🇵🇭 HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED TO LIVE LIKE A "KING" IN THE PHILIPPINES?

[@mduckod992]

Great video Dave, nice to see someone who realises, that to live like a king all you need is the love of special person and the necessities to live. Happy Christmas to you all 🎅🎄

[@maudave]

Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@blackwonderBW]

Thanks for the realistic expense breakdown. I'm a newbie expat in Manila. I keep receipts for every peso spent. My monthly budget is $2000. Current monthly expenses is $1800. Anything below $1000 per month in the Philippines is risky I think.

[@maudave]

Glad it was helpful!. Enjoy life. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

Great info! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas.

[@maudave]

@@ThereIsSoulInArt Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Thanks for the comment. Take care

[@ThereIsSoulInArt]

@maudave thank you so much.

[@Jelle0-05z]

Simply peaceful life 🎉❤

[@maudave]

@@Jelle0-05z Yes indeed. Take care

[@BarrioRunner]

Good information Dave, hope to meet up in Mangos next trip.

[@maudave]

@@BarrioRunner Sounds great. Have safe holidays. Talk soon Take care

[@dannynicart2389]

The phrase "living like a king" often evokes images of opulence and excess, but for me, it holds a different meaning. True contentment comes not from extravagance, but from having the means to cover my essential needs comfortably. As long as I can afford all my basic necessities-such as housing, food, and healthcare-and have the opportunity to explore new places, both within my country and abroad at least once a year, I would find profound happiness. It's the balance of financial security and the freedom to experience the world that truly enriches my life.

[@maudave]

@@dannynicart2389 Well said, Thank you for you comment. Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄 Take care

[@notsocrazyjohn5348]

Maaate, it costs me 20kphp/month to live. 5.5k php rent, 4kphp electricity, 200php water, 300php internet 2kphp gym, 1.1kphp/month visa, the balance food/transport. I ride jeepneys/buses and trains in Manila. A 1 bedroom loft apartment suitable for 1person or a couple. As an American visitor said "wow, just like a western apartment". It doesn't include medical, apart from a critical emergency it is far cheaper to jump on a cheap flight home to Melbourne where I get 1st class medical for free. So I choose to self fund for emergencies. Entertainment is obviously a personal choice usually 15k-20k/month. I shipped my personal stuff here (kitchenware, personal items, tools ect) by balykbayan boxes x9 and purchased my furniture- fridge freezer, AC, dehumidifyer, bed and mattress, sofobed, tables and chairs, washing machine, fans, 55" TV and general items all up about $3k USD to create a western lifestyle in my little piece of the world. Of course if I wanted to go bar hopping 2hilst bitching and bellyache about what is not here it could easily cost me 10x as much. Happiness is found in ourselves not in how much we have or how much we spend. Just my two bobs worth. Cheers Aussie John

[@maudave]

@ It’s always on the individual for sure. You can make a good life on a low budget if you get the western mindset out of you. Great comment Take care

[@ericg9092]

Great video. This looks like a very nice way to live. My recurring bills and monthly expenses in the U.S. are less than $2000 a month with a paid off mortgage, so it's nice to see real-world numbers in the Philippines showing I could probably cut that by 40 or 50 percent while putting plenty away for savings. Thank you for sharing your budget with us.

[@maudave]

@@ericg9092 No problem Eric. Have a Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@RetirePhilippines]

Good video. Thanks Dave.

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

Awesome video!!! Thank you so much.

[@maudave]

@@user-bg9em7ch6k Appreciate. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@johnrencher442]

So great to hear that someone is honest and trustworthy about their budget and how we all are different… we spend our lives working to by more shit that no body wants when we leave this earth…. Things one gives instant gratification, relationships and experiences are truly what makes life worth living… Thanks Dave… Happy Holidays to you and your family…

[@maudave]

Appreciate it John. Have a blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@CRV_34]

Dave, I discovered your channel through this video. While one of the commenters made the point that this topic has been covered many times by other KZbinr's, I found yours relatable as an American exploring where I might retire. Assuming Social Security is still solvent when I become eligible, I am expecting about $1800 USD per month from it. If it is insolvent, I have other retirement savings and am expecting a pension that should cover a comfortable cushion above that. Seeing videos such as these gives me hope that I can live more comfortably in a place like the Philippines than America in my golden years. Thanks for sharing your experience and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

[@maudave]

Appreciate your comment, your social security will be fine, I wouldn’t worry 2much about it. Take care Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@j-man7021]

Thanks Dave, good breakdown of monthly cost. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@maudave]

@@j-man7021 Thanks j-man Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@Cliff-Spark]

Gratitude… it makes what you have, enough.

[@skip2it426-]

Many want to live like a King whether in the 🇵🇭 or else where however their financial situation won’t allow them to. People need to stay within their budget in order to cover their first basic expenses. Thanks for sharing a great subject matter 👏🏾👌🏾!

[@maudave]

Appreciate your thoughts. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@Thebilliondollarhustler10]

Thanks brother, I plan on moving there around march.

[@maudave]

@@Thebilliondollarhustler10 Safe travels. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@KB3TLE]

Different strokes for different folks. - - - Lifestyle -&- Location -- determine the cost of living and it varies significantly. - - - A Kings lifestyle is not the desire of everyone ? - - - Many people simply are not extravagant and are more thrifty or frugal with their finances. > A ''comfortable'' life doesn't need to be real costly in the Philippines ! Many claim a single person may be quite comfortable on $1200 / mo. - most months expenses. 👍

[@maudave]

@@KB3TLE Exactly!! We live a comfortable lifestyle on $1200-1400 per month. Appreciate your input. Safe holidays. Take care

[@mikestout9588]

1200 for 3 people including rent? Sign me up!

[@stanleytappen9821]

Good job, your always going to have the haters and doubters from people who haven’t been to the PI or failed when they tried. It’s all about where you live and lifestyle when it comes to how much money you’re going to spend. Keep the vids coming

[@maudave]

@@stanleytappen9821 Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Thanks for the comment. Take care

[@billlloyd9755]

Wow ! Retirement in 4 months, can’t wait ill be there 😊

[@maudave]

@@billlloyd9755 Outstanding, Congratulations 🍾🎊🎉 Safe travels Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@billlloyd9755]

Thank you right back to you, sir

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Great video! I agree that it is very possible to live well on a modest budget in the Phil’s. For example the basics are far and away way lower than in the US. In November I paid - $200usd rent for 2bd 1cr fully furnished $91usd for electricity and that’s running aircon 24/7 and electric stove, fridge, tv etc. $7usd for water $15usd for good WiFi $15usd for 3 cellphones load $200usd groceries for 3-4 people. $40usd transportation That’s less than $600usd Add in whatever else you want but those cover the absolute basics. My friend went to the dentist for a cavity $12usd all in. Cellphones are easily $10usd or less for unlimited calls/texts and 24-30gb data. I don’t drink or smoke, never have and I like the simpler life with family and friends. I really got tired of all the material goods we all chased after back in the west. If I could go back and not spend all that money on stuff I could have lived without I would buy 4-5 houses here in the Phil’s. I just looked at a really nice brand new western style house to buy here for $70,000usd 😮 It’s almost identical to one (20yrs old) I used to have in the US that went for $500k usd in 2020. 😮 As for some of the lower prices I attribute that to 2 things - The lower wages in the Phil’s as compared to the US. ₽100 pesos per hour instead of ₽1500 pesos per hour in the US for many jobs And shipping - Look where the Philippines is compared to where almost all products are shipped from. I buy things here that are made in Japan for 1/5th of what I paid in the US. Same for stuff made in China or Vietnam etc. It’s all down to how you want to live. Here I spend more time with friends and family than anything else. I love it here ❤ Cheers

[@maudave]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 Indeed-I love it here also. Thank you so much for your input- Have a great Nee Year Take care

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Nice! I agree… I work in USA…my wife and daughter are in CDO…our apartment is only 7500 peso, 2 bedroom but not fancy. We have parents staying they can easily live on under 2k, comfortably.

[@maudave]

Outstanding. It’s hard to get the western mindset to think outside the box on costs. Philippines 🇵🇭 is a great country, live where you are comfortable. Live within your means and have a great life. Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄 Take care

[@Eon320]

Going to be moving there in a few years with 2 kids and my wife. Hopefully we can budget accordingly.

[@maudave]

Make a plan and stick 2 it. Congrats on your future. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@Eon320]

@ Merry Christmas! Thank you for the information and wishes! God Bless you and your family.

[@jsEMCsquared]

Is it hard to get medication for blood pressure, and other specialized medicines? Thanks!

[@maudave]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 To be honest, I really don’t know about medications being sent or purchased at pharmacy’s. Sorry I couldn’t help you out. Take care

[@ghostwolfx]

I just wanted to mention about not comparing to anyone else: I think this might be one thing that no one likes to say out loud, but one allure of being an expat is probably comparing what would be a meager humble lifestyle in the west to the local Filipinos and feeling a lot better about where you are by contrast. In a sense, you may not be keeping up with the Jones's anymore, but you are doing a fair bit better than the Reyes' or the Aqauino's so to speak. It's not about feeling BETTER than anyone else, but it's hard to feel bad about your humble home when it's seen as a massive success in the neighborhood. It simply makes one feel better about themselves, and there's nothing wrong with that I think, and it removes a desire to spend more than needed, when you realize that you've already got it made without overdoing it. It's easier to stop keeping up with the Jones when realistically you might be the Jones now regardless of how little you're spending compared to what you would have spent in the west.

[@maudave]

Appreciate your approach on this topic. Have a great holiday season. Take care

[@billlloyd9755]

👍

[@Woodyella]

100% agree.

[@papadougsadventures]

I’ll be in Calbayog on the 24th-28th. I was surprised that the population(189k) there is about the same, maybe a little less than my home in the US, Spokane Washington. My Girlfriends parents live there so I’ll be meeting with them for the first time.

[@maudave]

@@papadougsadventures Well, welcome to Calbayog in advance. Safe travels Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 If you have time stop in at Mango’s lounge & estates , best western food around. You’ll enjoy the food.

[@SetFree-l4m]

At least $10,000 monthly budget, you can live like a king in the Philippines.

[@jerryraj9163]

Great video. If you dont mind sharing,are you reliant on ssi? Or saving investments? How much nest egg do you recommend for $3-4000 per month expense

[@maudave]

@@jerryraj9163 No SSI, Investments/savings. $3-4000, big month expenses for the Philippines 🇵🇭. I can’t really comment on your spending habits-Start up costs can be fairly expensive “car” “scooter” big city’s and just 🚕 it around. Lots of factors-$2500 per month and I still saving $7-800 per month with my budget. I’m living the life I enjoy. Sorry I couldn’t help much. Happy New Year Take care

[@fmdday]

It’s cheap as long as her whole family doesn’t follow you around and wait for you to hit the cash register and throw something on the belt at the last second.😂

[@jcatini8299]

Great informative video.

[@maudave]

@@jcatini8299 Appreciate your comment. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@tropicshade]

All I need to live like a King is Air Con 😂... whatever the cost! Actually, we can live in comfort for $2,000 or less (we have no house pymt!). We manage to put a good chunk monthly into savings. Merry Christmas to your family! 🌴 😎

[@maudave]

@@tropicshade 😂 😆 lol Climatizing is easy, just need to put some effort into it. More healthy for ya. Lol

[@johnb5478]

​@@maudaveWould you please speak to acclimating to the weather there? I'm concerned about how things feel after you've lived there a while. Thank you.

[@carlTis]

Can you tell more about your ability to call the states on $10/mo ? Thanks .

[@maudave]

So I use messenger to keep in touch with family and friends-it’s free. Then for phone I use Skype-yearly it’s like $40 U.S. It works well, and has text abilities. I use it to log onto SS, and banks easily, when they require a code to log on.

[@carlTis]

@ thanks buddy .

[@markledesma2396]

We often eat korean barbecue, in my city at our favorite place $11 per person, I was in the US last April and paid $140 for 2 same korean barbecue.

[@maudave]

It’s crazy how expensive it has become in the states. Thanks for your comment. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@michaeltakayama8415]

Very useful... thanks for sharing your numbers! One question: for your electricity bill, what is the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh)? Merry Christmas! :)

[@maudave]

@@michaeltakayama8415 I’m actually looking at the bill, and it’s a very complicated bill to read. If I take the total bill 6645 php divide it by 600 kWh it would equal 11.08 php per kwh. Hope that helps. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@michaeltakayama8415]

@@maudave Thanks! I'm working on my own projected budget, so this definitely helps. FYI, at your usage level, the cost per kWh here in central California is currently about 2.5x of what you are paying in the Philippines.

[@maudave]

@@michaeltakayama8415 My place in Palm Springs was brutal in July and August. It’s very manageable with the costs of everything else being so low. Take care Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@brittbrittingham9871]

I like !! LOL

[@maudave]

@@brittbrittingham9871 lol Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@richardhowe5583]

Everything especially rent in the Philippines is negotiable.. thanks 👍👍

[@maudave]

Absolutely, Always negotiate. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@MactanMurray]

My contribution to the monthly income issue. I receive $1350/month SSI - (80,000 peso) - and live in a guarded high rise condo with the best swimming pool in the PH - (22,500) - and utilities are less than 10,000 combined - I (we) budget 6,000/week for groceries - and with misc expenses we spend every penny - every month. In exchange - I'm living the best version of my life that I could ever imagine - and still root for my sports teams - as I watch the games live and recorded. I send my kids presents via Amazon - and maintain healthy relationships with them in between the time I see them in the US.

[@maudave]

@@MactanMurray Outstanding, living life to the fullest. Blessings for sure. Take care

[@bigbearhugebear9018]

MactanMurray. What is the square meter of your condo?

[@richardhowe5583]

What is the name of your condo? Me and my girl are searching for a place now.. thanks 👍

[@MactanMurray]

@@bigbearhugebear9018 - 43 - it's just right for two people - one bed.

[@MactanMurray]

@@richardhowe5583 - 8 Newtown - but One Manchester and One Pacific are comparable. Also a new place (La Victoria) is about to open - and there is another tower being built as of now. Lot's of good construction here - good things in Mactan Newtown.

[@grahamhawker8974]

A tip for other expats, even if you take a metered white cab, either ask your Filipina to tell the taxi driver to "flag down," that means turn on the meter because sometimes they don't and you get charged incl. white skin tax. Another way is for you to stay out of sight, and get your Filipina to get a cab, agree the price, and then she can wave or call you to when it's safe to come into view and get in, safe in the knowledge that you won't be ripped off

[@richardhowe5583]

Why not just use a grab app or whatever other kind of uber type car they have? Thanks 👍

[@grahamhawker8974]

@richardhowe5583 good idea, but I heard that if you live on some of the smaller islands, in a small town or in the province, there may not be any grab taxis

[@vgwalldecals]

Great video, great advice. One thing I keep harping on, make your personal safety a PRIORITY. Don't try and live in the cheapest place that you can find. You will not like the end result. You wouldn't do it in the US, I don't understand why so many "expats" do it here. Filipinos are raised much differently than we from the US were. What's acceptable to them may not be acceptable in the US.

[@maudave]

@@vgwalldecals Appreciate your comment Take care Merry Christmas 🎄🎁

[@51dbail]

when you talk your power bill, how much a kwh?

[@maudave]

12.59 per kWh.

[@51dbail]

@@maudave not bad at all. just south of manila 12.60 per kwh this month. my home state is about the same. Im thinking about adding some solar

[@lemaitrethemonk]

Do you two plan on building a home?

[@maudave]

We do plan on a home build. Just taking our time putting together our needs and wants. Take care

[@jimvan-m7y]

3k a month your rich, I live a great life 2k a month,

[@brianfox3924]

To live like a KING? $5000 USD per month

[@johncalder-gx4bf]

Since I am not American USD means little to me. Having lived in the Philippines for 15 years I think only in pesos. The only time I revert to my old currency is when I am transferring money. With an income of 110k peso a month and the biggest expense food for a household of 5 quite comfortable living.

[@maudave]

@@johncalder-gx4bf I also think in pesos, explaining to individuals that have never been here is what I’m trying to accomplish. Congratulations on 15 years in the Philippines 🇵🇭. Appreciate your input. Take care

[@markthomson170]

6600 for electric wow we have ac2 fridges and a freezer and cooler hotwater my bill is 4000

[@maudave]

@@markthomson170 Ya, that was our lowest bill in 6 months. 2 a/c units, fridge and water pump. And we were on vacation for a week with all breakers off except fridge. Working on lowering it when the property is done. Solar for sure. All 3 apartments in Calbayog have always been over 6000. Overall costs it’s ok for now. Take care

[@markthomson170]

@maudave looks like someone may be putting a pos or 2 in their pockets

[@steveng8727]

For those seniors considering retiring to Thailand or the Philippines always factor in $400 - $700/mo for FULL healthcare coverage vs. your home country's plan. (e.g. MediCare in the USA $185/mo).

[@maudave]

@@steveng8727 There are plenty of insurance plans that are way lower than you have stated. That’ll be another video. Thanks for your comment. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@RyanUSNAVY]

I'm at about $3500-$4000 per month living in Cebu City walking distance to Ayala Mall. Me & my Wife take 2 trips per month Boracay / Bohol. 🏝🏖😎

[@maudave]

Bohol is one of my favorite places to visit. Thanks for your input-enjoy your travels. Merry Christmas Ryan Take care

[@JAYY_JAYY]

Wow I am in California and that’s what I spend per month. My mortgage is 1450$

[@maudave]

@ I understand, I was working and living in Palm Springs California, my electric in August was $1200. I sold everything and moved to the Philippines. Exhausting how much everything costs now. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@MactanMurray]

I'm jealous. I live on $1350/month - and wish I could travel more than a couple of times a year. One thing is equal though - my 33yo GF is equally good looking and could run a marathon if she wanted.

[@maudave]

@ As long as you’re happy, that’s all that counts. Take care Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@richardhowe5583]

I just subscribed.. who do you have your cell phone plan with and what kind of plan do you have? Thanks 👍

[@maudave]

We put time on our phone as we need it. Globe is the service we use- Take care

[@edgarwangsmo6]

I got 2200usd/mnd.(pension) -Its VERY comfortable .Luxury hotel 650/mnd.(Inkl.breakfast buffet). Insurance 300/mnd.(Im 74). Grosseries(inkl.sigarets)600/mnd. The rest 650/mnd. is for fun; Travel / Sharing / etc. . Happy expat !!!

[@maudave]

@@edgarwangsmo6 Outstanding… Live life. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@jefflay8515]

Most of the guys saying you need $3500 a month are grandstanding. They want people to think they have plenty of money. Like you said, living like a king is a relative term. I don’t need expensive things . I buy what makes me happy. I don’t care about what everyone else has.

[@maudave]

@@jefflay8515 Exactly, Always live your own life. Thanks for the comment. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@altriplett9099]

King of ? Some folks would be fine, living in a nepa hut near the sea! I went with a Bajaj 3 wheeler for transportation… I am 5-0, vs motorcycles! Plus, it seems like every week, there’s a crippled or worse expat injured on a two wheeler

[@maudave]

King of your own happiness. King of your own finances. Doing what makes you happy. I hope it answers your question. Be safe on the roads, Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@altriplett9099]

@ merry Christmas 🎄🎁 to you and yours! Unfortunately, I am stuck at my place in freezing cold wet Washington state, waiting on back surgery, and SSA/Work comp to take care of their business! I’m usually on Mindanao this time of year, avoiding the effects of cold, damp weather on my knees and back!

[@maudave]

@@altriplett9099 Speedy recovery, I’m sure that weather is wearing on you. Stay warm Take care

[@altriplett9099]

@ thanks! 😊

[@altriplett9099]

@ did you hear Mark Thornton, “Every man has a story “, is gone?

[@HenryWeems-kr9wr]

I'm used to living cheap in America. All I would need is a small place with air conditioning and a scooter.

[@maudave]

@@HenryWeems-kr9wr It’s very easily done-we could live a lot cheaper if we choose 2. Check the Philippines out and see if it’s something you would enjoy. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care

[@karlbryant5706]

Let me guess? This is not 2025 neither 2024

[@maudave]

@@karlbryant5706 December 2024.

[@scottbaird5674]

How old did you retire at?

[@maudave]

@@scottbaird5674 55

[@billlloyd9755]

A lawyer for $10-$20 for an hour ?😳 hella nice!

[@maudave]

@@billlloyd9755 It’s definitely refreshing to actually get good service for a good price. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@robertmcnair983]

So good 15 hundred got apt air con all cat name seven elevin and good gf eat good got beer good cebu city so good

[@Matt_T__]

I don't think that western culture dictates that people pay $130-$140 per month for cell phone service. It's a choice. I pay $50 for unlimited everything

[@maudave]

@@Matt_T__ I think no matter what you pay it’s obvious that it’s 2 much in the western world compared to multiple countries I have been thru. Just saying Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Matt Take care

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

exactly,,,,if u want basic service in America u can pay around $35, in cebu i paid around $8 a month through Smart giga plan. Its not the greatest service and it does now work well throughout the philippines.

[@oahuguy3918]

Another budget video?

[@maudave]

lol, Yep. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@HenryWeems-kr9wr]

I only get a thousand a month. Guess I'm out!

[@maudave]

@@HenryWeems-kr9wr Depends on what life style you want. Take care

[@jamesgilbert2181]

Why. dose everyone keep saying living like a king lol

[@maudave]

Ah, well I’ll tell you. The thumbnail to any video is important. It’s a catchy phrase, and creates views. It’s entertainment and creates revenue. I have “No” idea how a king lives and really don’t want 2. lol Have a blessed Christmas 🎄 Take care

[@Traveling-boomer]

Well, many use the term living like a king because it’s a dream have you ever seen how a king lives he has his own throne as many women as he wants all the good foods that he wants he commands everything by the sound of his voice everyone kisses his ass And he has no problems and no worries because he’s a king. Well, this is the lifestyle that’s typically seek out by foreigners here in the Philippines and so they use the term live like a king now I personally would rather live like a God have you ever seen how a God lives Well let me tell you a God lives even better than a king because even a king has limitations but if you come here with a shit load of cash, say you have a boatload of Tesla or Nvidia maybe you’re sitting on 20 or 30 bitcoin then you can live like a God Kind of like Zeus lived back in the day

[@jamesgilbert2181]

@@Traveling-boomer hahahaha if Good food don't come to the phil having more than 1 woman here can be very hazardous to your life

[@claylifto2356]

A good king bugets his income to establish foundations of peace, hope, and joy for his community. Will $3k a month provide for that? ... obviously not. Not a king's income.

[@maudave]

@@claylifto2356 The question is what’s your king level? I never mentioned what it would take to live like a king. Defining living like a king is speculation according to each individual. To find happiness is living like a king not finances in my life. What’s it gonna take for your life. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care

[@robertcrowder3606]

I got news for you people you're not going to live like a king in the Philippines unless you're a multi- millionaire so you can afford things that are imported from other countries and it's costly

[@maudave]

@@robertcrowder3606 Robert! “You people” you’ll be ✅ ok. It’s a pun on words-RELAX. Who wants to live or even knows what a king lives like. Life’s to short to be so upset. I live a very good life in the Philippines. Merry Christmas Robert Take care