How Much Does It Cost To Retire In Dumaguete, Philippines

My monthly budget: Rent: $325 Electric:$26 Grocery and eating out: $300 WIFI: $26 Gas for scooter: $20 Water: $1…..we did not add cellular for the phones on the video. It’s another $10 x2 for two phone.#dumaguete #phlippines #retirement #ldr #lifestyle

[@kanointhephilippines8082]

I've lived in the Dumaguete area for many years now, nice place to retire but getting crowded, the traffic has doubled in the last 6 years or so. Getting around town in a car is difficult, it's best to live in Dauin, Bacong, Tanjay or maybe Amlan and come to Dumaguete as needed. I have friends who manage their monthly living on as little as $900 and others that spend upwards of $4000 monthly. For me a comfortable budget is between $1,400 to $1,800. Once you get your transportation and a long term visa sorted you can live well on a budget. It takes time to learn where to buy your daily items for the best prices but it will come. The best things in the Philippines are free, the sunshine, mountains, ocean, beach and the friendships you will make. Life is good.

[@SAMLAMB]

I love your comment Kano…my sentiment exactly. Your comment would be the same information I would give to any foreigner that wants to retire here. Thank you for watching my channel and keep your comments coming. It helps me to improve and gather ideas for future videos.

[@kanointhephilippines8082]

@@SAMLAMB Thank you and be blessed always.

[@dumaguetedreaming]

I have been traveling in and out of Dumaguete for twenty years and yes it has changed quite a bit from the days the only way to communicate was letter or chat rooms.

[@SAMLAMB]

You are so correct Kano. $1500 is my comfort. The cool thing. In the past 15mths I’ve been able to safe a lot of money. No one talks about that lol

[@SAMLAMB]

@@dumaguetedreaming yeah, letters and chat rooms. I'm not that old hahaha. I started when all we did was emails hahaha

[@alfredchiasson2218]

I absolutely love the channel. I am looking to retire there in the next 10 months.

[@SAMLAMB]

You can do it Alfred. I have a buddy who just sold everything in Sarasota Fl and is moving to Dumaguete next month. He’s well prepared to retire in Dumaguete by meeting and talking to Americans who’s been living here for a while.

[@alfredchiasson2218]

@@SAMLAMB I'm just north of your buddy in Lecanto, FL.. small world

[@SAMLAMB]

Wow, you are close. Let me know when you are close to retirement. I’ll help anyway I can to steer you in the right direction. You can add me on messenger.

[@itkovian11]

I appreciate you guys taking the time to talk about your expenses, its quite helpful for those of us in the research stage of planning to visit. I'm actually medically retired from the navy at 35 years old. Luckily I've mostly recovered from the physical injuries that led to my discharge. The VA pays me about $3400 a month, which increases with inflation each year. Which I should receive until I die. Right now I'm in the planning stages of visiting the Philippines for about a month and depending on how well that vacation goes, I may try to make it a permanent move. I live in Oklahoma right now, which is one of the cheapest places to live in the USA, so my quality of life at home is decent, the problem is that I feel like I'm just sitting at home waiting to get old and die. Now that I've recovered as well as possible, I think it's time I get out of my comfort zone. Life is about adventure, after all!

[@SAMLAMB]

I love your comment. I was in the middle of outlining my next video on retirement. And few of the things you just mentioned will be on the next video. I will be recommending for people to come to Philippines for 6months before they make a final decision to retire here permanently. Just the fact that after 1 month you’re just barely scratching the surface of the lifestyle here. For me moving to the Philippines and outside of the world that I knew for 50yrs is a big move…I’m not sure 30days is enough. Maybe a minimum of 3months. I’ve been coming here and living here 6months out of a year for the last 15yrs. I’ve seen the changes …I’ve been to places I would never recommend but overall it’s one of the safest countries I’ve been to. You will love the people here.

[@SAMLAMB]

When are you coming?

[@carolinadejuan9225]

Hi GOOD morning you both ,living a simple life in Philippines its really good, especially you have owning a house you can enjoy and relax for your're retirement pension ,anyway LORD God has a plan for EVERYONE ,be happy and enjoy relax with your fiance,take care guys and GOD BLESS 😀

[@SAMLAMB]

Simple life is the best. Less stress and you’ll live happier and longer.

[@carolinadejuan9225]

@@SAMLAMB yes that's true

[@RaeMoe]

Thank you, Carolina🤍 be safe.

[@alekstufa1026]

Very nice video thank you guys. God bless you with more happiness. You guys are wonderful couple

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate your comments..

[@DHarri9977]

You guys are funny in a good loving way, nice overview of some of the costs and monthly budgeting.

[@RaeMoe]

Awwe, thanks Dharri. We really appreciate it. Hope you have a great day.

[@SAMLAMB]

Yeah, that’s why I make sure RAZEL is in the video…she really doesn’t want to talk, but her comments and participation, For me, it’s what makes the video worth watching…we don’t rehearse before we start our videos…I just tell her what I will be talking about and I ask her to jump in whenever she wants to say something. You can see in her eyes when I ask her a question and she has to think what I’m asking and it’s not a prepared script…once again thanks for watching

[@DHarri9977]

@@SAMLAMB That is exactly why it's so nice, you guys keep things real via impromptu thoughts which totally adds to videos. This is one of the reasons why I like the Duma area, a lot of nice people and couples.

[@merlielualhati8267]

Have a good day ,very nice couple,take care and God bless

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you Merlie. Be safe and have a great day.

[@JM-su9rt]

Thanks for the info Sam ,just biding my time hope I can get there before it gets to expensive just noticed this video is a year old grr anyway have a great day to you razel

[@SAMLAMB]

Don’t worry guy. Prices are still the same. We moved to a brand new big one bedroom apartment and the price is about the same. With all expenses I think we are around $850 a month now. Take care JM. You be safe.

[@garywalker4272]

Good chemistry between you guys, just subscribed!

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you for watching our video, Gary…when I started making videos of my stay in the Philippines…I wanted to get her point of view. RAZEL is a bit shy because she feels her English is not good…it took a little convincing to get her to speak. Hopefully she’ll jump in and speak more often…

[@garywalker4272]

@@SAMLAMB , RAZEL has a great personality and her English is very 👍! My bisaya, on the other hand, 👎- hahahhh

[@RaeMoe]

Thank you so much, Gary. Really appreciate it. Hope you have a great day. Be safe.

[@RaeMoe]

Love it. The ending was funny lol

[@SAMLAMB]

Lol. Only you and I will think it’s 😄 funny

[@AndersGetherSoerensen]

Thanks for the video and your review of finances. Dumaguete will probably be relevant for me in the coming year. So thanks for that.

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you for the comment Anders. Have a great day!

[@Robmar40]

I like 24 hr ac, eating out everyday, and taking grab for transportation. My budget is $2500 per month to live comfortable.

[@SAMLAMB]

2500 is good

[@kevinplusfun3743]

Hi. I just ran onto your channel, enjoying your content. Did your apartment come furnished?

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you for watching our channel Kevin…Yes, it’s furnished…the only thing we bought was a new couch and coffee table after 4yrs.

[@glennhiggins5425]

Hi guys, new subscriber here, Glenn from Australia 🇦🇺 Like your contents here, will check out some of your past video. Cheers guys, stay safe

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you Glenn. We are not professionals. We just like to share what we do around Duma and hopefully others can enjoy what we enjoy.

[@JimmyJohn.3563]

The game felt like a "spring training" game. Lots of young new players rotating in and out, at all positions, and it took 2 qtr. for them to get their feet wet, then the flood gate opened. March to 3 PEAT!! GO DAWGS!!!!

[@SAMLAMB]

I’ll agree with you

[@NeverGiveup-go7og]

Hey guys good to see you again yes you can get by for that but you have to have back up emergency money one little accident and you’re doomed living on the street like a dog. The way you guys are doing it is the way people should live their lives simple and have fun

[@SAMLAMB]

You are 100% correct. I just looked it up. The average SS check in the USA at age 62 is $1200 and at age 70 it’s close to $2000. For those of you near the retirement age in the USA. You should have enough money to retire in Dumaguete. Also, most Americans have savings, 401K and pensions. Once again this doesn’t apply to everyone but if you watch your budget you can retire in the Philippines comfortably.

[@Topgun19688]

Can someone help me out here.. 54 years old retired from US explored Dumaguete and in my humble opinion found it to be not such a warm welcoming place. Boardwalk not what I expected at all. A few coffee shops and eateries seemed okay but overall seemed like a busy place. Maybe I’m wrong and needed to branch out but the city itself didn’t appeal to me. Wonder if other expats feel the same.

[@SAMLAMB]

In my opinion, DUMAGUETE is great place for couples but not so great of a place for singles. Few resto and coffee shops in town. Some bars scattered around the city. If you want more action I would recommend Cebu city or Siquijor. And once you find that Filipina then Dumaguete is a great place to bring her to.

[@Topgun19688]

Ahh maybe that was it. Single guy here so makes sense. Thanks for your feedback.

[@key39762]

Omg. your house is fabulous for 325. I would never leave if it had great wifi. Sam, you didn't mention healthcare. most of us old folks will need it. if not for peace of mind so add 200.00

[@SAMLAMB]

Yeah, $200 should cover it for insurance. one thing I didn’t mention on the video. The owner of the apartment. Her mom is the local doctor and she told me if I need any medical treatment she will be glad to see us for free…is that Amazing or what….

[@alanjohnson6369]

Great video thanks for sharing 👍

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you Alan. Have a great day!

[@JimmyJohn.3563]

Hehe I was waiting to see if you mention "vices," and you did at the end. But I guess if you settle down with a love one that expense will go down. Looks like if you 2 were to live the same way in the US it would be $5k - $6k per month. I wonder if UGA would have a game in Duma in the future, wouldn't that be something!!

[@SAMLAMB]

OH YEAH, definitely 5k to 6k a month, in the USA …since we don’t drink or party either…we may get by with 5k a month …Nahhh they don’t even know what football is over here…they think it’s soccer….DAWGS, didn’t look good the first 2 quarters this Saturday. But a win is a win…GO DAWGS!

[@JimmyJohn.3563]

Happy Labor Day you 2. I take cruises often, and I keep telling the Filipina dealers (lots of them) that if you just be a little familiar with "American Football" your tips will go up. They say "yeah I like the little bird on your shirt."😅😅 @@SAMLAMB

[@SAMLAMB]

@user-zi1yh1ks8l yeah, I agree … unfortunately boxing and basketball is king here

[@jlynnburton9718]

Just found your channel from watching another budget Vid, So you don't pay for Health Ins. or have immigration fees ?

[@SAMLAMB]

We don’t have insurance…but if you want to buy Phil health in the Philippines. It will cost you 15k to 17k pesos annually…$20-$25 monthly…

[@ron9146]

A full tour of your apartment would be great to see. It looks very nice. How did you find it?

[@SAMLAMB]

We rented a scooter and just drove around looking at for rent signs Dumaguete, Valencia, suburban, Dauin and Bacong. We probably could have saved more time if we just used Facebook. The day I made the videos the house was not clean. I’ll try to include a video of the apartment next time. Thanks for your comment Ron

[@SAMLAMB]

I’ll do a tour of the house for you on new years. We’ll be out of town until New Year’s Eve

[@robertnunn3015]

I am in the process of retiring in Dumaguete but one expense that needs to be included in your budget in private international health insurance. I got quotes from Pacific Cross for approx. 250-300 per month.

[@SAMLAMB]

Is that $250 to $300 per month or pesos?

[@robertnunn3015]

@@SAMLAMB USD but I understand that you can get a Plan that only covers PH that’s not Philheath so you may want to check this out .

[@SAMLAMB]

Thank you Robert.

[@SAMLAMB]

www.philhealth.gov.ph The article that I read was Philhealth expands coverage to foreign Nationals. Dated July 1, 2017.

[@robertnunn3015]

@@SAMLAMB Yes but it pays maybe 20 percent of all expenses !! This will not meet your needs in any situation !

[@kevinbrown3651]

sam are you navy. me i am from the marines i am sure you made fun of us and me also you with your dungarees great video and hope you do great there with your gf or wife.

[@SAMLAMB]

I wish I had served in the military, Kevin. But I was an air force brat😆. Thank you for your comment. By the way one of my grandson just signed up with the Navy.

[@MegaBob222222]

need to pro rate two scooters

[@SAMLAMB]

Haha, love the comments…

[@alanjohnson6369]

Just found your channel

[@SAMLAMB]

Thanks for watching our videos alan. Have a great day..

[@ucla789]

我也非常想去杜馬蓋地生活一段時間~並且到他們的語言學校去研讀英文! 很高興看到你們的一個月平均費用可以讓我知道大約需要準備多少的錢才可以去那裡生活一陣子!

[@SAMLAMB]

As you can see on my video…my budget is about $800 a month…if you want more. Here are the things I did not list because everyone is different…on a Monthly basis I like to go island hopping:$200 and I like to have a $500 cushion if some emergency happens…so for $1500 a month I’m sure you will live very comfortably here…also I did not throw in my initial investment of buying a scooter for transportation. That cost me about $3700.00 for a new Honda PCX and also the initial deposit of 1st and last month rent plus a security deposit was $375x3=$1125.00…hope that helps you out…so for me it took about $10,000.00 for the first 3months of living in Dumaguete( including buying a new scooter and initial deposit for my rental house) and then it would cost $1500/month to live comfortably after that..but I also know every month I can live comfortably for $800 a month… hope this helped…

[@ucla789]

@@SAMLAMB Thanks for your reply!

[@willest0652]

So its cheaper to get a live in....cool

[@SAMLAMB]

Yup😂

[@thaidawg9231]

Did you go to Georgia ?

[@SAMLAMB]

Grew up and lived in Georgia for over 20yrs…it’s great to see them win the national championship last year…looks like we have a shot at winning it again this year…from one Dawg to another…have a great day…GO DAWGS!

[@thaidawg9231]

@@SAMLAMB Are you able to watch the games there ? Go Dawgs !

[@SAMLAMB]

Yes, I am…I found a guy who set me up.. Send me a message on MESSENGER…

[@americansfirst9679]

Can a single live on $1400US

[@SAMLAMB]

Absolutely… that said, the most expensive things for singles are not what we showed on our budget video. Alcohol and dating are. Even though it’s cheaper than USA, the dating scene here can be a bit expensive