Expenses incurred during 35-day stay in Manila, a realistic view of cost

Visit my Channel URL for more related videos. Here’s the link: / @vloggergrandpa2707
Shows the real cost of living in Manila. However, you have to consider living style and conditions. It could be much cheaper in the outskirts of Manila, but may not be comparable in type of living. This shows how much we spent after staying in Manila for 35 days.

[@masterjoey193]

Great video! I go to the PH twice a year for vacation. I save money by 1.) Avoiding expensive hotels and use Airbnb or non beach front hotels, even stay with a relative or a friend. 2.) Buy air tickets 6 months in advance. 3.) Don't buy pasalubong and/or treat your family or friends in restaurants, but if you do, do it in one shot, at your relative or friends house, I talked to a local turo-turo restaurant to cater for 35 people only P3,000 or $60 with 6 large Dishes and rice and a karaoke machine for $10. So Delicious eating like a local..and you have a party..lol

[@clarizjohn]

Nice info..thanks for sharing

[@pbasnya]

Wow my hubby wud have liked that nepali kasi matipid lol

[@JenniferTerri]

Im 23 , far from retiring and not even in the us but for some reason i enjoy listening to you :)

[@mahalko1693]

Provinces r cheaper to live in but as we age health care system is the best in the USA. i go to PH 3x a yr n i stay in different provinces. No traffic, no stress. Always support locals, food in the province are cheaper n healthier than in Manila.

[@MurrayEstes]

I'm 63 years old and just got back from almost a month in makati I rode my foldable bike everywhere, Surfing CPA Hawai

[@Ladycarla223]

If you want to save money, i suggest not to stay with relatives or friends.

[@waterheaterservices]

TRUE LOL

[@pacitalapena9371]

Spot On.

[@divinadomingo5602]

True..

[@yolandac5936]

This is great information and thank you for sharing. Looking into retiring in the Philippines as well, just like you, will be going back and forth to the U.S. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@franksierra2200]

Thank you for the video. Looking forward to see the video once you live in the Philippines.

[@lindafaber2693]

Thanks for the info., we are planning the same thing like you do, nothing extravagant and just simple and on a budget. We are retired and can’t overspent, looking forward to hear your advice and tricks😍

[@foxmatte]

Just to note: these expenses may only be good for a 35-day transient living experience here in the Philippines. However, settling in for good may entail some longterm planning, with more and careful considerations. For those planning to spend the “dusk” of their lives here in the PH, aside from those already mentioned by Sir, one of the noted add-on/s to your daily living budget, will be the hiring of a personal caregiver or househelp to live along with you. Reality is, we are not getting any physically stronger after retirement. In that regard, everything goes down from there. The thing that may only get stronger, is our thought of not bothering our kids.............ENJOY LIFE..... it is indeed worth living..

[@rositamartin8660]

Sir I want u to know I am a fan,natutuwa ako coz ur sharing realistic stuff that u yourself experienced or goggled yourself :) u r totally making our life easier , thank u po a lot

[@leonilamontgomery9464]

When I retire in the Philippines, I will just be a lola plantita🤗

[@arturosabino5141]

Thank u so much for the update. Well explained

[@smileyuy5634]

My husband never been in Philippines, when I told him about the Traffic, he hates so much.. He loves Arizona.. Oh I hate MSG I never use them.. I cook my food .. Love your videos.. God bless 🙏 😇👍😁

[@spurlworld]

Excellent show

[@devonferris]

Very very Informative. Thank you for this Grandpa Vlogger hahaha

[@daviddarden1915]

Sir, great budget. I am able to trim some of that as single dweller. I really like you being straight forward on living around the Manila area especially when it comes to health reasons. Or next best thing would be the close surrounding provinces would be great too. I still have a couple of planning years since I am 57 years old now. Always enjoy learning great information, thank you.

[@wmmseo]

Love the video!

[@veronicamendoza7744]

Thanks for sharing. God bless you and your wife. Stay safe and take care.

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

Great Video

[@maribellejumper8627]

Thanks for all the info

[@p9948]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@eladiasmith5439]

Good info sir. Thank you.

[@McIntyreBible]

You give good comparisons of living standards between Philippines & the U.S.A., especially when it came electricity (8:37)!

[@junsaparealtytvsmdc-reales605]

More power to your vlog and keep safe always..

[@bryanm954]

I noticed the total does not include rent, which is a major expense. Since most new arrivals probably will not own a condo, rent needs to be factored into the equation. In that case, one could be looking at $2200+ per month.

[@waterlilly78]

Salamat po sa information , I learn a lot😀

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Good information on Manila living costs..I imagine Cebu would be 25-30 percent less on average. I like the food and entertainment options in Manila but not the traffic...that's why I like Cebu.

[@teresasalvatierra350]

Thank you for your reply godbess. To you and your family

[@eduardoalmario1922]

Thank you for Sharing your expenses Grand Pa!

[@chargalido1771]

Thank you for sharing info. God bless

[@fmmurrell]

Glad to see that you opted for a Medicare Advantage Plan with Worldwide coverage. I have collected by reimbursement for 3 different hospital stays even though most people will tell you Medicare will NOT cover medical expenses outside the US. I am 72, have lived in the Philippines for 15 years and own a home in San Fernando, Pampanga. Check out S&R on your next trip, it is a Knock-off of Costco and has a lot of imported goods from the US. I enjoy your videos immensely, please keep them coming.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thank you. Good to know. Also, we joined membership at Landers, which is like S&R except that it's only a few blocks from us.

[@amira62023]

What Medicare Advantage worldwide plan are you using?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

It differs not only in every state, but in every county. You will have to shop around where you live. Advantage is like HMO. You can only use providers in your neighborhood. That's why it's different everywhere. Also, when you shop, 9 out of 10 agents I talked to is not aware of coverage on "emergencies" when you are overseas. And that's because most of them only caters to local residents. Just be aware of that.

[@soundslight7754]

Frank and detailed accounts of the whole experience. Excellent record keeping. I however question inclusion of some expenses: fixed property costs, repair and maintenance costs, capital items to nane a few, because typical traveller won't incur those.

[@maykakersey498]

I hv huvu

[@melodyramos7010]

HOA fee is not bad; however, water and trash is not included with HOA? Unlike here in the USA…Food/groceries is not too bad. Who likes to cook on vacation any way? Not me…so I still prefer an all-inclusive resort-style vacation, where I am pampered! Actually, it’s that way when I go home to Mindanao…always pampered! The fresh seafoods is usually what I eat a lot when I go home and fresh fruits and veges. The rest of pampering is a bonus! Like someone doing my laundry and go to the beach 3-4 times or more often! To me, that’s what I look for in a vacation! Worry-free lifestyle…My husband goes 2X per year pre-pandemic. I like to go to different places and explore more! Philippines is nice, only to visit…not vacation. It’s just a different feeling going to Hawaii, Caribbean or other exotic places. You feel rested…Philippines? You visit relatives and friends. Even staying at nice beach resorts, it’s just different. That’s my take on it! Plus you see a lot of people struggling just to survive daily…sad but true! Sometimes I feel guilty having fun…♥️🙏☕️🤙🏼🇺🇸🇵🇭

[@heza5626]

Love the shirt-'Vlogger Grandpa'

[@mannyf1288]

Great work, sir. I do hope you touch on the other places you mentioned. Renting a house in a province in Zambales where my relatives are is probably my path and much cheaper. However, that is not including the expenses for being close to relatives.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Hahaha!!!

[@AngelStykemain]

Me and my husband also own a condo in Manila within taguig area. I only take grabcar for my transportation everytime i am there.

[@libertyv777]

$470 for dining/food for 35 days is an average of P670 for 2 persons per day. That's very cheap and you said it includes 4 times fine dining. Amazing!

[@shangrilamonkey2008]

Please look into Clark City if you are looking for some convenience and comforts of modern day living. Now is the time to buy while there are lots of pre-selling developments. I remember several years ago when I bought my 3 bedroom condo unit at Serendra at BGC during their very first development. I paid P8 million then but now the cheapest 3 bedroom unit in our building just sold for P30M. BGC has changed so much since then.

[@sterlingmad7763]

This is a pretty accurate cost if you want to live a similar life style to living in the west, $500 or $600 is a long way off. Good video.

[@craigjacob3704]

Yes you may spend less or more when you start eating most of your meals at home depending on what and where you buy your groceries. I like buying my specialty things at the big grocers and mall, but my meats and fish at the wet markets where you can find really good deals along with fresh fruits and veggies.

[@mariebartolome4056]

thank you again ...

[@evasimpson8512]

Salamat po .

[@davidc.5197]

Thanks for the video. If you are just visiting I would recommend Legaspi Village, Makati. You can walk many places...no need for a car or taxi unless moving groceries etc. If you want fast internet maybe a pool and gym. plan on P40,000-P50,000 plus electric of about P5,000 for a small 1 bedroom-sleep 4. Airbnb is a good place to get a fully equipped condo for a monthly rate. All the lifestyle variables, of course, are up to you whether it be in the USA, the Phils or any other place.

[@eugeneallison7457]

What is air bnb??

[@tkdtatay6977]

@@eugeneallison7457 Bed and Breakfast - house/condo rentals

[@josephmedeiros4561]

Thank you

[@Timsbackpages]

Condo is small area. My friend’s 3 bedroom ranch type house the electric bill is P8,000 per month in Cainta, Rizal. It has air conditioning units a ref and a washing machine and 3 tvs. It has electric fans also as a backup for the kitchen and living rooms. Internet lan line is P2,500 and cable is P500 per month. Water is cheap. Car gas is approx P5000 a month for a small jazz Honda 4 door car ( Honda Fit in the USA).

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thanks for that information.

[@thomasm7047]

Hello. Great video! For the Globe Prepaid Mobile WiFi that you have, so you have to purchase a Data Plan separately? Also, is unlimited talk and texting included? Thanks in advance!

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I believe that talk and texting are separate from the data plan because we also bought small amount of phone time for local calls. Now, if you're texting via Messenger, WhatsApp or Viber, that will eat into your data plan. Texting is very minimal anyway whether is through your phone or wifi.

[@davidbates7429]

Hello. I was reading your video yesterday and was going to comment before the internet went down. You mentioned you had to replace a light fixture in the condo. There is a store now in the Philippines called HMR. It is a place that imports containers from the USA. They have most anything you need from a screwdriver to an oven to beds. We bought 2TV's there still in box. Buy one get one free. Lots of kitchen supplies. Also located in Manila as I am here in Cebu. If you go and ask they will text you every time a new container comes in. Great pricing and negotiable on some items. Take care of yourself and wife. Dave

[@davidbates7429]

Watching video--

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thanks for the tip!!!

[@spectator1123]

Good budget. There are incidentals in your budget that you wouldn’t have to buy once you’re settled in. I surmise that is a tourists budget minus rent and incidentals. But it’s still very reasonable regardless.

[@maiwurld2578]

Try to check Laguna. I live in Laguna and for me best spot is area in between Sta Rosa Tagaytay road.Ayala is already developing that area.

[@JamesGipeGipe]

Enjoyed your stream friend

[@240fxst]

Yes that's about right $1000 bucks per person a month is comfortable. I also have a condo in Manila and 6 months out of the year i'm there. Aside from other espenses like going to other neighboring countries or islands that is what is expected. God bless Po & your wife.

[@arturosabino5141]

Thanks po

[@TheMilpitasguy]

I notice most Filipinos are unfamiliar with W/D stacked inside the condo. They think of dryers as a needless extravagance, when clothes can be left to dry outside. Unrealistic when you think about the amount of particulate dust in the air (specially Manila).

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I agree. I can't even believe that newly constructed condos do not have provision for an air vent. They have vents for the toilet and kitchen vent, but none for clothes dryer. I figured that's probably due to so-called expensive electric.

[@robocop581]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 You can buy ventless Dryers in Manila. I have one at one of my condos. Same price as a regular Dryer and just as good drying clothes. Go to Ansons and they'll have at least 3 brands that sell ventless Dryers. You can also stack these dryers on top of your front load washing machine

[@mikegadol9771]

In my opinion, the water and electricity bill relate to a previous period and they express part of the public's consumption on these issues.

[@nickcastillo5179]

Thank you sir, for your quick snswer to my question as to what will happen to you if you are found to be positive for covid 19 upon entry to the PH.

[@vnagawin4053]

From US, we are now retired in the Phils. Husband dropped his Med B 5 years ago because it will not work in the Phils as advised by Social Security ( US Embassy here) I am still waiting for another 2 years to qualify for Medicare. At the moment we purchased Med insurance here amount of which is $3000 for me $8000/year for spouse. (Spouse insurance is only for EMERGENCY coverage and nothing else, kind'a stiff!) In one of your videos u mentioned something that Advantage Plans covers emergencies only here in the Phils. I would like to start searching now for what plan I should look. My spouse turned 80 and his medical insurance will shoot to the roof because of new bracket next year. I plan to have spouse pick his Med B again when we go back this year to US so he can purchase medical insurance there that will work in the Phils on emergencies. We visit US 1 or 2x a year to see children and grand children. Would you kindly advice where to start? I would like to purchase medical insurance in US that will work in the Phils on emergency cases. I can handle the regular medical expenses but the unknown is difficult to plan. Really appreciate your help. Is it ok to contact you by email? Thank you.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Yes, send me your email and I will respond back. I promise not to publish your email.

[@robocop581]

For those looking to buy a condo for retirement, get one that's on top or across a major shopping mall and near a church and hospital. You will greatly appreciate the convenience not just for eating and entertainment. A good example is One Shangri-la Place or St. Francis in Mandaluyong. They are beside Shangri-la Plaza and SM Megamall while St. Francis church is a block away and Medical city is only 10 minutes away. There are also two medical and several dental clinics at Shangri-la plaza and a Pharmacy. Lastly, if you need an ambulance, the staff at OSP will call one up from Edsa Shangri-la Hotel and staff will bring you to the nearest hospital. I've used that ambulance service and we were at the hospital within 15 minutes.

[@marifelhewitt5249]

I think the dining is a little bit higher ! And yes you’re right about cooking at home ! And thank you so much for the info . I don’t remember you mentioning of how many time you go /take a cab or crab while you’re there . Is it everyday ? It’s hard to get a ride on rush hour anywhere in metro Manila !

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Almost everyday. Not worried about rush hour because we're retired. We try to miss the rush hour. There was only one time when we had to wait almost an hour for a taxi at Mega Mall. Otherwise, using grab is pretty good.

[@maiwurld2578]

There is already an Uber in Manila

[@japekto2138]

If we do move to the Philippines, we'll probably move in with my wife's relatives. Pay the monthly utility costs, groceries (aka palenke), Internet. We like home-cooked Philippine food. So, we know exactly what goes into our food. Those dining costs you showed can be put into better use.

[@myrnahester5470]

I spent more because I have more family that traveled with us . We love to eat & shop..

[@Dragon_rls]

Thank you Vlogger Grandpa.

[@leelee-rq3kr]

wow still overall cheap considering it is like a vacation somewhere and the length of stay..👍👍👍

[@evasimpson8512]

I think it’s expensive in Manila than the province, more cheaper in the province , but if you back and port to the US maybe better in the condo coz cheaper going to the airport and easy the short travel .

[@richardcole2893]

A lot of brownouts in the provinces. I'm comfortable traveling back and fourth from Texas to Philippines. Some medical care I can only get in USA. VA covers a lot of my medical.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Just head to the nearest mall or McDonald's for the day

[@rodolfolintag2482]

Very informative, brod, I am a fan. Would love to spend some time over coffee with you. I’m from NJ so it may be a possibility, when you’re back in PA. Tama po ba?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I'm back in the U.S. Where and when would you like to meet? Where in NJ are you?

[@TomBTerrific]

Love your breakdown. Just wondering if rent was included in your household expenses. Most of us don’t own condos in Manila. What would monthly rent be?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

No because we have a condo. Rent will depend on the location and your way of life. It could vary substantially.

[@Shy-807]

You can get a 2br with 2 bathroom in Makati near Makati Medical Center, a fully-stocked grocery across the street and 2 miles away from Greenbelt mall for P50,000/month. Parking is separate and rent is P5000/month. Tenant pays for water, electric, internet and cable. You pay one month rent and one month advance and then you issue 4 (or 10) post dated checks plus one month security deposit depending if your lease is 6 or 12 months. If you do not pay your rent on time, you forfeit your security deposit unless the lessor is kind and understanding. Also, the security guard would not let you go up to your condo if your rent is overdue.

[@ianh.6825]

Just started viewing your channel yesterday. Very interesting and informative, thank you. I'm English, married for 20 years to a Filipina from Manila and looking to move soon to the Philippines. I love cars, motorcycles, driving and riding but in Manila especially, I'd probably let a professional driver deal with the stress!

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Wise move!

[@cynthjewel]

Hi po. First of all, thank you very much po for the free information that you have shared to a lot of Filipino Americans who are thinking of retiring in the Philippines. You are a blessing to all of us! I’m from San Francisco and getting close to retiring. I was able to invest in a condo in the city close to where I work and a second home in the Sierra Nevada. However, San Francisco and California’s for that matter, cost of living is very expensive and homeowner’s dues in the SF condo will get close to $1,000/mo by the time I retire in 3 years from now. I noticed that in the expense you listed, the mortgage, dues and healthcare expenses are not included. Did I miss them, po?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thanks for your question. It's because I have no mortgage and my healthcare is from the U.S., none in Manila. PhilHealth is free for senior citizens. When you talk about dues, I assume that you're talking about condo dues. It is included there for $95 per month. Hope this answers your questions. Thanks again, and good luck on your retirement...3 years from now.

[@cynthjewel]

Philippine Retirement & Travels Thank you po for the quick response. I’m just trying to keep it straight in my mind what the Cash Outflow will be if there is a mortgage in the condo, the condo dues and then adding your external/foreign healthcare expenses. PhilHealth is available in the Philippines if I had worked there, but I didn’t. And, i never contributed to it. I definitely learned from your video regarding Medicare, Supplemental vs. Senior Advantage Plans. Next year, I definitely have to enroll for Medicare if I decide not to continue working and have no employer’s health insurance coveraage. Maraming salamat po. My sister and I am subscribed to your channel. :-)

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Just an additional information. If you are a senior and a citizen, you will qualify for FREE PhilHealth. You don't need to have worked there. Go to my channel, Philippine Retirement & Travels, for more vlogs on medical insurance matters. Thanks for your subscription!

[@cynthjewel]

Philippine Retirement & Travels Thank you po. I’ll check it out!

[@airi777]

get rid of relatives if you want to spend less.

[@Once800-]

Haha haha!

[@maiwurld2578]

My Aunt build a one bedroom unit attached to her youngest brother house in the province before her retirement . Close to all relative.the only thing you need to learn is to say NO.but Kung mabongga ka,mamumulubi ka talaga sa Pinas ..

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thanks for sharing!

[@maiwurld2578]

Manila is very expensive .but if you like the city life .stay,but if you don't ,go to nearby provinces .Bulacan ,Laguna ,Cavite

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I really like provincial living. But I'm staying in Manila for medical necessity. I need to have a really good hospital for my medical condition. If I have the option, I will fly back to the U.S. for treatment. But I will definitely be visiting different provinces while I can. That's how I want to spend my retirement years.

[@mercybrubach4272]

will be staying in manila there for 45 days 1st wk of dec -4th wk of jan , computing all the will be expenses (3-3.5kbudget) minus 30k pesos for the condo stay, the rest thats the budget for the whole stay :)

[@jocelynanstett9035]

I could spend the equal amount vacationing in the province of Iloilo and feeding a bunch of my family for the whole month, and also we could go places too!

[@joannetommasi4297]

I love your videos tito😍 very informative . What’s your background po and are you in LA .?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I'm in the east coast. My background is in one of my vlogs. Here's the link to my channel. kzbin.info/door/YU70S4jYvhw0BOetMFdD6Avideos

[@ireneencarnacion8429]

I watched your video and I think that's still a lot of money living in Manila. My husband and I are retired and goes home yearly and stay at our house in pampanga. We can lived maybe $500 a month.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

It's definitely cheaper to live in the province, and that's why I will look into that as well, in particular, Pampanga and Bulacan. Also, it depends on how you intend to live. For example, using Grab alone already cost us over $250. However, if I'm in Pampanga, I will probably buy a car. Anyway, many things to look into and consider. 🙂

[@rickngrace]

when you leave your condo for months at a time do you have to leave the a/c on a certain temperature just so that it doesn't overheat and warp the cabinets?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

No, I don't because electric is very expensive in the Philippines (twice the price as in the U.S.). However, I have a caretaker who goes to my condo once a week or every two weeks to aerate the condo unit. I noticed that when the condo is unattended, it smells like sewer. It's because the water that seats on the P-trap drain dries out and sewer smell comes out. Thus, I asked my caretaker to put some water on the p-trap to be sure they are full so smell is blocked properly.

[@joescheller6680]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 makes sense

[@Robmar40]

My wife, 3 kids, and I spent 4 weeks in Manila this summer for vacation. We ended up spending over $5,000 on lodging and food. Our airfare from the States was an additional $4500.

[@korypostma]

On par with his spending of $900 / person, but his lodging is already paid for.

[@bekind3050]

I spent the same amount too🤣 but for 3 people including myself.

[@robocop581]

For those looking to retire in major cities, some financial institutions recommend retirement income of US$4,000 a month for a couple with no debts and paid off property. My goal is 3.5x this amount to take into account inflation and extra buffer for medical emergencies

[@michaels5691]

Hmmm, I stayed in my condo for 30 days in Tagatay and I didn't receive an electric bill or water bill... that was back in June and I still haven;t gotten a bill. My DSL cost me $10 and that gave us 15mbps. My HOA fees are a little more than your but the other stuff seems to be less. My condo is 97.6sm and my taxes are $200 a year. I think Manila is more expensive than where I live in Florida.

[@pbasnya]

Hello po... am 52 po.... work in the legal field po...husband from nepal... he is a stay at home hubby... daughter is 19 going to college... we bought a condo fully paid for in pasig... we go home every year at least 3 weeks a year... rest of the year its vacant hubby cant stand the thought of someone using our unit...all my furnitures house wares appliances etc came from usa yes po i sent by cargo... condo 2 bedroom fully furnished and identical to our house in usa in terms of amenities.... our grocery is d same as usa abt $50 a week yes we eat out daily po bfast usually mcdo or at home lunch or dinner out with my folks ... my parents also purchased a condo sa greenhills po... just like u the ac and fans run all all day when we r at home... daughter n hubby cant seem to stand d heat.... so electricity runs 1000 to 2000 for 2 weeks and if we not there its off ... everything is walking distance since we r near robinson po... our cleaning lady cleans my unit once a month and once a week when am not there and that is 1000 pesos per day for cleaning plus food n her transpo...assoc dues n property tax i set aside 1300 to 1500 dollars a year... now dis is d part that my hubby hates - the internet is not up to standard po sa nepal kasi no issue...we do roam around with my tita for out of town trips or fly to places like cebu or bohol... bataan where mom is from we go with them and baguio by car or we have done victory liner po easy the deluxe bus 2 seater or 1 seater airconditioned n with wifi doable naman po no complaints from hubby or daughter... daughter fluent in tagalog even though she was born and raised in texas... hubby knows words foods only on purpise hindi ko tinuruan lol... planning to go n retire sa philippines po...

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Thank you for sharing.

[@eileencabe676]

Suggestion Sir Subic is also good clean place to live. I own house in the subdivision. Thanks! Please it into it.

[@corneldelacruz7866]

Grandpa, you missed to mentioned these expenditures reflects only if you have a condo that you owned... 4get to factor d expense of accommodation. Thanx 4 d info.

[@craigjacob3704]

Thats a real good deal for living in the Capital Region

[@MyPhilippineDiary]

Great post sir. As you mentioned in the beginning of the post and other videos of yours, it depends on your life style, whether you drink or not, etc. etc. I think you are still living as a vacationer, when you settle in, I think your expenses will be less. A post of your actual expenses like you did this time is most useful. Insightful for those of us who are not in the Manila area or those of us thinking about going there.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I hope so! 🙂

[@Tergross3]

Good info! .... But ... you forgot the Homeowners' Association dues for condos. For a 2br at Ayala it's P100/sqm - so if you have a 2br at 97 sqm that would be P9700/month - almost ($200) per month.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

It's included as condo fees.

[@mianino6288]

thats very helpful. i guess you need to add few hundred dollars if you're renting and not owning a place. also CEBU was the place i recommended. if you like luzon area maybe check around OLONGAPO or BATAAN as well.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I heard there are ghosts in Bataan. 🙂🙂🙂

[@mianino6288]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 well i havent been in Bataan for a long time so there shouldnt be any problem HAHAHA

[@marionambas1312]

Thank you Grandpa⚘ say my hello to Grabdma⚘

[@issagarden]

I and my 3 kids spent 5 weeks in the Philippines this year. I spent $7.5k plus $4k air fares. It's all worth it. my kid's first visit.

[@joescheller6680]

worth it if you got it

[@mb1636]

Just once medical episode will ruin budget. Thanks video n happy retirement !!

[@mariettadiaz3738]

I like your video about all the info.thank you for sharing with us.

[@rafaelg4566]

I have the same lifestyle as yours. When I retire I plan to stay in Philippines just 3-6 months at a time as my children and grandchildren are here in the US. I'm thinking of getting a house and lot in the Philippines but after listening to this - it seems to me that condo is the way to go. I watched another video about condo corporations slapping special assessments every now and then - is that true?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I have not experienced that yet, but yes, that is typical of all condos whether in the U.S. or Philippines. That assessment is to fix unexpected and non-repetitive repairs which every condo owner will have to shoulder.

[@belotendos1]

So would you say that in terms of quality of life/standard of living, it is comparable to what you are used to in PA? Better? Same? Little worse? You didn’t hire a domestic helper, is cost the reason? Or not required in your opinion? Thanks. Love your channel.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

@belotendos1 Cost of living is definitely lower than PA without question. I don't know yet if we will hire domestic help. Cost is definitely not the reason. However, we have to contend with what we will do when we leave the Philippines and be in the U.S. for at least 6 months a year. Also, while in PI, we plan to travel around. So, perhaps, it will also not be necessary, and in some ways, impractical for us based on our planned activity.

[@mandyfernandez8099]

FOR 35 days 1,800 dollars it is cheap bear in mind you buy some utensils to be used..

[@clarizjohn]

Yeah that hella cheap..$1700 is our rent for a month..1bd apt.

[@stefanhorlacher1583]

davao at any time, never manila.medical in davao is exellent! living expenses are very cheap !

[@lenieramosmabayo3844]

Stefan Horlacher true

[@junsaparealtytvsmdc-reales605]

Hi Sir, I am happy watching your vlog and It is very inresting. And I hear that you also planning to look for another property outside manila. If you allow me sir I can help find one for you. I am a real estate Agent of SMDC. Thank you sir and I hope I can meet soon....

[@junkerju58]

I guess you didn't include expenses for going out, or to dine with relatives who have not seen you for decades like I did. It excludes being charitable to the less fortunate kabayans who are in dire straights and avoiding to have any kind of attachment to whoever were the recepients of that charity like I did traveling solo on a 30 day sojourn to my country of birth after 18 yrs. While I did budget for the trip, airfare round-trip, Airbnb, car rental, gas, food, meals with relatives including pasalubongs that I purchased while there, I never budgeted for other "strange" expenses in the name of charity and getting myself unwittingly involve emotionally too, which should not be a typical excuse for a lonely senior like me with the heart of a younger man. It took me weeks not only to get rid of a bad coughing syndrome that I may have contracted there but also included getting off that emotional baggage after I returned to the states as I didn't want to be a long distance ATM.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I actually had two dinners with relatives on my wife's side, and an old friend of mine from almost 50 years ago. I don't really have many relatives that are close to me.

[@korypostma]

Hello po... in regards to your wife's medicine, my wife also had migraines and breathing issues after eating wheat. We later found out she was allergic to wheat. Perhaps, sir, your wife has some food allergy as well that could be aggravating the breathing issues? There are food allergy tests they can look at with blood samples to determine that. Best of luck to both of you. My wife and I are also looking at condos around the Manila area. Salamat po!

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

That is true that's why she does not eat wheat. Thanks for the tip. Good luck on your condo hunting in Manila.

[@MrBuknoy29]

Mine is about $2000 per month. With 3 kids.

[@juanmiguel8574]

Mang Danny, are you open to Baguio? No heater required. And not as crowded. :)

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I love Baguio!

[@juanmiguel8574]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 : Me too! :)

[@maiwurld2578]

tagaytay is also a good place.

[@m.c9146]

Manila is a very expensive place according to hotels, if they have a certain standart. More expensive than people think. Under 80€ / day (90 - 100 Dollars - we do not at all think in Dollars here) it is not easy to find a decent place and that must be thought about! May be if you plan well, you get cheaper - 40 - 60 € a day. Less is not at all european standarts. Also restaurants are not that cheap as people might think. So I guess 3000 Euros for 4 weeks are not that much even...unless you wont live very modest. European food is very expensive. The countryside seems to be less expensive indeed. The US I cannot speak about. Public transport also must be considered as complicate. Good planning is needed. Taxi drivers often refuse to take and also the prices are not that clear. I guess all over the world taxis are not allways easy for foreigners. Reenting cars I cannot recomment - driving for europeans in Manila is very hard. The best seem to be to have people from there to help. By the way dear Sir: I like your calm and kind way to report. I would be happy to see tourists as you in Europe. My young daughter (child) finds you sweet as a person and she is right. Living in the Philippines outside Manila seem to be a little cheaper as in Germany. May be 80% of our costs. I think if the Philippines get more competative in hotels and restaurants, prices will sink. I find the culture intresting anyway. The old city of Manila looks amazing.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Please tell your daughter I said thank you for the kind words. 🙂🙂🙂 By the way, tell her, too, that she is so smart for watching my Retirement channel at an early age! I'm sure she will retire very well. 🙂🙂🙂

[@m.c9146]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 hahaha salamat Sir. She is 12 and really cute - lives with me (her dad) and my filipina wife from Mindanao - she (daughter)now is confrontated also with new filipina mentality (my wife is extrimily kind and understanding indeed - a very very good representant of your country in all thinkable ways) but she is half brasilian and by that allready used to several languages and cultures... In our house german, filipina, jewish and brasilian culture do mix and hopefully we will all travel to your beautiful country - the 2 boys of my wife also. I think your hotels will accept crazy families ;-) We allready where also in Marocco, Greece, Thailand, Indonesia, France and Switzerland. The Philippines will fellow - in about a few years we will live partly in each of our countries so also in the beautiful Philippines with its nice people. When my daughter is finish with her school education in about 6 years from now...I / we all prepare step by step. Hugs P.S your ex president Quezon did safe thousands of german-jewish lives in WW2. That will never be forgotten.

[@92646snake]

I agree that hotels in Manila are overpriced. For example, one night at the Manila Marriott costs 265 USD. A similar room in Kuala Lumpur Marriott (same category) costs 120 USD. One night at the Holiday Inn (usually considered a budget hotel in the US) Manila Galleria costs 170 USD. Ridiculous pricing in Manila hotels!