COST OF LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES! DETAILS AND TIPS FROM EXPERIENCE!

The lower cost of living in the Philippines is one of the reasons so many foreigners decide to retire here. The ease of entry and the use of the English language are also top priorities. In this video I will lay out some of the details of budgeting and the costs of living in the Philippines. Your lifestyle choices certainly will affect costs. Rents, food, travel, immigration, entertainment, health care and dental, and more will be discussed.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL: NO INTERNATIONAL FEE CREDIT CARD PROMO link: i.capitalone.com/GPh7aX0i1 www.buymeacoffee.com/AmazingPhiu www.paypal.com/paypalme/AmazingPhilippinesUS Email: [e-mail] www.jrcconsultancy.com

[@skip2it426-]

Rod you definitely did a great job breaking down all the expenses one can occur. I know this is one area where many who travel or move to the 🇵🇭 often underestimate. Great job of explaining and breaking it down. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾👌🏾👏🏾!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks 👍Skip.

[@RatTerminator]

How come no one ever does pricing on 1& 2 br apts? No one wants a studio 🇺🇲

[@KB3TLE]

For me -- option for an easy landing would be Cambodia. As easy as it gets when it comes to visa laws and fees. A flight to Bangkok & then to Siem Reap would solve the issue ! Simple to get a visa on arrival for 30 days. During which time a 1 year visa could be applied for & obtained easily at any travel agent. Cost of living there is quite low.

[@marcrichard7251]

Wow Rod 😮….your daughter shredded the SSI letter 😬😬….Great video …I was in Dumaguete for a month with my Fiancée and now I’m back in Michigan. I will retire and move to the Philippines in February.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Yes, not the most responsible but I do appreciate having that address to use.

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

As of June 2023, the average monthly Social Security check for retirees was $1,837. Here are some other average Social Security checks for 2023: Disabled workers: $1,722 Survivors of deceased workers: $1,272 Children: $826 Spouses: $592 And the raise for 2025 is 2.5%

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Matthew. I am "average" but I know many who are on the lower level living here.

[@chrisbunka]

It's always good to be prepared.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Chris.

[@craigkleinfield272]

Wow, another expert!!😮

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL! Been doing this since 2016 so I do have a little experience and lots of observations of other expats Craig.

[@craigkleinfield272]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 I think I now understand where you are coming from! Peace be with you!

[@chiefcarterphillipines]

SSN and military retired. I'm cheap, I'm way below 30% on rent. Live alot better here than the states. have backup plan for medical emergencies. I've got tricare, so I get reimbursement.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Cool! Enjoy Carter. I have read just a little about tricare over the years so will have to do a little research.

[@chiefcarterphillipines]

@amazing Philippines. Tricare is health care for military retirees

[@KB3TLE]

I'm old & right @ $1600 SS -- alone and quite content. A fully furnished very nice studio right in Eastwood City is $320 / mo. which is exactly 20% ! The lifestyle there for an older expat is very good with essentially everything needed being right there. 🤔 Immigration office is maybe 5 miles away - every 2 months. --?-- Not a bad place to start out my retirement in the Philippines - I don't think ? ❤👍🙏👌🤏👋🤞

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing and good luck with your plan KB3TLE

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

Eventually you're going to need a special retirement visa. Extending tourist visas don't last indefinitely. Medical is all cash with no medicare coverage

[@KB3TLE]

@@Gregory-Masovutch Yea - that's why the $ for the SRRV needs to be with me ! Medical emergencies. If the Philippine's decides they don't want my $1600/mo. -- Cambodia will be quite happy to have it ! Siem Reap - OK - here I come !!! Several US expats are living there on half of what I get & they tell me I'll want for nothing ? Just under $300/year -&- no visa runs. (people go where they're treated best)

[@Southeastasiantraveler]

@@Gregory-Masovutchtourist visa’s last for 3 years of continuous extensions before you have to leave the country (and can come back straight away) The Retirement Visa is not a good deal, you have to tie up 1 million peso indefinitely (although your can put it toward a condo if thats what you want to buy) The only exception to the 1 million peso to give them is for retired military people, which is a good deal - not so much for others.

[@Southeastasiantraveler]

@@KB3TLEthe only person who cares where you go is you

[@robertkubrick3738]

Good video Rod. I'm doing pretty well now but when I first lived in the Philippines in 2014 I was on a tight budget. I have seen others get in financial trouble because everything is so "Cheap" that they buy a lot of things that they wouldn't have bought back in the Old Country. One can blow through a pretty nice nest egg in a year or two if you don't watch your finances. I won't say don't help people but you aren't the US GOV and you can't help everyone. Funny that I just told my wife we should pay for her cousins appendectomy surgery because 21 is just too young to die and by USA standards it's an inexpensive surgery and undoubtedly, my wife will negotiate the cost down. If your finances aren't ample, you can live outside Cebu City by about 20 miles and take an air conditioned bus in. I believe there are shuttle bus/vans to the malls from the bus station and it could save you hundreds of dollars a month in rent. I even lived within walking distance of a beach for a few weeks, a half hour out of Cebu City. The one part where I can see that breaking down is if you have to live close to the best medical care, which if you have to live in the boonies, you probably couldn't afford and you will not get the best of care if you can't pay. It isn't the USA where they will go ahead and hound you later over an unpaid bill. I still walk around with a large sum of cash because if someone needs medical attention, Cash gets them to start immediately. Take care Rod.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Very good points Robert and thanks for sharing this. I have also seen many overspending and then asking others for "loans" that never get paid back.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

So enjoyable to listen to

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks James.

[@Southeastasiantraveler]

It’s the soothing voice of Rod :)

[@davidtoupal1015]

Great video as usual

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks David.

[@Dadsezso]

Wow, 6000 php for electric. I wish. Our electric is right around 14,500 php a month. All our air conditioners (3) are inverter and fairly new but they also get cleaned every 3 months. We run 1 ac all day in a computer room which is off at night. We run 2 ac's at night for the bedrooms. Other than that we have one on demand water heater for showers only 2 of us use, a pc that run all day, a couple of fans sometimes, a TV sometimes and then the refrigerator.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

The condo raised out rate from 13 P/kwh to 15 and now 18P/kwh so that makes a big increase also.

[@jsully4064]

lol..that fake taxi looks a lot like the Jeepneys they decorate there! Thanks for the video, lots of good information. Thank you, Rod...Jim

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jim. When I started the video I wasn't sure what topic I should cover but costs are always popular.

[@RealGaryGibson]

I run my aircon 24/7 in my Cebu City 1 bedroom condo and my electric bill is usually around 7,500 pesos. I have a spilt type aircon and I have it cleaned about every 4 months (it needs it). I just can't live without aircon here Rod!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

You are doing pretty good at 7500 P Gary. Cleaning is very important.

[@mrbbkk]

Hanoi use ac whenever I want Average 50 dollars a month. I think it is cheaper than Thailand or the Phillipines.

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Good info.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Manuel.

[@phillipvick6352]

Budget all depends on your life style ,could be big or small abd also if you have a low or high maintance wife or girl friend have been married to philippines lady for 21 yrs and no problem

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good points Phillip.

[@driftwoodsmittyasia1286]

Hi all chugging along on airbnb...no utilities bills no ties....can move as desired.... works for me. After more than a year....heading to Thailand next month for a rr and return in December...starting the clock over. Best Regards...Old wolf carnivore..Smitty

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

No ties can be good. Enjoy Thailand Smitty.

[@johloz]

Hey Rod, which Philippine bank are you using for your social security payments? Do you have direct deposits from social security?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I still use only a USA bank and this works for me. HSBC bank branch here in Cebu City allows 40k peso withdrawal so I do the ATM withdrawal for a $5 charge from my bank. Many banks only allow 10, 15, or 20k withdrawals.

[@elenaceleste4363]

Looking at the overhead eletrical wirings from this video make me very nervous besides the no rules of traffic jam. 🤔 I think I will have to choose the small country province in Mindanao.😂 Thank Rod👍🇺🇲✈️🇵🇭

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Elen. There are lots of options fortunately. Good luck with your plans.

[@grumpyolddude439]

that 30% figure for housing...includes all utilities. rent/mtg+gas+elect+water+trash+condo/hoa fees+parking costs if additional.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good advice.

[@Jelle0-05z]

Good information po

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks bwilliam.

[@fenderbend3r]

Hi, What city are you walking around in this video? New here:) great videos. Thank you

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching. This is Cebu City Mandaue City area.

[@fenderbend3r]

@AmazingPhilippines1 thank you

[@glenn9057]

good video as usual. i will be traveling to the Philippines in November. im planning to stay 3 or 4 months. i live in Michigan USA. im a single man 68 years old. i recently learned my Medicare advantage plan will reimburse me for health care costs i incur in the Philippines if i submit detailed health service statements from doctors and hospitals in the Philippines. this was a pleasant surprise to me because everything i heard was Medicare would not reimburse for health care costs in the Phils. knowing this would you recommend i purchase travel-medical insurance from a company like SafetyWing. the cost for me would be $196 per month. i appreciate any thoughts or recommendations you might have. thanks for your work. Glenn in Michigan

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Glenn. Glad to hear that your Advantage plan will pay. Enjoy your trip.

[@jefflynch3946]

I self insure and I bought a share in a private hospital that gives me reduced fees etc.

[@Southeastasiantraveler]

@@jefflynch3946does that mean your health insurance is good for only one hospital ?

[@stephenfrancis4999]

Ha Rod do u know if they are still using the E PASS at the air port .

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

It is called e-travel now Stephen. Link here: etravel.gov.ph

[@peterfischer7084]

What about preexisting conditions when it comes to health insurance? I heard that after the first year they're covered. Is that true?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That is usually the case Peter but each policy can be different so check.

[@samohtsolacad229]

@0:46, those two powerpoles are falling towards the road....

[@jimcunningham61]

Rod I figured your housing all in should be 5-600$ and you will be fine

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I agree Jim. And control your other spending.

[@joohongkim9724]

Your internet speed is about 35 ms (megabyte), not gifgabyte. I paid about $50 for 35 ms about 10 years ago. Along the way, they raised the rate to about $80 month, but now I am getting 300 megabyte per second. My current monthly healthcare insurance is about $750 month at Kaiser, but they don't even pay for everything. Sigh!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

lol. Thanks for correcting me on that. The internet has improved quite a bit in my 9 years here but there is room for improvement in many places.

[@joohongkim9724]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 I'll be happy paying $100 month for 35 gigabyte speed. I am generally happy with internet speed in Phillipines, except Boracay. The internet speed there is woefully slow.

[@Commentariat-t1f]

Median: half with more, half with less...

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

yes, thanks.

[@kevinwelsh7490]

why do you prefer to live in Philippines?

[@RealGaryGibson]

Low cost of living and Filipina gf half my age.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

The Philippines ticks all of the right boxes Kevin.

[@ztimbo]

Wow. 35gb per second. You have the fastest connection on Earth. Probably 35mb which is not very good.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I knew I misspoke. I pay for 35 mb and get it and it works well for me. There are more expensive plans with higher speeds.

[@Trikie77]

not in my Contry our gilrs dont need our money they have their own money an if you ask to pay for them they are going to beat you up eter you share 50/50% or they dont want to take your money siple is that we ern the same money an have same benefit me an my GF just calulated what you was saying it cost an we have 490.000 pesos amonth to leve for if we move there i dont know when you are conciter rich but what you are saying seem to me like that is luksus vs what we can get in our own contry

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Sounds like you have a good deal and good plan.

[@Trikie77]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 no its just the way our women here work i am from Danmark an here all are the same men an women make the same or if oyu can convince your boss to give you more meny women also make more then men do

[@wesgraham2262]

Looks like you found one of the ONLY sidewalks in the Philippines! Lol.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

True Wes. LOL!

[@barrymitchell4424]

If we pitched in together? Couldn’t we just buy the whole country? And do a rebuild?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good idea Barry. Let's start tomorrow.

[@jscully.ny8623]

lol 35 gigs good deal mate

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. I knew I misspoke but too late Jim.

[@dannylake4357]

What a dump look at the electrical grid and the water and the streets lol no thank you

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

They have a long way to improving these things Danny.

[@billbradley2480]

What happens when the USA dollar falls? Because that’ll happen soon.

[@billbradley2480]

@@charleychowmein3292 it’s all planned so even Trump can’t stop it. Several nations like Saudi Arabia have got off the dollar already.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

It was 48.5 when I came in 2015 and it has been a lot lower than that as you know Bill. It would be a challenge.

[@eamonkelly36]

I think u missed inflation there i much rather have no inflation lower currency much worse off now rice hax gone up 150 percent in that time plus all the rest😅😅

[@IB4U2Cme]

Inflation in the US will get higher to pay the higher price to import products. Same here.

[@theghostofpennsylvania_11]

​​​​@@billbradley2480 I've been hearing that kind of news since the 1960's and I was born in 75. US Dollar still going strong. People have been saying that since the 1960's. The US dollar is still dominant. I even remember them saying Japan would overtake the US economy back then. You can't stop a country which has a McDonalds all around the Globe along with many other fast food chains. 😁