Cost of Living in the Philippines After Seven Months

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thank You everyone- we just achieved our 5000 Subscribers goal 123 days from launch. 🚀 We love our SUBSCRIBERS!

[@ATSFVentaSpurNscaler]

We subscribers love you, Rob and Chrissy, and this wonderful, informative channel that you have created. Best wishes for your ongoing success! -from Thomas Lincoln Pilling

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@ATSFVentaSpurNscaler we really appreciate hearing from you.

[@steppaboss]

​. Wow she is really beautiful. Congrats. Can i find one just as sweet and beautiful like her when i get there?😊

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@steppaboss absolutely

[@MichaelJohnson-gp9dd]

Hi this is Mike what are your ages I'm planning on retirement in the Philippines

[@josephkramer8683]

Chrissy is very beautiful inside and out! Lucky Man!🎉

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

We agree! Thanks for your support

[@javieribarra6772]

I need to pick a good pina like Chrissy she is intelligent with a humble character and beautiful

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Perhaps I can help?

[@want2bsailing804]

Chrissy is awesome. She knows how things work. 👍thumbs up for Chrissy. She is more down to earth .

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thank you. Merry Christmas

[@kbird529]

I lived in Chiang Mai for 18 months and my monthly expenses were $800-1000 USD per month. 3bed/2 bath house, scooter rental, and basic living in a thai neighborhood and loved it. One can never isolate them selves from the karaoke, roosters or everyday life of the SEA culture. Adapt and overcome is my mantra for living in a foreign country.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Good Mantra

[@kbird529]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines 🙏

[@frankkluz9787]

@kbird529 > Siem Reap is a beautiful city & offers same basic budget but if your over 55 & retired - the visa is infinitely cheaper and easier in Cambodia - no qualifications or visa runs for $180/year with more English spoken from the friendliest people on the planet. (and no smoke)

[@kbird529]

@@frankkluz9787 Yes, Cambodia as well as Lao are on my list of places to visit and stay long term as I did in Chiang Mai, my goal is to find a place that I feel comfortable enough with the environment, people and culture to retire permanently in. I love Thailand but it seems that its becoming difficult to retire in with the possibility of taxing expats and increasing the required income you have to show in your thai bank account.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@frankkluz9787 good to know

[@marcprobin1659]

Chrissy is very smart and knows the value of money!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks

[@kshadejr]

I absolutely love this encounter. The two of you are so funny. Serious but funny. The two of you were made for each other.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks 🙏

[@CrazyBobMomSha]

MomSha here, I’m also from CDO but my husband CrazyBob hasn’t been there yet. Thank you for sharing the current cost of living there. I’m surprised it went so high compared to 6 years ago. I enjoyed watching your videos, got home sick too… 😊😉 I highly agree with Chrissy’s tip in the last part of the video -- FIND THE RIGHT FILIPINA… 👍

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Chrissy enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks for watching.

[@EdensTokyoLife2014]

Thank you. Watching this budget video gives me a great encouragement to seriously thinking again of moving back to the Philippines. Before that was my life long dream to return to the Philippines.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

You can do it!

[@switzerlandandthephilippines]

I love the mindset of Chrissy, she always wants save money and the things are for her too expensive. That's so cute 🥰 It reminds me to my Filipino husband 😊 I really love her personality. New subscriber from Switzerland here, I will watch for sure more of your videos ❤ Well done!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes! Thank you! Switzerland

[@SaltySoiDog]

I can see that Chrissy is flabbergasted at the amount of money you spend, but must understand your needs. I was in a relationship in Australia with a Filipino and she went nuts if I spent money on myself, she always thought that money could've been spent on her needs, lol.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Wow, it’s so interesting. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to comment. We really appreciate it.

[@SuccessiveApproximations-Intl]

You two are gonna do great in this format, you both are very personable, your content, and editing are first rate, and your videos are always interesting and consistent. You're gonna save me money, so I'll gladly support you and chip in a regular donation because I know you have your expenses to produce these. Thank you very much!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks Russell

[@goldenarm2118]

I lived in a bintaya near Alubijid (about 30 minutes west of CDO) as a tobacco farmer and lived on way less than $500 per month for 3 years.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for commenting golden

[@spincube5734]

Always good/interesting info, thank you both !!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. It really helps our channel.

[@billsmith2915]

I've been to the Philippines 5 times, and to CDO 4 of those times. Be honest with the viewers, where you live in CDO is in the top 1% area of Mindanao. You live in the filthy rich area of the region, 99% of the people do not live where you do, you live amongst probably 50% foreigners. So go right down the Sayre HWY to Alae, or Malaybalay, and you can rent a pod for $100 USD a month. You can easily live on $500 a month if you don't live in a luxury 4 bedroom house in the wealthiest area of Mindanao. Be honest with people about where you live. I know exactly where it is, and it's not even close to the average person in the Philippines. Just like you talk about shopping at SM mart at the front of the CDO mall, which I've been many times, you will pay twice what you pay at Gaisano shopping mall. So you are not giving a reasonable budget for most people.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to write a comment. I believe I did mention that it’s an exclusive area and it’s a gated community. There are only a few foreigners in the neighborhood but I believe I discussed that it is an exclusive area and not typical whoever thanks for your support and for taking the time to write.

[@gerbourke1952]

​@@FlyMeToThePhilippinesI kinda have to agree with him. I have a fair idea of the area in cagayan where you are. You cannot accurately say how much joe blogs needs to live in the philippines when you yourself are RENTING in a very exclusive area. 50k per month in rent? Omg. That is dead money. We paid 250k for our house and spent a further 300k on the renovation. It's close to a luxurious standard. Done 90% of the work ourselves and the locals seen us doing that. I guess they look at us with a different light now because if they are doing something around their house they ask me for advice or my opinion now 😅 Point is, for Lees than 1 years rent for you my house is paid for. Your wife is right. You really need to get your finger out and stop renting. Roosters, dogs...... after a little while, you no longer hear them. Get yourself out of the concrete jungle. Learn to grow some vegetables. It's actually very satisfying. Keep 3 or 4 pet hens and you have your own source of fresh eggs daily. Learn how to barter your excess veg for meat. Not only will you save money...... you will make a bond with the locals. What to you is more satisfying? Coming home from the supermarket with a bag containing a few talong (eggplant) some lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chilli and saying "look what I just bought" Or, Coming in from the garden with a bag containing the same vegetables and saying "look what I grew" You left for the philippines to have the FREEDOM to enjoy life but you put yourself behind a gate with a guard on patrol......... is that really freedom? We live in the province. We would not spend 800/month. That includes running the car and my beat up multicab truck and a little honda wave that I only sometimes use. We eat very well. We buy whatever we want, when we want. We don't drink or smoke. Get out from behind the gate. Try our way of life. Then come back and do a budget video again. When I said to gio and Calvin in the past that you can live very comfortably on less than 800 they pretty much laughed at me...... until Calvin actually tried it and gio met and interviewed someone actually doing it. It's your own money but...... (I mean this with the greatest of respect to you and your good wife sir) its ludicrous what you are spending

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@gerbourke1952 🤫

[@xiaobao4757]

$500 a month come on, man. That is surviving, not living.

[@Eric-qm5xw]

⁠@@gerbourke1952Some foreigners do not want live in the provinces ..I’m one of them. My fiancée was a corporate banker for American banks in Manila. We are very much city people, we live in a more of a upscale area than CDO, Subic bay freeport, Our rent is 80k a month …we lived in Manila before in Taguig. We’ve been here in Subic now for 18 months and have land we are trying to build on. My point is everyone is different and budgets are very different. We are actually thinking about moving 70% back to Manila as we prefer city life, it’s all about infrastructure for us.

[@MichaelPilit]

SHE IS SIMPLE WOMAN BUT, THE MORE YOU LOOK AT HER THE MORE SHE BECOMES SO ATTRACTED AND SO BEAUTIFUL!!! TRUE LOVE WILL NEVER DIES!!!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I love her and your comment both. Thanks for watching our video and taking the time to write a nice comment. It helps our channel so much.

[@MichaelPilit]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines YOU REALLY A LUCKY GUY IN THE WORLD BECAUSE YOU HAVE A HONEST AND BE A TRUSTED WOMAN UNTIL THE LAST BREATH OF YOUR HEART IN YOUR PRECIOUS RETIREMENT AGE!!! GOOD LUCK TO BOTH OF YOU!!! I AM ALWAYS TELLING THE TRUTH AND YOU REALLY HAVE FELT AND YOU KNOW THAT TO YOURSELF!!!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@MichaelPilit awesome thank you 🙏

[@geert937]

This is the first time I'm looking at you, Julie, you come so calmly and with a clear explanation about everything, of course you can only assume what you experience and such, but that seems very normal, I live in the Netherlands I'm going to watch Julie more often, have a nice day.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks

[@maisieharrison2260]

awesome video. the best on phillippines living costs I've seen thus far and I've seen lots. well done guys!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Wow, thank you!🙏

[@oscarbarragan6675]

I will be. Moving to CDO in a few years. I too will be in one of the subdivisions more than likely. I have a filipino friend they live in Teakwood Hills and one in Xavier Estates. I heard those are nice places to live. My wife's family lives in zone 11 which as you probably know is a little more rough of an area.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Xavier Estates very nice

[@mike.p.1400]

I think this couple is spot on. My wife is Filipina. And I’ve been there three times and will be moving there permanently soon. I’ve seen several videos on this subject. If you’re single. No kids. No financial responsibilities other than yourself. I’d say 1500 dollars at a minimum.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes, I agree that’s sort of a minimum

[@pentrubarbati]

you people really like to waste money

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@pentrubarbati 🤔

[@JamesMichaelStevens]

Thanks! Enjoyed watching your video and seeing the breakdown of the expenses.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad you enjoyed it! James, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@thedarkgreenmarine2100]

Yes you can get Medicare part B reinstated but you will pay a 10% increase if the premium per year you went without and it doesn’t have a cap 5 years is 50% more and the enrollment period is January -March so beware of cancelling it unless you are certain you won’t be back.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks

[@floribertosousa2251]

Hello,..I just became a new subscriber to your channel. Great video with good information on budgets amounts in the Philippines. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Floriberto Thanks for subbing!

[@ckolodin]

This video was in a business format, perfect.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thank you 🙏

[@karlstarke2011]

Great video with good quality of information. I'm marry with a Filipina since 1992 and we are thinking now to move tgere from Germany. Congratulations to both of you you and wish you the best for the future. Chrisi is really smart and down to earth and she got a special aura. Thanks.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Karl thank you for watching our channel and taking the time to write your comment. Very interesting and we appreciate your support.

[@JohnBotting]

KZbin suggested you to me. I'm going to the Philippines in January, will be in Davao and just booked a side trip to CDO. I'm British and meeting my Filipino boyfriend for the first time who's from the same place as Chrissy 😊. I'm very keen to move to PH in 2024 and start vlogging with him too. Anyway congrats on your channel. Just subscribed.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Well, that sounds so exciting. Best of luck to you and thanks so much for subscribing. We hope to hear more from you.

[@ripley7t429]

I am going to be in CDO from 10 Feb to 21 Feb. I will be staying at Centrio Tower. I will be relocating there sometime in early 2025. I have all the healthcare covered and will be getting the SRRV EC Visa. We have been looking in the same area you live for a home. I will be stuck in Cebu for a couple months to get the Visa done then onward to CDO. Our budget will be 2500 -3K a month.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Suggest you join facebook cdo group for housing. Why stuck in cebu ? Perhaps an agent or express mail

[@freedomwillring6749]

Thank you for the great run down of your budgeting. Crissy is beautiful and in my humble opinion looks to be a wonderful catch, God bless you both and thanks for the information you provided. New subscriber here today because this i think is the first time i caught one of your videos, but it was so informative i plan on seeing all of them eventually.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Wow thank you so much for subscribing and watching our videos and taking the time to share a comment

[@ShiroiTora2EChild]

A very good monthly breakdown. I was surprised at how reasonable your spending is, and yet, to how much it totaled. I couldn’t imagine how many conveniences are omitted on much lower budgets frequently talked about on other channels. I have to admit, I am of a western mindset, and I think my monthly budget would be even higher than is yours were I left to spend on my own. A good woman can make all the difference there. I am sure, like Chrissy, a good Filipina would know the many ways to shave money off budgets by economizing on so many of the unnecessary expenditures most westerners would end up spending without giving it a second thought. I found your budget to be far more realistic, and your breakdown of expenses to be far more detailed, than are other’s. As I am sure you realized from your first rental, the location and comfort of your home plays a major part in your day to day happiness. And, as for me, noise would be such a strong daily irritant that it would have to play a major part in my choice of locations as well. Another well done video.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

As always, thank you I feel like something is happening and my sensitivity to the noise is slowly changing. We really notice it when recording but I’m not as bothered during my daily routine.

[@frankkluz9787]

Watch Alex the Russian in Dumaguete for another detailed budget broke down - or - one of many Vagabond Buda's in several locations in the Philippines. -- Thrifty not wasteful just looking to get prices the locals get ! Wise discernment.

[@MJFUYT]

Excellent video. Quality information. Thx for sharing!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

MJ Glad it was helpful!

[@jimanonymous113]

$800/mo is nearly $10k/yr. If you build a house i would have an outer wall of 4" wide block. Then i would make another 4" block wall inset 16" from the other. I would fill the gap with sand, or shredded dried leaves for insulation. I'd build house 3' off the ground for access to plumbing and to make termites visible. I'd build amakan rectangular or squares 10" thick and double line them with plastic and fill them with shredded dried leaves and mount them above the ceiling for insulation. Thus i think you could afford to run the a/c. I would build recesses in walls for outside plumbing so they are protected from damage. Get a larger than necessary breaker panel in case cheap fusion electricity becomes a reality and houses double their electric devices. Dried leaves could mold if they get wet so you may want to use sand in the walls in case cracks occur that can wick water. Also, with sand, it might be possible to intentionally add water to sand for cooling if your blocks have some porosity. But, if you watch Mike's retirement you'll see that gardening adds a lot of work to having a home. How does this compare to buying a condo and monthly condo fees ? Is it possible to live near a school where she can work part-time ? But at college level this would expose her to predator men.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Lots of really good information. I’m going to save this post. Thanks so much for watching and sharing.

[@jimanonymous113]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines she's fabulous

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@jimanonymous113 thanks

[@kenbaustin4533]

Really impressed with your presentation of expenses in the Phillipines. Real down to earth look at things and is a fresh breather to some of the other clowns. Chrissy also seems very nice and grounded. Congrats to the both of you! BTW, you are a clone for Peter Schiff! lol

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks so much Ken.

[@richardcompton-xk7fj]

Thank you !This information is what I wanted to know!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Richard Glad it was helpful!

[@TXAgileBear]

Thank you for the detail that you went into. So many just gloss over what it really costs. This was very informative and reasonable in my opinion.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks so much for the feedback

[@Leonard369C]

Crissy seems to have much more of a conservative save for later mindset, but I think she needs to be mindful that for retirees there is not as much later left and later is now and if we don't begin to maximize the enjoyment of our benefits now, we are just setting someone else up to benefit from our lifelong efforts later. Rob strikes me as a guy who could probably spend much more than $2500 as his monthly budget, so maybe for him he is still being conservative.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes, that’s a very important point of you. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. It really helps our channel.

[@garyabell3456]

I really like your analysis on the amount of money people would spend! Everyone wants it to be super cheap and I'm one of them! Sure if you live like a native and have no insurance you can maybe survive on 500 . But just surviving isn't the goal but to thrive! Yes you just got a new subscriber!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Awesome welcome 🙏

[@albertthomas6855]

Very good, informative video. I would like to know about adding golf to a budget. I'm a golf lover, and I really don't want to live someplace that I can play golf when I'm retired. I plan to retire next year, and come to cebu city at that time. I've been trying to find someone over there that will a golf video for expats.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Great suggestion!

[@Bull-BearTrading]

Chrissy is a movie star! Can't remember the guy's name, but Chrissy is Hollywood bound!!🤩

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

🥸

[@nocturneowl2660]

Great video. I’m Fil-Am Ilocana. I’m a saver. Your fiancée is a catch. A stunner and frugal. 😊

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks

[@LeonardMarlin]

We own our own home on Samal Island so we pay no rent. We have 4 kids. 2 in college, one in high school and one in grade school. We have no debt. Our electricity bill is between 8 and 9 thousand a month. Water is 400 php Propane is 2,200 php Kids school tuition for all 4 is 28,000 per month. Kids allowance is 24,000 php Add in food and we spend $2,200.00 every month. Birthdays, holidays anniversarys we spend another $200.00 to $600.00 Christmas being the most expensive.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing Happy new year 🎊

[@dlbcooper]

I have recently purchased a couple decent lots in Guimaras island and hope to start a expat blog from there? They will start a bridge soon from Iloilo, and it will grow, now is the time to settle there and enjoy the quiet and pristine beaches

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Nice, sounds like a good plan

[@lesliewood4069]

Thank you very much for your advice ❤️🌷👍🙏

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

You are so welcome

[@dgrylas7394]

Nice to meet you guys. Very informative vlog. We're a married couple in the USA. I am Caucasian and my wife is filipina. We met and married in the USA (New England). We just both recently retired. Planning on spending our winters in the Phillipines. Coming in Jan. and staying until end of April. I have been to Phillipines a few times in vacation mode. This will be a test to stay in living mode. We stay in Bacolad. Sounds like a nice area where you are. Hope I like it. Mabuhay! Dave and Trinia

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Hi Dave and Trinia. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I’m glad your enjoying our videos.

[@wallykloubek4079]

I go to the Philippines every year for three months and I don’t purchase travel insurance because of the high expense but I’m covered by my provincial insurance plan for free. I used it twice and was reimbursed fully when returning to Canada...BC Med covers you anywhere in the world up to the BC Med limit, so obviously I don’t go to the USA because of the crazy high medical costs there...cheers🍷🇨🇦

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing

[@MikeShaldjian]

Your breakdown is more realistic than most expat vlogers. My wife and I live in Baguio City and have a fixed budget of $1,300 a month. My SS is a little over $1,900, with rent of $400 for nice one bedroom with a loft in the city centre. I wouldn't recommend anyone moving here with less than $1,500 income or you'll likely not enjoy your retirement 🎉

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing Mike

[@pentrubarbati]

maybe budgeting in USA should become a mandatory class

[@robpeacock2929]

Hi! Rob, and Chrissy. Merry Christmas New to Your channel

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Welcome and thanks for taking the time to enjoy the channel and commenting

[@janhansen6195]

Hi l had a Balikbayans visa (1 year free visa) when l did live in the Philippines, because my wife is a Filippina. And l lived in Azure resort in Manila so we payed 35.000 pesos pr month to rent this a 2 bedroom condo hig up, and I like to have a good time so I also shopped at western stores to get the items I wanted each month as well and we just shopped for our groceries at the mall which was right around the corner from where we lived. And my wife liked to go shopping too, so we probably spent about 125,000 to 150,000 pesos every month doing that as well. so all in all we did spend 160.000 to 185.000 every month in total and this is 2866 to 3314 US dollars. And this is cheap living compare to Norway. But I could afford this and I wanted to have a certain standard and then this was expensive, but both me and my wife, who now lives in Norway, were fine using this every month

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and sharing Jan

[@quantomic1106]

I'm budgeting $2500/mo with a paid-for house (dual citizen). Glad to see I can make it comfortably.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Awesome thanks for watching and sharing your comment

[@melynfale7008]

Wow ! For $500 cost of renting a residence, that is great, but more beneficial if getting an installment basis payment of a town house in a subdivision that you can absolutely own after 10-15 years depends on a payment term preference.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I would normally agree, however I am reluctant to do anything permanent because my experience with neighbors regarding noise, dogs, roosters and setting up businesses in the neighborhood is terrible. I value the ability to resolve a problem by moving away from

[@dazamistwalker]

Since you are both working the youtube, and I'm going on a limb and guess Chrissy is doing the cooking, cleaning and laundry I think it is a mistake to call what you're giving her an "allowance". An allowance is what you give a dependent child for making their own bed. While she is, in a sense, dependent on you she can easily actually save you money by knowing how to work things like the market and avoiding the skin tax. And it is REALLY easy to see who is the spendthrift, between the two of you!🤣 From what I can see, a good Filipina is infinitely more practical than your typical western guy. You're not spoiling her, you're sharing the spoils with your partner.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

You make some very good points. Thanks for watching and sharing your comment.

[@CR-zd6ug]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad it was helpful! Happy new year 🎆

[@danhunt3652]

👍 it’s nice to know the different cost in the budgets I would be choosing the high end budget. I like the morals of the filipino women and their commitment to family I live in the north west of the US most American women don’t have the values of the Filipino women 🦋

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Damn, thanks for watching and sharing your comment

[@geraldarrington9620]

The used cars are cheap here, buy private party and have a mechanic put it on a rack, I bought a car and scooter cash, nice to go anywhere when you want. Insurance, registration, fees are super cheap.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Good advice

[@JesseOsby]

A little off the topic, but @12:27 you talked about working remotely and the noise. Do you know if there are any gated communities that prohibit owning roosters?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Mine😂😂😂. Strictly prohibited. Guy next door has 3. They refuse to enforce. If I owned and wasn’t a foreigner I would press the issue

[@JesseOsby]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines Ugh, that sucks! I wonder if you could hire a dog that's trained to kill roosters :D I'd like to try living there a few months and working remotely, but the noise and unreliable power/internet are what's stopping me. I'd have $5k/month to spend but I'd need to work about 8pm-4am for my American job.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@JesseOsby power here is very reliable and you can get a back up battery for your computer for not too much money. I think a high-rise with soundproof windows would work well we’ve thought about insulating the windows in one of our upstairs bedrooms with soundproofing, and that might work.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@JesseOsby BGC would be quiet also

[@JesseOsby]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines I'm a little nervous about the high-rises there, though. Not under normal circumstances, but I worry that if there's an earthquake, they'll fall like a house of cards. Not because I doubt their building standards, but because I question whether those buildings actually meet the standards due to corruption and incompetence there. I've seen so many videos about how government workers don't really know what's going on and asking the same question of four of them will get you four different answers because no one will admit when they don't know something.

[@alg1457]

Thank you for another great and informative video

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

So nice of you

[@ericsolkamans-kj2fd]

My Wife makes it difficult. I live on an extreme budget. Never spending more than I earn and never going beyond my means. I also have taught myself to live on a rational budget. Meaning, I don't like running out of necessities. Example: I will buy three 50 kilo socks of rice, enough food to last more than a month and spices that I know I use a lot of. So I know triple up on those.....ect. Since we got married in 2014, my Wife challenges me on my budgeting practices. But she likes that we don't have to spend as much each month on food. But still spend and sends money like it's water in her hands. She always has zero savings. Unlike me, I always have my back-up savings. Which she likes to deplete. She is no longer joint on my bank account. She empty it twice. And we didn't have rent or any money for bills for over three months. She still has zero savings and had learned the hard way. But, she is learning, very slowly. AND NEVER ALLOW THE BORROWING OF MONEY. Because that only creates debt. It's ironic. In order to borrow money, You have to have good credit and no money. When people say they want to borrow money from me, they want the full amount, from $600.00 to sometimes over a $1000.00 plus plus plus. They NEVER PAY IT BACK. Now I say NO! and they now say I AM selfish. I AM not an ATM machine and now I know why. They ALL think foreigners are rich. Never live in debt. Never borrow money. Work smart and always think for You Future. People need to realize, if You don't help Yourself first, You cannot help others second. At least my Wife is understanding this more than in the past.

[@ThePhilippinePipeDream]

I’ve heard it before, you can say yes a million times, the moment you say no, you become the bad guy. It’s your money bro, they wasn’t the ones getting up at 5am, making that hour drive to and from work, don’t let them bully you.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

You make some very good points

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and sharing that very interesting background on your situation. I appreciate it.

[@ericsolkamans-kj2fd]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines 👍🏽 🔻 🙏

[@MichaelPilit]

@user-qt7ze5lo6w 0 seconds ago SHE IS SIMPLE WOMAN BUT, THE MORE YOU LOOK AT HER THE MORE SHE BECOMES SO ATTRACTED AND SO BEAUTIFUL!!! TRUE LOVE WILL NEVER DIES!!!

[@dean4247]

Thank you for your vlog! Very informative and helpful. You did very good meeting Chrissy cos she is a sweetheart. Keep Well

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thank you so much 😊

[@mikef5659]

Excellent video of how to budget in SEA. Important for people to realize that's with no alcohol/partying/women chasing. Love your lifestyle man. Your fiance reminds me so much of the filipinas I dated and knew when I was in Asia. They are VERY frugal and mindful of money. They will save a dollar every chance they get. I don't think I could ever mess around with a 20 something yr old filipina again as they are just way too much drama but also the most fun girls in the world. Your fiance seems awesome with the more mature mindset. Keep living the dream my man and you definitely are doing the right thing by renting.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks Mike for watching the video and sharing your experiences

[@almoemason]

You can get your part B reinstated but there is a 10% permanent penalty for each year you don't have it. Also, remember your Medicare Supplemental policy will cover a lifetime of $50, 000(Plan N or G) in foreign medical expenses. So, if you have the cash reserves to pay up front you could just pay and get reimbursed. That means you don't need Philippine health insurance until you reach the $50k threshold. After that you might consider dropping part B (if you do not plan to return to the US or at least switch to a no premium advantage plan.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks I didn’t know about 50k. Need to check my policy

[@brussetbejarasco2694]

I like watching your videos.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback

[@Billy_B_Goat]

Ever since I found your channel last week I have really been enjoying your content. My mind jibes with your organizational style and wow is Crissy a charmer. You have done very well for yourself and I wish you both good fortune moving forward. Having completed my 'boots on the ground' 2 month tour early this year in Duma/Siquijor, you have put CDO on my radar when I return (permanently?) for retirement in March-ish. I guess it might be time to start that 90 day countdown checklist and start a facebook account. I'm trying out FilipinoCupid, but to no avail. Just too many scammers. Would hope to meet you guys someday if fate allows. Keep up the good work and thanks for the motivation... it does help keep the faith. Peace and Love, B Goat

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks B Goat, we will keep the light on and thanks for the positive comments

[@etfremd]

The volume of scammers is immense. 200-300 chats for maybe 1 real girl. I hope I found mine. I need to get to the Philippines ASAP but the soonest I can go is March for 2 weeks.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@etfremd stay strong, have faith the time will pass quickly

[@helmetcritic107]

I have Managed on about 800 to 1000 piso Daily but having said that i own a house and do not need to pay rent ... the only addition would be the occassional eating out

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Owning a house is key to that budget

[@helmetcritic107]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines yes it was a heavy initial cost but worth it , luckily got into a quite sub division , but as you said no matter where you go dogs are barking and roosters are at it ... but thats the philippines

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

Great video guys.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks so much!

[@KenEdgar-ke9bo]

Just subscribed to your channel last week and only complaint is that I am spending way to much time watching your videos and even reading all of the comments to them, I am losing out on sleep lol. Well done. I have never been to CDO even though I have been to other places in Mindinao like Davao and Gensan. Now I am planning to go there next time as it has shot to my 1st choice of places to retire in about 7 years. Between my pension, Social Security, and 401k, I should be able to live in the higher budget range. My GF is from Gensan and so this is still little closer than other places I was considering in the Philippines. One Idea for a future topic is about muslim culture there in Mindinao. I understand there are a lot there in that province and it might be different concepts for westerners for example that they can have 4 wives and different laws with regards to divorce yet somehow they manage to peacefully co-exist with the strong catholic and other Christians there.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching our videos and for such an interesting comment and I appreciate the suggestion also

[@Will91Berserk]

Very informative video. It opened my eyes, that I could live a pretty decent life in the Philippines with my meager online earnings.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davehenson3588]

AJ Arizona here I'm coming to Gingoog next month.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

😀Good luck

[@foreignermakingmoney-phili1458]

Good video. Fair and accurate budget video.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jus4taday]

It’s smart to continue paying your Part B premium simply because if something comes up that’s serious/life changing you can just hop on a flight and go to hospital/doctor you please because you kept your policy active even though you’re living abroad.. If you stop paying your part B you’ll need to move back to the US and stay a complete 1/4 before your insurance starts again,,,which sucks because you’ll have to get reestablished and you have serious medical problems… To me having that option is worth the peace of mind….

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Jus4today …good advice and Guam is close

[@Man-In-The-Home-Stretch]

In about 3 years when I can get over there, I'll have the ability to have a $2900 a month budget as a single man. And I'll have about 300k in savings for emergencies. I hope to have a maid, excellent health insurance, and live pretty close to a nice beach.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Awesome- hope to see you soon

[@j0p1n0y3]

That's too much for Cagayan De Oro. I stayed by myself in BGC Taguig and only spent 1800 for the entire month with extra activities on the side that I got sick when I went back to US.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to share your feedback

[@FranklinPiens]

Can't wait to move there as a digital 'nomad' :) Grey and -4C° here in Belgium now..... ;)

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

So cool! So to speak. Hurry up. We’re waiting

[@FranklinPiens]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines 😂

[@cetilly]

Chrissy looks Korean, not Filipino; but what a gorgeous lady.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes, I can see that resemblance. Also, I think that’s what attracted me to her extra hard but she says she has no Japanese or Korean or Thai relatives in her background.

[@groupgrpllc8765]

I was thinking that myself. Good point.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@groupgrpllc8765 thanks again for viewing and for your support support

[@MrSaabsucks]

haha🤣

[@stevenschrift2761]

That new place your in sounds great. How good is the internet there and you mentioned it is quite there do you hear car alarm are you close to a main street with traffic ? I think you said no trikes just taxi's would be much less noise what about regular motorcycles , roosters , loud neighbors playing music ? Do you hear any kind of disturbing noise where you are now ?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

The Internet works here pretty good not awesome but pretty good. The HOA does not allow roosters. However, I have a neighbor who owns three and they are not willing to enforce the rules. If I wasn’t making tubes and needing quiet for recording, I’m sort of getting used to it it just irritates me when I choose to make a recording and get interrupted 15 times in an hour.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Very little road noise very little motorcycles no construction you should watch my video on. We surrender we talk about our last place. It was insane. There was a catering company operating across the street in the neighborhood. They had two diesel trucks. They would unload it 2 AM they would start washing silverware at 5 AM. It was absolutely insane. The dog noise was over the top also.

[@stevenschrift2761]

I have replied to you 3 or 4 times and they are not showing the reply i don't understand why i said nothing offensive it was just about a video that helps with roosters crowing high pitched sounds and it works well as I used it myself.@@FlyMeToThePhilippines

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@stevenschrift2761 not sure?? Try [e-mail]

[@JulieNamoco-mw3xp]

Hello Chrissy and Bob

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Hi. Thanks for watching

[@mikimikemike1]

great show love your energy

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for your support and feedback

[@JJthelonelybullinasia]

Did you add Chrissy's allowance to your total budget?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

No

[@Chris-ts8oh]

Do they have Pepsi over there? So 1500 to 1700 a month in income you can live there pretty well . I don't drink or drink coffee but only thing is I like my steak ,chicken , fried taters old school foods .

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Pepsi yes! Steak… good luck. Expensive imported from Australia

[@Chris-ts8oh]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines ok what about potatoes ,onions ,milk ect

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@Chris-ts8oh yes all that is everywhere

[@lesliewood4069]

I Love Chrissy 🌹🌷❤️👍🙏

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Me too! 🤪

[@alaskacpu]

I have to disagree. It really depends where you live. 12 years ago, myself and my Filipino wife started to build our new home, which meant they had to tear down the old-looking shack. Two years later our 5br, 5bath, 2Kitchens, three story home was complete. It cost us $60K-US, but of course today it would be double that or more. But while the house was being built, we stay in a American style apartment for $100 a month, 2br, 1bath, small kitchen and living room. That apartment complex is still $100 a month today. That $100 a month apartment can't be matched anywhere like Manila, Cebu or other big city areas. But I agree with your fiancee. Cheap living is cheap. A higher budget is more realistic and rewarding. $2000 a month is our budget and the home was paid in cash, which allows us a lot of flexibility. All our cars were paid in cash. No debt. However, we understand not everyone has a great pension, savings or retirement. It is so important to have a plan and figure it all out before you make the leap. 💞

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@ThePhilippinePipeDream]

The biggest issue I think ppl have with budgeting is their alcohol problem, those vices steal your money. My brother makes more money than me but no one knows it, sometimes it’s not what you make, but how you spend it 👊

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I loved my prescription plan and I haven’t looked at the exact cost in a few months so I just estimated 230 but it’s probably like 185+35

[@ThePhilippinePipeDream]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines I think you replied to the wrong comment bro lol.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@ThePhilippinePipeDream yup

[@Eric-qm5xw]

These budgets are just relative ..I’m on the upper scale. 80k a month …two cars ..full time cleaner and gardener. It ya want more of a western lifestyle ..gyms…cars…coffee shops ..resto bars etc etc. Lol insurance on one of my cars was $3500 a year. Different strokes for different folks ..GLTA 🙏

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Good info. Thanks

[@alwinyike5878]

Good retirement and having good place to stay and community.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

We agree! Happy holidays

[@paulfredrickson2181]

I like Chrissy. She's the thrifty one. Sounds like you learning the tricks the Filipinas use....where there's a will, theirs a way. Marry this women!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

👌🎊👍

[@mexicotraveler54]

I just recently came across your channel. You are both eloquent and informative. I enjoy your show. I am looking at coming out in the future. Currently I am a business owner in Mexico, but am turning things over to my son. I think I will have close to 4500 a month to live on, including SS. I don't have part B SS because it doesn't cover me in Mexico, but I am part of the Mexican health care system. In PH I will get FIL Health. But I am.veey healthy. Trying to decide about a girlfriend. I have a girl in Rizal who corresponds with me. Thanks for all your info.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching Mexico. Let me know if I can help.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

When I was on northern Luzon I rented a brand new apartment for 5,000 pesos a month. 2 bedroom 1 bath with a parking area. That’s less than $100 usd!! Internet, water and electricity was another $100 usd a month. We cooked at home and don’t drink alcohol so food was not a big deal. It all depends on where you are and what is important to you. We enjoyed doing things with family and friends not just sitting at home watching tv. Why would you move 1/2 way round the world to stay home 24/7?

[@frazzec]

Nice find your channel here. I live in Gingoog city, only few hour east of you. Have been living in the area since 2017 isch and this is my 10th year in Ph overall. But i use to spend summers in sweden so far. There i live outside the city nowadays there is familys live on $200 or better in pesos, P10,000 monthly. I can live on $1000 or P55,000/month amd i have done from time to time but for a foreigner i think we need some more like savings for health care and so., i'm retired so i doing very well here in Ph with my pension but we need keep an eye, hold on our money little, it´s easy to spend to much bcz it´s feels cheap to live.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing Frazz

[@moreto62]

the ideal budget for most Asian countries is about 2200-2700$

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Agree

[@globoliver9697]

How decent and charming and funny Chrissy is! It's heart-warming to see. Be so happy that you found each other! Content: It's always so interesting to get confronted with real numbers! The GDP (PPP) per capita of the Philippines is about 1/6 (one sixth) of that of Germany. However, for a good life without "bling-bling" luxury (except the gated community that you don't need in Central Europe), you obviously need to pay the same as in a country like Germany, which means that by comparison, the Philippines are way too expensive - not speaking of Eastern Europe but within the EU... This might be different for a US citizen with their insane prices in N. Y./L. A./S. F. etc., but on an international scale, goodness!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. We appreciate your input.

[@AnthonyCataldo-b2q]

Chrissy is right...less house. Really looking forward to seeing you with her son. I think you will make a great dad for him!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I hope so!

[@AnthonyCataldo-b2q]

I do not know what college costs there, for private, but look into CLEP exams. Nearly all universities accept the first 2 years and some at 3.@@FlyMeToThePhilippines

[@AnthonyCataldo-b2q]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oobVoGppltOibtE@@FlyMeToThePhilippines

[@Chris-ts8oh]

Congrats Do you know the Phillipina Pea she's great.

[@vanhalen45]

Remember folks they pay $800 / month in rent. This is quite high...makes one wonder if there are more economical (yet quiet and amenity rich ) alternatives. If there were no expats living in places like this, how would even higher earning dual income Philipinos afford that rent plus other living expenses?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I agree it is higher than most vloggers….95 % if these gated subdivisions are Filipino business owners

[@JMgmkh]

Having a very difficult time staying in the 1500. budget. Unexpected expenses, Food and toiletries are killing me.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes if you want to thrive and be social it can be a challenge

[@tropicshade]

Yeah, that $500 a month thing is pure fallacy. A filipino could do it... living in the basement with family! 🤣

[@jerry_fishguy]

I have to tell you Rob you're the luckiest guy around to be with such a gorgeous young lady that loves you.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks Jerry. I realize that.

[@Earnie-g1q]

I got a house paid off 3 bedroom me and my wife bought for 18,000 us dollars we renovated for 40,000 so 68,000 for 3 bedroom 1 bath one laundry room..its look bettee then some 400,000 dollar houses i live by..me and my wife live easily off 500 a month 8000 a month we can do alot 1000 a month we can do anything 1500 a month live like a king..we use to have a condo for 400 a month we lived good off 800 to 1000! I got a pension of 3,000 a month will go up in 8 years to 5,000 a month so its how u live within ur means!

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for sharing

[@trailguy]

My ldr lives in a large ish house and has said I should stay there. Her family lives in that house plus five houses all within a stone’s (underhanded) toss. Everyone seems nice, I think I’ll like it because I’m from a huge family and her life seems very familiar to me. 1-2 birthday parties a month, for example. Anyway, I’ll probably contribute the staples and electricity and Internet fees. I’ve figured out that it will cost about the same for my free rent as it would to rent a tiny house, but I like this idea. Maybe I’m strange. Any thoughts?

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Worth considering- I would keep an open mind. Merry Christmas

[@TreyTreydawg]

Rob and Chrissy, very helpful analysis, but I was a little lost about the PESO PLAN (and think it is a minor point of clarification which I will explain but please correct me if I am wrong), you say early in the video you pay $1050 US dollars for this plan (but you do not mention whether this is monthly or annual and you say US dollars and I do not know if other folks got a little lost too on the numbers here) but your ending budget amount for the PESO PLAN shows $87 US dollars a month. $87 US dollars a month x 12 gives an annual amount of $1044 US Dollars annually. So, I am assuming that is the number of $1050 US dollars (an annual amount, this amount is not uncommon for a montly amount for someone who is not yet under medicare in the USA and I have heard PESO PLANS can be high if you are over 70) you mention early in the video which has been rounded up $6 US dollars on an annual basis. So, the $1050 you mention for the PESO PLAN early in the video is $1050 US dollars annually (OK FIGURED IT OUT AT THE END BUT WAS CONFUSED UNTIL THEN) which is about $60,000 PESOS annually, and about $5000 PESOS monthly. Ok, that is my interpretation, so If I am wrong please let me and the other subscribers know. Also, I am curious to know your rationale for keeping the MEDICARE and MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT, I assume this is in case you have a catastrophic health issue and you want USA care. Please confirm??? Thanks for the content. If you find my comment to detailed, please feel free to delete without regret.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Trey yes you’ve worked through all the issues correctly. I keep my supplemental in America in case of some catastrophic cancer that might cost millions of dollars to treat just to the worst case scenario.

[@TreyTreydawg]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines Again, great content and so detailed which many of us appreciate.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

@@TreyTreydawg Thanks Trey

[@daviddarden1915]

Very interesting, I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines 🇵🇭 back in the day in 1991. I am a widower, my children are grown and have children. I am age 61 now. Really considering returning and retire in the Philippines 🇵🇭. Under America 🇺🇸 military 🇺🇸 🪖, Philippines 🇵🇭 sponsored SRRV. Most likely CEBU City. Interesting budget and really understand that if I return it will be doable. Just meeting the correct woman 👩 is utmost important, sincerely thank you.

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Thanks for watching and let me know if I can help. I do personalize Private consulting.

[@1994mackie]

Crissy is heaven-sent

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

I agree

[@oxoelfoxo]

get much better coffee at home if you want to invest in the equipment to grind and brew and buy specialty beans

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Yes my machine broke in the balikbayan box 😱

[@oxoelfoxo]

@@FlyMeToThePhilippines ouch

[@geriatric6850]

This be - 🤟 perfect neighborhood environment for the near deaf ~✌

[@FlyMeToThePhilippines]

Stay tuned I am moving