Living on $2,000 Per Month in The Philippines...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Many have made due with living on less than $2,000/month in the Philippines, while others need more than that - at the end of the day, it truly depends on your personal lifestyle and expenses. If you want to see more budget-based videos likes this, let's get this video to 500 likes! Appreciate you Savvy Expats. Get access to exclusive content + Support the channel - www.patreon.com/thesavvyexpat

[@wileybradley6289]

hello i need ti know how much money does a person need ti havee yn a bank if they want to live in the philippines, thailad or malaysia for the next 40 years if you were making at leaast 2,000 a month.

[@pinect]

Does the $2k per month estimate include the cost for rent?

[@immelting9834]

I love the budget and best bang for your buck videos.

[@BEACHDUDE71]

I need 2000

[@davidsiemer7578]

Good commentary and advice. My Filipina wife and I plan to retire in the Philippines in 2-3 years with around $4000 a month in pensions

[@benedicttv5058]

That amount of money would take your lifestyle to the highest level.

[@thomasking428]

You could live lovely

[@AmazingYTv]

You can live like royal bloods with 4000 usd haha

[@bayareatanders]

I was spending $1000 a week there. But I prefer semi-western life and travel as much as I can. I can probably build a home there but when you’re retired you don’t want to do it anymore. I was an Engineer for 40 years in the US and traveled to different states and Canada. I plan to go back there and travel to different countries in Asia. Been to a few on them already. Life is short and you should enjoy your retirement. Stay safe and healthy.

[@methemonkeyking]

Very smart. I salute you.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I absolutely agree. Retirement is a time to be enjoyed, not counting your nickels and dimes! Thanks for watching :)

[@davidbluhm1867]

You cannot own a house in the Philippines unless you are a Filipino citizen. It is a beautiful place. But the courts are not friendly to non Filipinos. And medical are is substandard and very expensive if your are again non Filipino. But what I know my wife was born and raised in the Philippines. Came to the US as a nurse and became a CRNA. She says a nice place to visit but should would never live there again. But hey that is what my wife of 27 years tells me To each there own but look before you leap

[@BrooklynsFinest34]

I say live in as many countries/places as possible. I'm a NewYorkRican, born, raised & breaded in Brooklyn. I have land in Puerto Rico & I retire in 12 years with a decent pension, (both defined & undefined) which affords me to live in just about anywhere in the world comfortably & I have many other assets & will accumulate more in the next 12 years. I can probably retire in about 3 years if I want but I want to accomplish a few more goals before I do & prepare to travel the world & live in PR as my main residency for the tax benefits it offers & I'm only required to live there 6 months out of the year & travel the other 6 months slowly in perhaps 2-3 countries per year with my now fiancé & eventually wife. We don't drink or smoke nor do we chase women. So that's more money in our already fat pockets. And on top of this I will eventually learn coding so that I can stay busy & challenged & make another 150K+ per year part time working remotely around the world. Honestly this is a very practical lifestyle to create if you plan it out correctly. By then I'll have roughly 15+ streams of income that I won't even need to live off of living in PR & these other inexpensive places. We will be able to live off of the pension alone. But as my step dad taught me, it's really nice living below your means but having really nice things whenever you want & having so many multiple streams of income that you don't even spend is such a secure & great feeling. He was a multi millionaire that only lived off of his pension & never touched his investment monies & owned a 2 acre ranch on Canyon Country San Clarita Los Angeles & lived off his land, with a small farm, that included chicken's, an orchard, grew vegetables, & a natural spring where he got his water. I never knew a more self sufficient, more stingy millionaire that truly know how to stretch his dollars than him. He reminded me of Warren Buffett but with less money of course but the same ideals. Anyway, I went off into a tangent. My point simply being, I want to make sure my money far exceeds my expenses which it already does, even by NYC standards but I want to live in paradise for pennies to the dollar. At the very least, I have this in Puerto Rico & the other half of the year traveling & living in different countries (2-3) per year in East Asia, some South/Central American countries & maybe Portugal & some African countries. But my goals need to be met first. Saludos expats & I pray all of our dreams come true.

[@Chris-gi9ch]

A $1000 a week? Daaamn! I partied like hell and (girls too) for $2500. I was set up with a studio, including air for $200 though?

[@manilamartin1001]

I live in Makati. I think I did what a bunch of guys did. I sold my house in the USA and bought a couple of condos. I live in one and rent out one. It's more than enough for me. I don't have any expenses except my housekeeper. I also have a farm in the province and that pays itself. It's pretty cheap here compared to Chicago or LA or NYC.

[@LuisDiaz-ep4kh]

How can a foreigner own a farm in the Phillipines? Please, explaine!

[@manilamartin1001]

@@LuisDiaz-ep4kh im dual citizan. Filipino by birth but grew up in usa. Most people just buy properrty if they are married to a filipino.

[@stan121midling5]

@@LuisDiaz-ep4kh this man is right, he is just one way you can by land there, another is to be married to a Filipino and put the land in her name and not yours ok, but with that said, you can own the house on it ok, so if you marry a Filipino woman, you would put the land in her name and the house in your name ok, but also be careful as some family's i have heard, have kick the guy out of his own house, but because he did not do what i just said you can do ,ok

[@manilamartin1001]

@@just_another_bot0110 hello. I buy condos from Ayala land. So far so good. They do a pretty decent job maintaining their condos. Some condos i have visited dont have good upkeep but they are super cheap. Ayala Premier and Alveo arent cheap anymore but they are nice. I have 3 condos from Ayalaland.

[@manilamartin1001]

@@just_another_bot0110 i own a condo in Ayala Premiere Residences, Alveo Kroma Tower, and Alveo Columns. They are all pretty decent. A 2 bedroom in ayala residences runs about $800k to $1M usd.

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

Another stellar video, dude👏👏.

[@jeh9936]

I live on $1,620 a month in the Philippines, and I do ok. I cook a lot at home during the week, because I prefer my own cooking. I have $ to go out when I want too. I still save $ every month with no budget. After I pay my rent and Electric, I still have 2,000 pesos a day to live on every month, and I do not spend near that much per day. I pay no bar fines, or lady drinks, which will, or would drain you quickly. Like everyone knows, it depends on what you do with your $ will determine how much you need every month.

[@fightinspirit]

Thanks JEH, I'm wondering what percentage of your budget do you have for rent. I'm retiring on about 2k a month and wondering what I can afford for rent. Is 40k PHP too much for housing?

[@venusty8719]

I like your life style very smart Diana m Gonzalez from Imus CAVITE

[@paulz6491]

With inflation is your budget still $2,000 and does that budget include a girlfriend/wife? Thanks

[@seamike55]

Good work! Can’t wait to start this Fall!!!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

All the best!

[@tonyste12]

Nice info, yes one can survive with $1,000/month but I will not call it 'living', especially if you are 'older'. Too many youtubers are trying to outdo each other by lowering the cost of living in the Philippines, which will get many people in 'trouble'.

[@methemonkeyking]

Agree, $1000 a month and a million in the bank is better.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

This is exactly what I'm talking about! So many youtubers want to sell the Philippines as a place where you can live for DIRT cheap, just to appeal to a demographic moving here for the cost of living. It's all for views and hype. Good input my friend 👍

[@waterheaterservices]

If you guys don't listen to me, you are going to end up living in a van, DOWN BY THE RIVER!

[@tonyste12]

@@methemonkeyking i guess you mean a million Philippine peso? :)

[@methemonkeyking]

@@tonyste12 : That's funny. It's surprising how many elderly in the States who live frugally saved their money instead of vacationing every year, living in a big house, and buying a new car every few years, how rich they are. I know a few of them. I wished that was me. It wouldn't surprise me if I see an elderly couple in an old beat-up car, living in a mobile home purchased in the 1960s, have $$$ staked up to the rafters.

[@brentt8590]

People are smart and they know if you're being honest or trying to make money on youtube. Keep up the great work. Your numbers look really good.

[@radagast25a]

Your videos are really awesome.

[@charlesreeder2594]

You are wise beyond your years. I like getting varied opinions before making a decision. Despite your age, you are in the mix of opinions I consider as I am coming to The Philippines to retire later this year.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Glad to hear that Charles. Breath of fresh air to not be shut out just because of age lol.

[@gingging9429]

.see you

[@jameslonergan5840]

All good points Evan. Thanks for the video!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Sure thing James! Thanks for tuning again.

[@sactown955]

Love your video's down to earth and real, keep up the great work always look forward to your videos, GBU

[@TheSavvyExpat]

More to come Dan! Thanks for watching.

[@DavidSingson]

Awesome video! More on high quality of life in the Philippines! People too often think of the Philippines as a low quality of life country. We need to highlight the good life too and have people who want to enjoy their life stay in the Philippines.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely David! If you're moving to the Philippines, you gotta live the good life. Thanks for watching!

[@JaJa-xx2yd]

Good Video, Love the humor in it. Thanks for keeping it Real. ,👍😁

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Always. Glad you enjoyed it 😂

[@jaime8318]

Speaking as an old guy, I don't spend as much as when I was younger. I already own just about anything that I want. I won't be shopping for clothes if I move to the Philippines. I will just bring the nice clothes I have, meaning clothes that will keep me comfortable in tropicl weather. I already have a lot of these hi tech clothes. I doubt I will ever need to buy more. I don't go to bars. I eat simply. I've lived all of my adult life in Los Angeles. Fine restaurants in the Philippines won't impress me. I just need the basics to be quite honest. If one relocates to the Philippines and lives a tourists' lifestyle, then be prepared for money to fly out of your pockets like a tourist.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Right on Jaime. Exactly, there's no one lifestyle that suits all. Thanks for watching.

[@eastvilleph4954]

true. dont live like you are on vacation. my plan is to move back in ph for the simple lifestyle. buy a house and live simply.

[@theresamosquito8783]

I admire a young man like you sharing these types of videos. I want to also add in the expenses - allocation for healthcare for retirees (around $200-400 for both the health insurance + out of pocket for medications) depending on your health situation and always have an emergency fund also for health needs. Good thing when I researched recently there are a number of health care insurance companies now available for those who want to move to the Philippines. Been planning for retirement and this is a significant component of retirement worth allocating a budget for.

[@johngray2764]

Great video

[@joeciechanowski3199]

I'm living in Detroit Michigan and the United States I think you're a video of log is excellent and thank you for speaking the truth God bless.

[@stephenmoerlein8470]

Thanks for posting this realistic assessment.

[@keyser_sozeevil_genius1152]

I came across your channel a few days ago and I really appreciate how informative and precise your videos are. I'm set on being an expat, and I've juggled possibly living in Colombia, Thailand, or Philippines. I've decided on Philippines and after watchung your videos, I believe BGC will be the place for me. It's just me...no wife and no children. I have a dog, that's all. I have a pretty sizable pension, ever since returning from the Navy about 7 months ago. I look forward to moving there. I will visit in September to get a feel for things, then probably one more time before taking the bug step to move out there. Thank you for your content.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Honored to have been considered in your decision. I trust that you won't be disappointed when you get to BGC

[@keemoe007]

Gas is $15 per month. Here, in Hawaii, it's $50 per month. That's just to go shopping and church! Basically 25 miles round trip.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Yup. Well at least for utilities gas costs, it's much cheaper.

[@dorisdalanon6663]

That budget is so much to an average Filipino....Continue your enlightening vlogs. Stay safe & God bless...

[@peanutnukle]

Solid advise.

[@raytigno9154]

Great video. you just answered my question.

[@pac9764]

Good content ST!

[@scottramey4443]

I live in a subdivision in Taytay, a 2 bedroom bungalow for$300 usd, 7 minute walk to SM. Live in maid $130. GF included. No squalor here, a nice subdivision. I am happy

[@jamesclaire115]

Excellent video. We need an emergency fund. Inflation may be killing us all. Thanks for all the hard work that you are pu tting into this up and coming channel.

[@ronvanscooter5941]

Great video good information thank

[@rctom1]

You are so right, subbed. SSatay save an ingat po.

[@philipjanek3864]

Thx for sharing another good content video keep it up 👌 ingat

[@raulrufinocatangui5038]

Your video is indeed very insightful. As a Pinoy lawyer living in expensive Hawaii, owning a 2 bedroom condo in BGC without a mortgage and passive rental incomes, returning back to my homeland is more fun and exciting not having to worry about money. I have a young and sweet girlfriend, and enjoy traveling throughout PH and other nearby countries. Keep up the good work!

[@GeoSer-lv9eb]

Thanks bro for telling the truth.

[@lbj4993]

Ah, my lucky day, good thing I came across this vlog...I just learned that your quality of life can be much higher in the Philippines, the more money you have...who'd have thought that'd be the case...:):):) I'm always amazed at what I can learn on KZbin...Cheers

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Lol thanks Sean

[@MC-bw5fc]

Incredibly good insight 🥳 You're definitely wise beyond your years young man.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I appreciate the kind words 🙌

[@methemonkeyking]

“Matalino” is his middle name!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@methemonkeyking 😂

[@muhjm1946]

If you are about giving your money away its going to cost. There are people living on $800. a month and are living very good. Some own their homes, some have built a home on $1200. a month. Review their channels and get a different opinion on what can be done. There's a couple bought there home in Aklan they are living on $800. a month. A guy in San Carlos built his house and live on about $1200, and its a nice house and a small separate place for his guest for free. There are many other guys and couples living pretty good on less than $2000. a month. But If you are a young guy and running through your money like there's no tomorrow, yes its going to cost a lot.

[@changemymind8692]

This dude is the king of real information and advice on living in the Philippines. I live here and I can verify that the content in his videos are spot on. I honestly believe through my experience living here is that if you don't come here bringing at least $2000 a month don't come. Living here on less than $2k is very doable but your not going to have the life you want. I lot of men get mesmerized by what they experience during a vacation and base their whole view on living here on the fun they had. It's a different world when you actually live here and deal with everyday shit.

[@jamesalias595]

The biggest unexpected expense for expats is the westerner "family" tax where all the relatives demand money or just visit and stay. So how much should we budget for the family always wanting money?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

$10,000 ;)

[@jamesalias595]

@@TheSavvyExpat So the $1500 a month budget is really $2500 a month when family and relatives are counted in. So you need $30,000 a year to retire comfortably in the Philippines and not be annoyed to death.

[@jover4653]

The very simple solution: don't marry a Filipina

[@MajorKanoyStorm]

The biggest unexpected....is when the expat tells the filipina relatives they are 💩 out of luck. 🤣😂

[@philippinecowboy]

First rule, live away from the family and learn to say NO, if the girlfriend keeps at you to take care of the family..........LEAVE AND FIND A NEW GIRLFRIEND!

[@michaelbyrne5469]

This was the best video , by any blogger on this subject so far. i am going to start up when i get back home soon , still stuck in the US. I agree to a point , but if you really want to truly enjoy all the country offers and visit many places , i think $3,000 is a min.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

No doubt Michael. The higher the budget, the better

[@RAYMOND-nz8dp]

That's right info.

[@katolau]

"...and if you're coming for the women expect your cost of living to be a lot more.." lol killin me ...the avg salary thee really brings things into perspective...both there and here in the states where min wage is now at/approaching $17 hr...always love the content and sense of humor, another well done!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

It's so true though 😂 thanks for watching Roti. Mahalo.

[@aswler]

Another useful video. What are the taxes, insurance rates on salaries I can see in the job ads?

[@martinharvey9039]

If you are on a pension i.e. retired, the one thing that will be a killer Is... If I end up In a hospital, (which you will at some point). Unless you have a lump sum that you can get from your hospital room or front entrance of the hospital, your just fly bate. Ensure you have medical insurance for any problems on you or cash, or you will be no more Important that the beggars you walk passed laying In the street outside. Money rules, I'm a foreigner won't count unless you can produce a card or cash.

[@rays8081]

I’m not even retiring yet I watch these

[@slowpoke2122]

Thanx for a real vid about actually living in pi vs surviving

[@dugfriendly]

I live on $2000/mo, including a mortgage payment in the USA. If I'm not living large in the Philippines on that much after buying a house for cash, things have turned upside down.

[@ricknolte6846]

One thing that would be hard for me to give up is a western style kitchen. Baking and cooking are my thing and rentals with a real oven are few. I am also not familiar with the gas used for cooking. In the US it just comes out of the wall. LOL! Stay safe!

[@LR-je7nn]

Brandon is trying to do away with all gas.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's definitely a hard part about moving here. It depends on where you live too. In the province you may need to install your own kitchen but in some of the nicer cities, western kitchens with real ovens come with. And I agree with you on the gas, I've never used that either.

[@junebugg9380]

Cooking gas here is known as LPG for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, comes in cylinders tanks similar to profane gas tank we use in the US (albeit a little bigger) for backyard bbqueing. It is usually delivered to your home or pick them up yourself depending on the city/town you’re living in. One cylinder tank can last for awhile (2-3 months) depending on how much you cook.

[@ranma9823]

I don't know what you bake, but as long as it's not laminated doughs and lean doughs that require 400F or higher, you can use the tabletop ovens that are common in the Philippines. Some of them are big enough to fit a standard 9" x 13" sheet pan. Electric ovens that are the same size as the common household ovens in the US are available too. I don't know about gas ovens though... I'm not comfortable with the idea of using those gas tanks indoors (although it's a pretty common practice in the Philippines) so I won't say anything about that. For pizzas, you can buy an Ooni or something similar made by a local company, BarrelPro.

[@LR-je7nn]

@@ranma9823 Hi Ran, We have been cooking our pizzas in a large skillet covered with tin foil on low heat.

[@GreenManalichi]

Alleluia brother !!! I'm definitely living way under my means, but thank covid. I couldn't travel to see where i rly want to live. And I just said the same words to my neighbor. I'm not living, I'm exiting. It's time to move it on up lol

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's right brother! Time to step it up and live the good life!

[@robocop581]

Food for retirees is not that expensive even if you buy imported. A lot of Retirees I've spoken to eat only two meals a day, usually breakfast (oatmeal) and a very early dinner. I also noticed a lot of senior couples tend to order one appetizer and entre at restaurants to share. They do this not because they're cheap but because they can't eat that much anymore. The item that can burn your pocket is alcohol if you still fancy going out. Keep that to a minimum and $2,000 should be enough even if you buy imported groceries at Rustan's for home cooking. .

[@enjoylife4528]

Some wise advice, especially about not living life on the edge with minimum income and rising inflation.

[@brixmoore9871]

Your video is 100% on point. Having a better lifestyle is more rewarding than pinching pennies in your twilight years. Do you think BGC or Makati is better for expats?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I personally believe BGC better lifestyle for expats living in the Philippines. Its the best city money can buy in the Philippines. You can check out my free guide of moving to BGC: dedicated-inventor-8723.ck.page/50a886fbc8

[@sypainthy]

i got 2300 a month the rest of my life plus some savings, i thinking on going to the Philippines cebu maybe.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You can live well in Cebu on that amount. Do more research, maybe visit a few times, and go for it!

[@1417d]

This young man is telling the truth

[@stan121midling5]

hi, i love your channel, but also you may want to tell expats, that amazon does shipped to the Philippines too ok, now with amazon i was told to make sure not to buy anything $200 + ok, so anything under $200 is fine, it does take a bit longer for things to get to you like maybe 2 weeks instead of days ok, so plan ahead ok, now me even here in the US, i buy my cloths online and mostly from amazon ok, hehe

[@kwilliams1316]

Great job on all your vids. Please please do a video on today's condition of Cebu. I'm tired of unnarrated drive though videos from a month ago. Is the electricity on? Do they have running/drinking water? Are businesses back open? Is it required that you show vaccination cards to get into everything? I'm planning on retiring in the Philippines now that it's open but don't want to go if no water and power.

[@BS-bq9gg]

Very insightful truths. Thank you. My thoughts.. Expect to pay alot more at first. There is a learning curve. Example: How to find a good value on rent, where and how to shop, good value meal locations, how to use public transport instead of paying private taxi all the time. Your channel is valuable to shorten the learning curve. Other significant expenses I budget for to LIVE. Travel around asia, philippines is an excellent hub for asian travel with great value on flights. Scuba diving, can be a bit expensive but less than stateside, some quality dive sites also.. a good value if you have ever thought about diving.

[@gregmedbourn5347]

Absolutely.. Those are the things I need to know to help me out..

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Glad these videos help. Thanks for watching :)

[@stevenbaer9061]

Quick question, how do you define living in the provinces? Is living outside of any big city? Is living in the city of Dumaguete considered living in the provinces? I wonder if you have thought of doing a video on a month long itinerary for someone making their first visit to the Philippines? Would living in Baguio be considered the provinces? Another great job kuya!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Good question Steven! I would consider living in the province as living outside of any city. Honestly though, if you're living in the city of Dumaguete for example, I don't think living costs will be a whole lot different compared to living a bit outside of it.

[@peterfischer7084]

What I missed in your budget breakdown is the cost of health insurance.

[@tomm.6265]

Evan your awesome young man love watching your videos just trying to decide between the Ph and Thailand already get my pension which is really good and am getting SS so hopefully will make choice soon just want to make sure they dont change there minds again on entry rules

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's awesome Tom, good for you. Hopefully if The Philippines actually opens up you can visit and from there, it'll be easier to make a decision. All the best!

[@andersrasmusson5542]

I'm surprised about the prices on house and condos, how come they are so expensive in 🇵🇭 ? Considering that doctors and lawyers etc making 2000$/month how do they afford buying house and land for example 1 million $ ?

[@LR-je7nn]

A nurse makes $400 a month!

[@manilamartin1001]

Most of the rich people I meet do business. My aunt is a dr. and she borrowed money from me to open her clinic. Drs. aren"t high income earners here like the USA.

[@andersrasmusson5542]

@@manilamartin1001 yea I know but I still think the prices on houses is overpriced, houses in Europe and 🇺🇸 are cheaper and better quality if you compare the same size. I think it's weird.

[@FilipinaAndTheForeigner]

My girlfriends family tell how they live on under $500 monthly - fun to compare.

[@paullatour3626]

I like your videos, very informative. How is your life in the Philippines...I'd like to know more about you?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hey Paul, life in the Philippines is great for me!

[@thnaykhwam2425]

I have seen many Filipino family living in Manila with just 30k budget , inclusive rental albeit very tight n prudent . They really have no choice . As a foreigner USD 3K s comfortable enough . Like u said , it depends on ur lifestyles . God bless u mate 🙏♥️

[@jlynnburton9718]

well I must say your definition of "Living" is different than mine. I think allot of that has to do with your age & mine for 1 thing. I would guess I am just about old enough to be your father. Also people get enjoyment & satisfaction out of different things. You obviously get that from more materialistic things like clothes from the mall & weekends away. Where I've always gotten the most satisfaction from helping many homeless people in New Orleans to volunteering at different events & functions to giving away food & clothes myself. Therefore the cheaper I live the more I can do to help others.

[@thechriswhewell]

So your budget in the Philippines depends on what you choose to spend your money on? This is breakthrough stuff. Thanks. Kinda not feeling guilty about skipping the adverts now.

[@gregmedbourn5347]

I just retired early about 6 months ago.. I've saved about $65k and will get social security in 3 years. I have zero debt.. I'm hoping to spend an average beweeen $1100-1200 a month.. I'm leaning towards Cebu City and a either a studio or 1 bedroom condo.. So my budget kinda looks like.. Rent $350-400 Electric $75 Pacific Cross health insurance.. (I'll pay that upfront $1,600) For a year.. Airfare ($1,600) Ill pay that upfront.. Phone plan with small data $40 Food eating out ($100) Food eating in ($100) I don't eat expensive.. Transportation.. $40 Misc ($100) So I'm thinking that around $$875-$1,000 is very doable.. I don't drink and I'm planning on not getting into a relationship.. I know if I did... That would add ($200-300) a month.. Cause I would be eating out more and more entertaining and I would want to give her a little too after I feel after several months that we had something together. Anyway, Any thoughts that I'm missing. Blessings Greg

[@philippinecowboy]

Stay away from the women until social security kicks in.........and trust nobody with your money!

[@venusty8719]

You will need at least 1500 a month . Diana m Gonzalez from Imus CAVITE

[@budphillips8235]

I would prefer to live on a 1500 budget and put back another 1500 for my Filipina to live on when I enter the Kingdom

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hey whatever floats your boat Bud 👌

[@LR-je7nn]

As your wife she will inherit 75 percent of your social security at your death I believe. But you can't count on Any money coming out of the United States in the future. That's why Brandon's Build Back Better nonsense is extremely worrisome.

[@venusty8719]

Sounds good to be true

[@muhjm1946]

Living as a person lives in the West, they might as well stay in the west, many things are not going to be available in the Philippines as in the west. Service moves very slow, you will have to get use to it. its all about lifestyle. If you need a new car it will cost, you need to live in a ping house its going to cost. If you need a house bigger than what you need just to show off, it will cost. if you need bar hopping four or five time a week or everyday its going to cost. expensive restaurants three or more times a week its going to cost. You can live on less than $2000.00 a month and be comfortable, many are doing it. But if you want to live like you are rich and no concerns you can do it, but it will cost.

[@JB-vy5cc]

Just curious how you know all these things as you seem a bit young. Are you talking from experience? What budget are your living on?

[@this.is.berlin]

With 3 k per month only for one person you will be the King there!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Big time! $3,000 per month for two people, let alone one person in the Philippines can afford you a phenomenal lifestyle here in the Philippines

[@bayareatanders]

It depends where you live. BGC, Makati and IT business park in Cebu is more expensive. Upcoming communities like new Clark City looks promising.

[@PaulFujiyama]

I guess it depends where u live. Im renting my condo in BGC for $2,400. BGC is a class A city.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@PaulFujiyama True. $3,000 in the province is a heck if a lot of money. In BGC, way different story.

[@methemonkeyking]

@@PaulFujiyama : The Fort is World Class

[@fayfleur55]

I have been living outside the Philippines for 45 years(I was born there) I left in 1977 (@ 20 years old) I am relearning the way and the different ways of living there.I am very Australianized.My partner and I are thinking of spending a bit of time there.Your podcasts have been very helpful. 👍

[@tetyatays2646]

Hi, can you make a video comparing Living expenses and Houses price vs. Condo , in Angeles City and Subic . My parents are retiring soon and looking for a place to settle and eyeing both of the cities I mentioned . Thanks .

[@jocelyndavid7304]

My husband and I plan to retire in about 10 yrs and planning to visit Philippines maybe a month or so and be able to jump in a plane and go from one resort to another. We are not very fond of traffic in Manila so we prefer a more resort style living and maybe stay at 1 resort near the beach about 2-weeks at a time. We also plan to bring around 1 or 2 people with us. So how much do you think would be needed for a nice resort style living per month for 4 people. We prefer to live comfortably and not too focused on budget. What would you say is a good amount for what I have described? Can you do a video info for a more resort style living jumping from one resort to another by the beach 2-weeks at a time? I just want to get a general idea how much I need per month. We have been saving and planning for our retirement for awhile so my husband and I want to enjoy retirement very comfortably with a couple people in the Philippines close to us and allow them to experience a lifestyle we are used to living which is different from their lifestyle so I want to budget in having 2 people around with us.

[@gc12321]

Our family of 3 (husband, wife, & teenage child) spent more than 2 months on vacation in the Philippines, we stayed at a resort for minimum of 1 week (7-9 days) depending on how much we liked the area then moved to another resort (some island hopping) stayed at each location (resort/island) as much as we wanted, lived comfortably in every aspect including having a vehicle at every location and a resident local driver that drove for us wherever we wanted to cost us almost $19,000. This amount did not include the airfare to get to the resorts/islands and souvenir shopping but that amount included $800+ (more than 40,000 Pesos cash) given out randomly to anyone (beggars/kids/pwds/street vendors etc) that we wanted to give some cash to so that they have something to buy what they wanted or needed or even just to bring home to their families.

[@TomBTerrific]

Words of wisdom. Unfortunately those who live or are interested in living on the cheap are to do that for a reason!

[@DMC8282]

Do you have golf courses how much is a round of golf

[@evans1120]

Dollar plummet in value?!? If we’re now at 57 pesos to one USD- than the peso has been plummeting and the usd is soaring. Maybe that’s what you meant? But trust me, the USD is NOT plummeting in value….just the reverse is current true…

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Seems I was wrong 🤷‍♂️

[@drinkyourtea]

I can just transfer AUD to PH Pesos and the exchange rate would make be effectively rich with very little in AUD so just 10,000 AUD is 386,000 PH pesos nice.

[@govie100]

What kind of home or apartment can I get for $2000 p/m

[@binbaejeong]

What kind of career do you have to have to do this starting from the US? Didn’t go to college and is just always homesick. I’ve lived in the US for a long time but I think it’s time to go home

[@527ctguy]

Yeah, the cost of food has really gone up there. And if you want western food, allot more!

[@hankking4878]

Thanks for doing this vlog. It's always how cheap can you live. I don't want to live cheap. How much is a maid and a driver cost?

[@hankking4878]

See you other vlog and got the answer 😊😊😊

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I hear you man. Thanks for watching.

[@LifeWithRilla]

I'm a Software Engineer in the states. Thats insane how nice of a life I could live there. That's absolutely wild. I think I need to go there and just stack money and invest.

[@markledesma2396]

For a single guy I live on less than $500 a month in the province. I can spend more when I start collecting social. I dont smoke or drink so no bars. I have a house on a 400 square meter lot in a subdivision so no roosters or karoake. Zero rent just land tax which is 3200 a year. My maid costs 4000 a month, she takes care of my laundry, wash dishes and clean after the dogs.

[@CCoburn3]

The thing that worries me is the chances of the dollar crashing. I'll make a good deal more than $2000 a month when I retire, but what good will it do if the dollar becomes absolutely worthless -- as it almost certainly will. Still, I expect life will be better in the Philippines when the crash comes than it will be in the US. Filipinos are much closer to reality than Americans. (Hell, most Americans don't even know where FOOD comes from. They think it comes from the grocery stores. They don't even know what a farm is.)

[@venusty8719]

you r telling the truth. Diana m Gonzalez from Imus CAVITE

[@CCoburn3]

@@venusty8719 I'm glad to hear that. Thanks for the confirmation.

[@straightouttacomicbook]

Kinda late but I’m an American looking to live in the Philippines just for a year. Could you do a break down? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Pravin_Yeshua_BTC]

Thank you! Is there a resort we could live in full time as an early retiree?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Not that I know of

[@medgolly7342]

I prefer the provinces area where it’s quieter because I lived in a city but no Thankyou I grew up in the country Thankyou!

[@pinect]

Does your monthly estimate for cost of living include rental cost?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

yes

[@sweetchinmusiq1623]

I have a 8k per month USD budget. Where are a few nice subdivisions in the Philippines

[@misoo1077]

We live less than $500 per month here in Philippines in Metro Manila

[@carmelaelliott227]

Nah, $500 monthly that’s so low. $3,000 I say is very comfortable without mortgage, no car payments just utilities, eating out, groceries, gas and local travels… I know because I’m living on this now owned a beach house and a car with a house helper. I’m also traveling abroad once a year. I watches your vlogs on a regular basis, you are accurate and for such a young man, you are so wise, blessings.

[@markmene1975]

Sunshine Shoulders already built his house for $20k..I thought about living in the province VS Manila...However the Province is so slow paced and boring but cheap. There are times i would need the mall. Hmmm decisions decisions..

[@junebugg9380]

You may want to look/explore/research the suburbs/provinces just outside of Manila like Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon collectively known as CALABARZON. Cavite province is just outside of Manila. Towns/Cities there like Dasmariñas, Kawit, General Trias, Silang, Trece Martirez, have provincial life in some aspect and yet have malls like SM and Robinsons that’s a few minutes drive from wherever you are and also can be only 30 minutes to an hour drive (depending on the day’s traffic and the city/town) to MOA (Mall of Asia) if on certain days you’re feeling to be in bigger Manila Malls including Makati and BGC.

[@manilamartin1001]

yes, that is reasonable. I built my province house for $60k and it's my forever home. I live in a province that has a big expat community and I also make it a point to make friends with filipino guys as well. I like gardening and I join some cyclists for group rides. There are bars but I tend to not drink much. Yup, kinda boring but a nice change from Manila.

[@GEAE_Denny_L]

Great info. One question is if you have a sizable amount in savings(200K) in addition to having $4,000/mth in retirement to live day by day what Country do you suggest keeping your savings account ? Safer keeping it in the USA ?

[@jover4653]

Denmark

[@TRL2303]

Great question! I would like to know this also. Another vlogger (Vagabond Awake) definitely recommends keeping your savings in the US. Hope this helps!

[@subn0rma1]

USA. FDIC insures up to 250k I believe, while Philippines back's only insure up to 100k pesos. I'm not 100% on the exact numbers, but you'll go way over the limit

[@khure711]

Chase Manhattan covers atm fees in the Philippines that can cost you $5usd per transaction. And most atm in Philippines only allow $200usd to be withdrawn a day.

[@CasaBlanca8564]

I just retired from the military I have two kid and want them to go to international school. My retirement is around 8k a month would that be feasible?

[@atorontosoul]

Hi. I love your videos. I’ve been to the Phil’s twice. I’m recently retired with a pension at $2500 per month. I am considering retiring there but I plan to live as a single person. ( Cebu or Manila I am not sure) As that what are my estimated costs in your opinion. Also if I may ask entry requirements and health insurance

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hey Richard $2500 is a great budget to move here on. As for the entry requirements, I made a video recently - foreigners allowed entry in the Philippines

[@Dayzdobri1122]

whit 2.5k u will not live alone trust me i give u 30 days they will get u :)

[@WaterfallWhispering]

Where is the PG vid? Info on that area would be nice

[@EAster33]

Can you do a video on “johns” budget?

[@ProfRichEdM]

So even with a good pension I still need to deposit $10,000 US?

[@maidee7967]

Hi kuya thank you for this video you give my fiancee idea how to live here as hes going to retired

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You bet Mai 👍

[@jasonwill5949]

You should be able to school that guy in BB being half his age with your speed and quickness

[@TheSavvyExpat]

😂 I know right. It gets competitive so he'll win one game, then week we'll win another. We're fast but he plays like a dang linebacker lol