How To Live Comfortably on $2,000 in The Philippines

[@TheSavvyExpat]

✈ 1-1 EXPAT RELOCATION SERVICES (APPLY HERE): sw54nqalsay.typeform.com/applywithsavvy 🇵🇭 FREE 15 STEP CHECKLIST FOR MOVING TO PHILIPPINES: dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/f816fe345b

[@emlk40]

You've come a long way. I subscribed to your channel about two years ago. It is amazing how you've changed (in a good way). I would like to recognize the work you have put into your channel and how you're helping people who are new to the Philippines, especially those who don't have a family nor know anyone in the Philippines, to feel safe and ease the stress of moving to a foreign country. I know how it feels to be a foreigner when I stepped foot in the US at the age of 20, and there was no KZbin channel like yours that I could have reached out to or watched to help me adjust. Keep up the great work! 🎉

[@bangwi]

I have a monthly income of 2K, but on average I only spend under 1500. Now I did bought my condo in Ortigas so my monthly for housing is only $360 and I'm Filipino so I do eat local foods and do save A lot there. Also make sure that the AC is an inverter type. You would save at least a hundred maybe a couple hundred in electric bills depending on how much you use your AC, and considering how hot the weather in the Philippines you'll probably be using it all the time. I also shop at Robinson's for my groceries and do use their reward card. With this I do get free cebupacific airline tickets once I get enough points

[@tupoa360]

I lived in Subic City back in 86-87 and we had a group, two 14 year old boy and a 15 year old girl who did everything for us, they would take us shopping or go shopping and keep us from getting ripped off, negotiate for things we wanted, mediated with trike drivers, they facilitated everything and we would throw them a party every couple of months with a band and stuff. We even started a college fund for them and about 11 or 12 of us kicked in 25 bucks a month plus what we paid them for services. Man they were vicious, they treated us like we were legal clients and most important people, it was funny how serious they were in taking care of us.

[@chuck9112]

I live on 2k per mo. Married to Filipina with 1 kid. 1 big plus is I have a car. We live in Marikina, a big townhouse for just $350. 15 minutes from Eastwood 30 minutes from BGC. 4 Malls just minutes away. Skin tax is always a problem. If you're single, at least have a Filipino friend who can negotiate large purchases for you.

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

You have come a long way with your channel over the past few years! I'm sure you are providing a great service to all who seek your services. The one stop shopping place! Keep up the great work. Keep them coming too!

[@paxxop]

Great tips, thank you for making this one!

[@johnveca2979]

Great vid bro. Thanks!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for watching John

[@livethemoment5148]

if you are an expat and cannot figure out how to live comfortably on 2000 usd on your own, then there is something wrong with your brain

[@mattb1100]

this is the same thing I just commented haha dont need a guide to live on 2k in the philippines, easymode activated

[@livethemoment5148]

@@mattb1100 exactly

[@amaliahightower]

How old is this guy? He thinks he knows everything 😂

[@billyjackson4368]

That’s good to know.

[@Randy2638]

Hey Evan, your voice has changed my friend you sound like a Philippine Elvis! God bless you, brother

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Good to see you back here Randy! God bless.

[@30AndAWakeUp]

great stuff. While I have a much greater budget than that….I do try to live well beneath my means to have more money to invest. These were some great tips.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Right on Kevin! Looking forward to seeing you out here soon.

[@RacerX1971]

More than enough, specially if you live in the province and dont party everyday.

[@deefromewa9868]

Thank you brother, i cant wait to move back home.

[@Allin1Xavi]

I heard you can live pretty alright with 1k usd a month in Davao. Can’t wait to move there in the next three years

[@x7jrreverse443]

Nice bro, great content ❤

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks brother 🔥

[@Beyondthebox11]

A 2000 budget is a good place to start my wife and I have everything paid off House,car,motorcycle, etc. and we allocate 100,000 pesos a month for our expenses. And sometimes it is not enough and sometimes it is. And that does not include any medical or vacations. Your budget depends very much Sean how you like to eat and if you like to Entertain friends at the house. I would recommend having a back up savings in case of an emergency. We lived in Eastwood from 2015 to 2021 when we built our house we lived on the same money that we live on now in Lipa.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Right on man! I couldn't agree more. Props to you guys for being able to make build a house out in Batangas.

[@Beyondthebox11]

@@TheSavvyExpat thank you so much, but we’re actually just put the house on marketplace and we plan on moving back to Eastwood at the beginning of the year. My wife really misses the good food. We really like your channel we watch a lot of your videos.

[@TDE1593]

Thanks again Evan!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Pleasure is all mine!

[@freeparticle5068]

People live correctly with 2000 € in Paris... in the Philippines the average salary is about 700 € ... How do they do ?

[@charlesetienne6037]

Definitely if my goals achieve ny next year I will hire your service to make the Philippines my second home base.

[@mactezeno4541]

Why h is davao always left out when bloggers talk about cities to live in, in Th the Philippines?

[@BeeSans444]

Evan's channel is primarily focused on BGC. He does help with other cities but BGC is the main focus. A lot of other vloggers who don't cater to the Manila area discuss Davao.

[@323ddg]

So hansome and sharp!

[@bornonjuly7052]

Hi Evan i think i t would be best if you would expand your choices of cities in the Philippines for expats to live in other than in Metro Manila. Like for Example outside Metro Manila with considerations to mobility , the healthcare and the over all costs of living the following maybe consider. 1. Cebu 2. Davao, 3. Iloilo City 4. Clark Pampanga 5. Cagayan de Oro City 6. Laguna 7. Batangas 8. Baguio 9. Bacolod City 10. Dumagueti City.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Will speak more on these cities soon

[@thefilipinojoe]

If I wanted to live a WESTERN lifestyle, I would leave here tomorrow and go back to NYC where that lifestyle is waiting for me on a silver platter. I left that nonsense 6 years ago along with the WESTERN mindset of wasting money on stupid stuff, including unnecessary inflated living expenses. Sure, you can have that same lifestyle here, but to do so seems rather foolish to me. I enjoy a NORMAL Filipino lifestyle instead, saving money and getting ahead, with an average cost of living of about $250 a month (as shown on my channel). If it had cost me $2000 a month to live here, I would have NEVER moved here. ❤

[@TheSavvyExpat]

$250 per month?! It ultimately comes down to each individuals personal wants & needs. Some want to maintain the western conveniences they've grown up with all their life, only in a southeast asian environment while others choose to live a provincial lifestyle.

[@thefilipinojoe]

@@TheSavvyExpat indeed, lots of westerners do move here wanting to live like they did in the west. Personally I just never really saw any logic in that. I came here with the full intention to live like a Filipino, not an American. A lot of foreigners believe that I must live a very frugal life at such a low cost of living. But I assure you I don’t. I spend what I need to spend and live quite comfortably. People in my community actually consider me wealthy because of where I live and how much money I spend. I live in a cozy $70/month one bedroom townhouse (as seen on my channel) in Laguna south of Manila. I used to live in a Leyte baranguay and plan to relocate to a beach community sometime in the future.

[@CHENLV-b6n]

$250 USD per month is only possible if you sleep in a nipa hut and live with carabaos and chickens and are a very good fisherman. Nice try Jo Jo!

[@Ilya1608]

With 2k usd monthly budget you can live in most of countries in the world except western ones with good quality.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

True

[@ted1558]

Man, teach people how to live well with 1000 USD... because with 2000 they can figure out by themself, without your help...

[@carmelaelliott227]

Live below your means if you only have $1,000 monthly you will be living very poor!

[@boldtaa]

The whole point of the video is that people think they can live for cheaper than reality. Current SS recipients are receiving about $2k a month in benefits so it’s an appropriate amount to consider as a base line. He’s also assuming living a western lifestyle.

[@poptv1762]

2000 USD is still difficult

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

​@@carmelaelliott227If you're renting a condo for $100-150 a month and taking Grab locally all the time, purchasing street food and doing some cooking, you could probably survive on $1,000 a month. However any medical issues or immigration fees on visa extensions will add up big time.

[@scottramey4443]

$1200 USD covers me, partner, live in housekeeper, water, ele truc, groc, transportation, and a little bit left over. Metro Manila​@@poptv1762.

[@stecar9122003]

I'm set with a place to live which means no rental payments for me to pay. Then eventually I'm going to get solar for the house which will cut out most, if not all, electrical payments. I don't go out to eat very often but there are times when I will have friends visit and sometimes food will be ordered and sometimes food will be cooked at the house. Then there might be a few times to go out to eat with friends and sometimes with friends. Not having to pay rent cuts out a lot of money that I can save and sometimes have a little fun. The money that is saved will also go towards going on a vacation.

[@daviddarden1915]

Savvy Expat, you really do care to make transition to the Philippines 🇵🇭 💖 easy. Especially for me as a widower. Even though I was stationed at Clark Air Base 😢 Philippines 🇵🇭 😅 long time ago in 1991. The main dilemma is getting your money without sending your monthly retirement to Philippines Bank. You are correct, opening a Bank account in the Philippines 🇵🇭 ♥️ is useful. Since I do not drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes. I could increase my savings in the Philippines 🇵🇭 ♥️. This is great motivation and valuable information for my return and retirement in the Philippines 🇵🇭 ♥️. Thank you 😊.

[@md929]

Bought a two bedroom condo in BGC. It's preselling and won't be ready until 2030 or 31. It's 700k for the unit and parking. Paying 4k dollars a month. I'm really pushing the limit but I think it's worth it.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Congrats on the new condo! BGC is rapidly growing, it's good that you bought this condo in it's pre-selling stages.

[@md929]

@@TheSavvyExpat It's a lot of money but I feel good with the purchase. It's by Alveo/Ayala. They came here in Northern California but I've been to BGC High Street prior and that's why I was eyeing BGC. Want to come back and explore and get to know the area more. I was thinking about buying at Mandaluyong Aqua Novotel Condos. That's where I stayed when I went to Manila for a week. That's right across PowerPlant Mall on the other side of Pasig River. I enjoyed my time there too. It's got a mixture of local and modern area. We got locals selling coconuts and other things right outside the complex. I went to the local palengke to buy street food like the typical street food bbq. There's a lot of foreigners in that complex too. There are a lot of foreigners in other Condos in Mandaluyong as well. Good thing about Mandaluyong is it's not far from Poblacion, Makati and PowerPlant Mall or Rockwell.

[@covygo]

The biggest problem living in PH, is that as an expat, everyone expects you to pay most things. For e.g. Whenever someone picks me up in the airport, it’s a whole “outing” from dinner for around 4 people, petrol and cleaning the car. And you have to pay the driver.

[@stanleysalters1195]

Very good video

[@beaulong]

It was 1000 not too long ago. Now it’s doubled?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

$2,000 was always the base budget I recommended most expats. $1k is cutting it way too close if you want to live a half decent lifestyle out here

[@epicriosonlinemoney3654]

But many KZbinrs keep saying you can "Live Like a King👑" in the Philippines with $500.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Biggest lie out there

[@amaliahightower]

@@TheSavvyExpatlol...youngster!

[@Midwest10-tn4jq]

​@@TheSavvyExpathow about your videos saying live like a king for 1000 ?

[@Dalehub]

I live on less than $2000 usd a month in a Australia in QLD on the water. Maybe less than $1000 usd per month for the next vidoe please. Thankyou ❤

[@rephillips56]

I ❤️ Cebu 🎉🎉🎉

[@stevef5812]

Screw that. On $1000 a month Indonesia 🇮🇩 is a wonderful place to retire. On the beach, rarely cook, some travel and $875 a month.

[@dean4125]

i was just in BGC and Makati city back in december. i also went to IT Park in Cebu and I liked it way more than Manila. so I would move to Cebu if i did move the philippines.

[@christaylor7049]

You are right

[@Fausto-q5n]

IS THIS $2,000 A MONTH GOOD ONLY FOR ONE SINGLE PERSON? WHAT ABOUT IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY? HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED?

[@carmelaelliott227]

$500 or $1,000 doesn't cut it no way...$3,000 and up is more like it

[@randellt]

I know living Makati for sure..and often because of travel and gf.. $4K

[@Taller-yl9yn]

You are smoking crack. $2000 is plenty

[@elitepctech]

Pasay is nice as well.

[@tig3rjax494]

What about Iloilo City? Do you have any information on that city? I saw plans for modernization and infrastructure plans are going on in that city. I have a monthly budget of around 3k-3500 after I pay the stuff in the US I need to.

[@moneytreesph8198]

I’m a local living in Manila and anything below $2k won’t work.

[@barrygilliand]

What’s the golf scene like in PH? Would be great to be close / on a course or close to good options. 🙌🏼

[@martyfenton6184]

There are two ways to live on $2000 per month. First, find a woman who also makes $2000 a month (highly unlikely). Second, STAY SINGLE. As soon as you enter a relationship all budget plans are a total figment of your imagination.

[@rickmccarroll9993]

I get three check a month. Which over 5k a month could I live comfortably with that.

[@damienbates]

Like a king!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You'll be livin the life out here Rick!

[@JohnInmandialogue]

Evan, what are you estimating your rent to be at $2000 per month? This figure seems high. I just do not spend that much money.

[@mironlang]

Ortigas is Pasig City same as BGC is Taguig.

[@jimvan-m7y]

you can live good on 2k a month if you don't smoke or drink,

[@cronot6087]

I live in America and spend under 3k on average each month, including my mortgage. Doesn't sound like it's much cheaper there..

[@sunmand6136]

exactly !.

[@thinkforyourself9334]

What city though? 😂 middle of nowhere

[@cronot6087]

@@thinkforyourself9334 30 min outside of St. Louis.

[@cronot6087]

@@thinkforyourself9334 30 min outside of St. Louis.

[@DerangedAussieMan]

Interesting that you say that Philippines isn't as cheap as other Asian countries like Vietnam. I always saw Philippines as this ultra cheap third world country, but maybe it's changing.

[@Legendary0218]

My wife lives in Pasig, I want to moved there soon, what do you recommend for jobs?

[@vidong1704]

$1000 is enough. Heck, $700-800 is enough.

[@makiavelli6101]

The vast majority of Filipinos don't make two thousand in a year. I think it is easy to live on two thousand a month.

[@jamesortega8681]

lmao, if you have 2k usd a month in ph, you dont need a "how to" to live comfortably.

[@JoyofRVing]

Why not? $2K is so little especially if one is looking for western comforts and food quality.

[@jamesortega8681]

@@JoyofRVing for 2k usd you can eat the highest grade meats available at the supermarket everyday, run your ac 24/7, get 1gbps internet, rent a house with western amenities and a pool , hire 2 maids who will do your laundry, cook, wash dishes, clean house. and feed at least 2 girlfriends

[@amaliahightower]

@@JoyofRVingI spend $500 average sometimes more for 2 😂. I do my grocery shopping at S&R. I own a western minimalist style house and have no mortgage. I own a nice used car.

[@allanwatts8361]

ARe u sure...how do u know?? How is that possible for 2 girlfriends

[@MrWaterbugdesign]

"Live like a King" is indeed total nonsense. Apparently 99% of expat Tubers have no idea how Kings live. But imo 0:40 "$2000 can 2x the quality of your life" is misleading. Adding "can" makes it true however. A person could get themselves into living in the US on $2000/mo being horrible and then make better choices in PH. But that has nothing to do with the amount and everything to do with choices and priorities. If budget and quality of life were really factors a person wouldn't pick PH. Other countries in SE Asia are cheaper AND offer much better food, infrastructure, more in stock items, better services, etc... The one thing PH has is more English speakers and more women eager to lock down an old obese foreigner. Other countries have lots of women who would be happy to get with a foreigner, but it's a little more work for the foreigner. The dudes going to PH get on a dating site and 10 minutes later are totally in love with the first single mom who pays them some attention. It's lazy dating. She picks him up at the airport and takes him to her clan's compound and there he stays. No shade to these guys. That's what they what, are happy and that's how they define "quality of life". So it really depends on a person definition of "quality of life".

[@MaullerTwin]

I'm 32 atm. When I turn 45 I will have enough to retire early and between you and me the last thing I want to do is get with a woman my own age. Why not get married now at 32? Marriage is a joke in the U.S and I don't want to give the futute ex-wife half my retirement accounts and even if everything works out children are too expensive here and will make it impossible to retire at 45.

[@wanderingdoc5075]

Fully agree i live in the philippines because of the superior women/dating and the visa considerations but places like Thailand and Vietnam have a much better quality of infrastructure, internet, transportation, and food than the philippines, and for a lower cost.

[@wanderingdoc5075]

I earn low six figures in USD from my real estate annually and earn > $300K working part time as a diagnostic radiologist. A single 5 hour shift earning $550/hr covers my entire monthly cost of living for the philippines including travel 😊

[@CHENLV-b6n]

For $500 USD per month you can live like a king...the motorist Rodney King. You can get your ass beat like a pinata at the barrio fiesta now that's living!

[@ntech1507]

People on youtube said $3k is not enough for me and my girlfriend and we won't be able to eat out or do anything fun in the Philippines like traveling

[@thedarkgreenmarine2100]

That’s insane talk dude , I lived for a month twice on vacation didn’t cook dinner once and spent least than 2k both times

[@ntech1507]

@thedarkgreenmarine2100 well that's what they said. I often comment in comments to see what others think. Some expats makes it seem you need $5k or more in the Philippines

[@thedarkgreenmarine2100]

@@ntech1507 I also don’t drink alcohol or pay for company

[@ntech1507]

@thedarkgreenmarine2100 yeah won't be doing either since I already have a woman. That's money said, if I did not have a Filipina girlfriend already I would be scared to move to the Philippines with my $3k a month budget expat exaggerate the budget you need so much

[@ntech1507]

@BeeSans444 True BGC is great but that is one of the places I would never live I'm the Philippines. I like Iloilo, Bacolod and Davao

[@hanglee5586]

Do one on $1500 a month please. Also choosing the good Filipina too.

[@blktauna]

thirsty creep

[@naar7192]

🙈🙈🙈

[@Fausto-q5n]

THAT MEANS IF MY SOCIAL SECURITY PENSION IS ONLY $2,000 A MONTH, I CANNOT AFFORD TO LIVE IN MAKATI. WHAT ABOUT GREENHILLS?

[@robertkersey3920]

I live in Makati and spend about $5500 a month but live well

[@TT-by7tv]

I am going to retire with $5.2 Million can I afford Manila :)

[@MrWaterbugdesign]

Typical nonsense to compare Chicago to PH. Apparently no clue it i possible for a person in Chicago to move to another part of the US. I live in Phoenix. Very different to Chicago. But yeah, if you live in Chicago and think all of the US is like Chicago then absolutely get a Filipina and move to PH because you definitely need a caregiver making all your decisions for you. You'll be way better off. I like watching these channels out of PH. It's like watching local news. Nonsense entertainment.

[@elitepctech]

Saint Louis is not much better than Chicago, though real estate is a bit more affordable than Chicago, still want to GTFO the States.

[@sebuofena]

Bro, what is this hairstyle? Lol

[@MoorDragon]

Why anyone would want to move to the Philippines to live like a bum on super low budgets is beyond me. Better to stay in the US where you at least might get some financial aid or find a job. If I move to the Philippines in retirement, I want to live comfortably not just exist. Please do a video for those who will have much higher monthly income over $5000.

[@anilgoel1475]

I have a healthy cash flow, but I don't know how I (+ wife) would spend $5k every month. I've given her an unlimited house budget, we live in a reasonably nice condo in cebu, and never hesitate to spend on whatever suits our fancy, and our average is around $1500 +/-. Your $5k is pretty much an unlimited no holds barred lifestyle anywhere in the Philippines.

[@BeautifulLiving-ke4mc]

True. I read the top 1% locals who really lived comfy there earn at least $1M a month. Usually they are also the ones with properties abroad, so they have more choices.

[@garyhall856]

Really! 2.000 is a lot of money in the Philippines. You can't live with that? You have a problem!

[@patthecat1800]

This kid has a private driver, maid, etc. He's a rich kid. He thinks like a rich kid.

[@jjbowdenn7873]

If you know the way around, it definitely is. But as a new foreigner moving there that’s never been, their first place to look for a place might be on Airbnb long term rentals. Which generally cost more.. and if they eat out most meals and are used to American style restaurants because they don’t know any better. Between those two expenses i definitely can see someone going through 2k budget fairly quickly if they went straight to Makati or BGC and lived that lifestyle.

[@amaliahightower]

Yeah he’s something else! I don’t think he lives in BGC 😂 He’s just a big show off! He doesn’t even show how his condo looks like and how much he pays.

[@sct9963]

I’m confused I see small house for rent in Philippines for $1,000 but it’s still ugly then you want a condo that is comparable to American standard in a big city like Bgc and similar and the price skyrocketed to the same price as America, how is this better

[@johnkeogh42]

If you plan to rent and eat out a lot then plan on $2000 minimum.