I don't have a motorbike but that will eventually change. So all in all I spend ~ 70k a month or $1200 USD. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I live in Canada.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

There's "living" then there is "living". My wife (from Cebu) and I reside in NE Texas. +/- $80,000.00 a year and we live extremely well. Multiple real estate holdings.7 registered vehicles. Health insurance and healthcare costs. Taxes,food,utilities,etc etc etc. I asked her to research replicating our lifestyle in a high end area of the Philippines. Minimum of 60K a year.Looking at the background it looks like you're living in an oversized motel room. Wife and my primary home is 3400 Ft2 on 2/3 of an acre in a highly desirable area of our town. My high end man-cave is bigger than your residence. Where I spend 5-6 days a week just farting around doing what I want when I want. (Retired).

[@vimassdaproductions4321]

''Five times thirty.. how much is that... you figure it out'' Buahahaha! Good video, been going there for many years, for months at a time, but will move permanently next year. I don't smoke but I love to drink, and I don't do relationships, so for me it's $4K a month to live like I'm on a permanent vacation. It's not the lifestyle for everybody, but it's MY lifestyle.

[@minnesotasalamander5913]

Thanks for breaking it down.

[@jefflay8515]

Not bad when breakfast and utilities are included. Location,peace and quiet are important to me as well! Thanks Brent!

[@philipmasie]

Peace ✌️ good video and thanks for sharing the details Brent!

[@simplysocial7383]

Great Video thanks for the information. I live in OK and retired last year and am thinking about moving there. Can you please make a video on how you packed to go there. Every thing is getting crazy here the rent has increased $200 to $1300 dollars for one bedroom non furnished. Well I was wondering if I could pay you for 1 on 1 coach on coaching on how to coe there and stay I am a mniimalist and like your life style. I don not drink like you and just want no drama and peace my last years. Thanks again and please let me know how I can get in contact with you.

[@brentstrippin8867]

Ill answer any questions you got if i can. No charge. [e-mail]

[@tonybattaglio4625]

Hey Im drinking right now too, cheers.

[@robertwestlasvegas]

Good deal

[@edwardsmcintyre9014]

Ive seen some drunk loud expats and i hoped it did not reflect on myself as i was in line for a ferry from cebu to bohol. But as for myself rides were very available and inexspensive . As you said a motor bike would be best when i retire there . Visa extensions are awesome since i will stay there in winter time in pennsylvania.

[@christophermeaney5485]

We've been watching you since you've been in the Philippines in Vietnam love the videos of Vietnam!! I was there in the early seventies completely different environment than......, we really enjoy your videos specially when you describe a room you say here's the bed here's the sink here's the refrigerator here's the shiter.... Your friend is coming on the 1st is he like to have a few drinks.. is he just on vacation as you are or is he going to retire and Dumaguete as well?? And if you do go to a movie, can you take a few pictures of it inside so we can see what it looks like?? Keep tripping brother!!!!😊

[@brentstrippin8867]

He is going to stay a month or 2 to see if he likes it. He has over 20 years of sobriety and has helped alot of people in recovery. Me included. Just a Good dude!

[@christophermeaney5485]

@@brentstrippin8867 sounds like a great guy..u two have a great time.. take care brother...

[@jausabowser]

Thanks, you mentioned smoking. I am a smoker too and want to retire in Duma, but i heard of tough smoking rules there. Can you please tell me how is the situation (on streets, restaurant, hotels, etc) ? Thanks!

[@brentstrippin8867]

Not a problem here in dumaguete. Smoking is common here even at restaurants as long or under a patio type setting

[@jausabowser]

@@brentstrippin8867 ok, sounds good. one more, can you smoke in your room?

[@brentstrippin8867]

@jausabowser no. But i dont smoke in the house anyway so thats not an issue for me. Ive always had a patio or a terrace so i just step out on the balcony

[@jausabowser]

@@brentstrippin8867 Brent, thanks a bunch! That's all i wanted to know. And thanks for not giving me health advices as so many other people i was asking previously :-) Good luck, hope too meet you later the year and Smokers United!

[@davidwright5619]

Your situation sound reasonable. Two things I didn't hear. Health care cost and a girlfriend/entertainment. Do you have a maid? I'm strongly considering moving there. Thx for the info.

[@brentstrippin8867]

Im staying at an Air bnb so i don’t have a maid. They clean it every 5 days. I dont have health insurance

[@brentstrippin8867]

No girlfriend and the entertainment comes out of my 1000 pesos a day

[@davidwright5619]

@@brentstrippin8867 thx for replying

[@beaulong]

Well... the price is definitely going up. X PEN sive!! Phillipines has got us x pats pegged...

[@user-xz6dr6yf3w]

What is the deal with a driver's license.

[@brentstrippin8867]

Still trying to figure this out. I didnt need one to rent a motorcycle but im sure you need one to be legal

[@RobertMiami305]

Heh Brent hitting those carbs again , huh? I have a question. Do you have any medical insurance for accidents or sickness? Or do you pay out of pocket to see a doctor or get a prescription? Thanks Bud

[@brentstrippin8867]

I dont. Everything is out of pocket. I highly suggest an emergency fund

[@51dbail]

I think rockstar is more like 5k USD and up

[@bayoumanbryan]

Thanks for sharing your budget

[@cloonz25]

your air bb would be a bargain if youshare with friend thats coming.cheap for you then.

[@WendDesaulniers]

Heck of a deal

[@NunyaBidness-zr5mn]

Does your compound have any 1 or 2 bedroom units? It would make me claustrophobic as hell to live in a stuido

[@brentstrippin8867]

This is just a single guesthouse. Its the only unit here next to the owners home

[@simplysocial7383]

Yes the carbs is what makes you hungry I only eat two meals a day. just got my VISA but my Lease is not up for 7 months and I put down $1000 dollardeposit that I do not want to break. Yeh I baught the DVD set on yellow stone..LOL

[@davidwright5619]

Oops! Forgot to 👍and subscribe 😊

[@KMJ1936]

Thanks for the update on the budget in Dumaguette. Definitely doable. I do the same with P1000 /day including 5-6 beers a day Lapux2. Any chance you lost a bet before that haircut 😂. Lol, joke lang 🤣

[@brentstrippin8867]

It was actually a haircut gone way wrong in Lapu Lapu City that im still trying to recover from! Another reason why ive been looking so hard for a cap! 😂

[@youngandfree93]

5 to 6 beers a day? Holy smokes why so much? Your liver is taking a beating. In my country the guidelines are down to 2 drinks per week max.

[@imisskatelyn9517]

Medical?

[@brentstrippin8867]

I dont have medical but im checking into it

[@imisskatelyn9517]

@@brentstrippin8867 Thanks.

[@josepanicucci8591]

PH is not the ideal country for foreigners to settle & retire Foreigners in PH can't even own small portions of lands & have very limited & restricted rights Foreigners can obtain PH citizenship if born & raised in PH like the prominent Spanish Ayala family which is not the case of foreign expat newcomers PH is heaven on earth for rich Filipinos only

[@gmm5550]

almost no country in whole asia lets Foreigners own land and why do u want a phil citizenship, the passport is nearly worthless for travel and gives no perks

[@josepanicucci8591]

@@gmm5550 Yes however PH is definitely not the country for you if you're not a PH citizen for facts I've pointed out

[@gmm5550]

@@josepanicucci8591 have a SIRV -visa and dont want to buy land or house because its often a bad deal and a great risk and you are STUCK in one place..so yes phil is a country's for me. same as thailand where i Have a Thai Elit visa with 4 yrs left. 15 years working and living in se-asia

[@gmm5550]

@@josepanicucci8591 why should u even buy land or house..its just buying problems and expenses and often headache..and u are stuck in one place +15 years working and living in se-asia and always rented my condos did move around alot in Bangkok over the years because moving from one part of the +15 milj ppl mega city to another is like moving to a new city ..and in Philippines i lived in 5 places over 2 years .. I have a SIRV-visa in Philippines btw and the 3rd strongest passport in the world.

[@gmm5550]

@@josepanicucci8591 why should u even buy land or house..its just buying problems and expenses and often headache..and u are stuck in one place +15 years working and living in se-asia and always rented my condos did move around alot in Bangkok over the years because moving from one part of the +15 milj ppl mega city to another is like moving to a new city ..and in Philippines i lived in 5 places over 2 years .. I have a SIRV-visa in Philippines btw and the 3rd strongest passport in the world.

[@christaylor7049]

Man no offence but that's a lot of rent in the Philippines