Cost of living in the Philippines - 2017

ElGatoNegron wrote:

davtjo wrote:

How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in the Philippines? 
Mindanao costs me 3500peso monthly for basic 2 bed house
.

I live in Davao City. My small condo (about 400 sq. ft.) rent is like 25k. I was paying 30k for a three br house (1800 sq. ft.) in an upscale gated neighborhood. You are paying like US $70 a month. Do you mind sharing in what place you live.

Wayne

Like I said before... You were taken. Many people like you pay those super high prices and I bet your neighbors in the same condo complex are paying way less. I've even noticed guys like you with local wife/girlfriend. Over paying. It's what they do here. Many of these girls want to be living upscale and if they are going to be with a foreigner then it's going to be shown that they are earning it. They will allow another local to overprice you and not bat an eye while you are getting took. That's right your pocket is being picked and she's allowing it. It's a  thing with them. Even though she's not getting anything from the Rio off her countryman is and they look out for each other and you are the fodder.

If you can acquire a house and lot in the quiet Provence for around 1 million pesos why then would your wife/girlfriend allow you to talk to a gated community selling a parcel of land and cheaply built house for 6 million... And don't come with the IT'S SAFE CRAP because it's actually safer around working class in the country side verses scammers and crooks in the gated community... My grandma always said if you  need a man with a gun to  watch over you while you sleep then you are not living right. I'm sure everyone here is nothing more than retired and semi retired men who aren't criminals so why would you allow someone to put fear in you so much that you over extend your finances for fear of not being safe?  You have no business paying 25k a month for  anything and don't tell me it's the amenities because if you  wanted high end amenities you should have stayed in your home country. You have to give up on some things to enjoy the essence of an easy lifestyle. So get busy finding a rental that is between 7k to 10k and find a  local person to help you by inquiries about rentals... Make sure they don't tell the renter that they are inquiring for a friend who's a foreigner... Once they get the actual price and it's going to blow your mind then you surface and make the contract... If you  are married or girlfriend you might want to question her commitment to you. I'm from America and women there see their husbands money as their own so if someone is attempting to make the husband over pay they take it personal because they feel like they are being ripped off... Here it's another story... It's about sticking together ripping off the foreigners. No matter what.

I know a guy who married a girl and they entered into a contract with Camilla.. They ended up in 6.8 million in debt  then her sister gets married to his cousin from the states and he comes here. The sister insist he build a house on the family land and it only cost 800k.  Two bedroom two bathroom heated showers and air-con in living room and both bedrooms... They are  very happy and travel all over the islands... The dummy who bought the gated house is alone now because they argued and faught all the  time about money and she left him for another foreigner and he's stuck with two cars and a house he's barely affording on a 60k  a month budget...

I'm just being brutally honest here. You need to reevaluate everyone in your social circle. You are paying way too much to live here in the Philippines.

Think about this and you can fact check me on it... The median income in your area is 15k/month how then are you justifying paying rent almost twice the median income? Whatever excuse you try and choke up is a mere attempt at denial... I'm only trying to help you brother... Or sister.

Be realistic and employ someone who has your best interest at heart.

exeterman wrote:

Can anyone on this forum tell me the price of these drugs in Manila please?
Paroxetine (Seroxat) 20mg or 10mg Depression
Ropriniol 2.5 mg for Restless Leg Syndrome
Enalapril 5mg for High Blood Pressure HBP
Simvastatin 10mg HBP
Bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg HBP

I don't use any of those myself, but the cost of almost all medications here are outrageous - even more expensive than in Australia for many of them.

I had to switch from The Generics Pharmacy ibuprofen to Nurafen Ibuprofen.  The tablets from TGP just didn't work at all - probably no ibuprofen in them at all.  I have fibromyalgia.  My Celebrex are 86 pesos per tablet, or 1,720 for 20.  That's $44 Australian dollars for 20, while in Australia they are $16 for 20.   Medicines are costing me as much as my rent and electricity combined!

Cheers,
Russell

Nathan juan wrote:

Guys let's not get into a pissing contest talking about doctors and medical care. I'm from America and it's much worse care there by physicians. Many are privileged kids from privilege families and they don't know Jack about what is going on... They simply give out prescription.

Now there are some of the best doctors in the world in the USA but generally the average Joe or Mary can't afford them. Just because they lack the financial resources here doesn't mean that you can't get Top knotch care. If you  seek out professionalism then you will find it. So please don't go bashing these people.  One thing to look for is a doctor owned hospital. They are usually private and small. Often times that doctor has done training in the USA, Israel, or Italy... The private hospitals have a link up to hospitals in the USA for major surgeries such as anurism, tumor, and bypass... Ask around.

Don't be so pessimistic.

Absolutely right!  I'm from Australia, and I've had some excellent doctors in Australia - and some who were no good at all.  I've found the same when I lived in Ukraine, in China, in India, and now here.  There are good and bad doctors in all countries.

Cheers,
Russell

> How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in the Philippines? 

I have always lived in Tagaytay City since 2006 when I started travelling back and forth and now permanently residing here. I have lived in 4 diffrent houses and paid 5k, 7k, 10k and 13k in that order. The first one was the best as I had the view of the lake, but it was a small one bedroom and I had to move after I got married and had a newborn son.

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram)?

Jeepney fare runs about 8 pesos to any point within Tagaytay, but I own a car and I spent about 2k on gasoline a month when I had my Camry. Now I spend a little ove 1k on diesel using a Mitsubishi Montero.

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?

We buy and eat mostly chicken, fish and vegetables at home, but we also indulge in local restaurant menu about 1/3 of the time.

>What is your monthly grocery budget?

Our grocery budget is 25k and 15k misc.

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in the Philippines ? 

Doctor's fees usually run around 500 pesos per visit. So far our visits per year averages to about 2 or 3.

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget?

I paid 30k for the whole year and less than 100 pesos per day for snacks.

> How much does it cost to fill up your car's fuel tank?

Although I said a little over 1k on diesel fuel, every now and then we go out of town so 1.5k would be more accurate.

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.?

My electricity runs around less than 2k, never more.

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription?

Internet with 3mb speed, but averages 2mb download and 500k upload cost me 1300 pesos with a local landline included.

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?

Coffee is my lifeblood, we frequent name brand places for quality about twice a week for less than 200 pesos for large sizes. I must admit, I like McD's coffee better than some and that's about all I buy there along with apple pie.

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?

Never gone to a cinema. I have a large screen TV that doubles as my theater. And, with the abundance of online movies, we never had to go out to a cinema.

> How much does a gym membership cost in the Philippines? 

Gym prices here is 50 pesos per visit if not paid monthly. Monthly fees are 500 pesos.

All in all, our budget never exceeds 60k a month...

I, my husband and 2 kids live at the cusp of Fairview and Novaliches in Quezon City. Many things have changed in our area since we moved here in 2008 (close to 9 years ago). There are now 3 call centers when there used to be none. SM and Robinsons Malls added annexes. There's a large Ace Hardware. Another mall, Ayala Fairview Terraces opened in 2013. An S&R is under construction nearby.

I've noticed more foreigners at the malls. And people stare less at us now. Perhaps they're getting used to seeing foreigners in our area.

It used to be that the nearest hospital was a 15 to 20-minute drive away. There's a new hospital that's 5 to 10-minute drive. 

What were once almost empty gated communities now have noticeably more houses, and more under construction. The price of land has at least doubled, and in some places, tripled. Condo prices also went up. Rent for a 2-BR 1-Bath unfurnished apartment with a garage used to be P6,000. Now, it's P9,000. That's for an old apartment building. Newer apartments cost more.

> How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in the Philippines? 

We own our house outright. 4-BR, 3 bath, den, maid's room with bathroom. No rent or mortgage payments.  But if we were to rent in our area, it would cost us 10,000 to 12,000 / month for a small 2-BR, 2-bath, unfurnished apartment with a garage in a subdivision with a guard and some amenities. For a condo unit at Redwoods, it would cost us around 20,000 to 30,000 depending on whether it's furnished or unfurnished.

A relative lives nearby and pays 25,000 for a 3-BR with 2 ¾ bath and 1 half bath semi-furnished bungalow with 2-car garage in a gated community.

One of my neighbors is putting out for rent at P95,000 / month his 4-BR 6-bath 300+ sqm house in a 380 sqm lot. I think he's asking for too much. I doubt there would be any takers.

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram)?

We have a car. We mostly drive instead of commuting. But occasionally, I take a jeepney (P8 minimum) to the malls (1 km away from my work) for small purchases. It's faster than driving a car through traffic, queueing at the parking entrance, finding parking, walking from the parking lot to the mall in the heat or in the rain, etc.

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?

Gardenia whole wheat bread half loaf is around 50 pesos. We eat either red or brown rice, which is 70 / kg at the supermarket, and 55 at the public market. (Healthier than white rice). We eat white Jasmine rice occasionally; costs around 70 / kg. There are many other cheaper and still good quality rice for sale.

>What is your monthly grocery budget?
Not really sure. Maybe 25,000 – 30,000 for 3 adults, 2 kids, 6 cats

> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in the Philippines ? 

We have an HMO card through my husband's employer. So we pay nothing for doctor's visits, except for my neurologist (not covered) who charges P800. Doctors charge around 500-800 / visit. My kids' pediatrician charges P600 for patients without health insurance coverage.

My epilepsy medication is definitely cheaper here. 52 pesos per tablet (US$1.05) versus US$11.47 per tablet in the US.

At one time, we met an American guy at a hospital elevator. Asked how he was doing. He said great. Got a good doctor. Paid only 10 dollars.

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget?
We have 2 kids in grade school enrolled in a Montessori. Tuition, supplies, uniform cost us around P110,000 / child / year. That's for full payment. Installment payments cost a bit more.

My son goes to therapy. Occupational therapy costs around P600 / hr.

Private piano lessons at home: P500 / hr. Once a week.

Last summer, we enrolled our daughter for the first time in ballet. The fee for the summer program was reasonable. But, I didn't expect that we would have to spend an extra P16,000 on top of the original summer program due to extra rehearsals, recital fees and costumes. Maybe this summer, we'll just enroll the kids in art class and swimming.

> How much does it cost to fill up your car's fuel tank?

We fill up only from the 3 major gas chains: Petron, Shell, Caltex because they're more reliable than smaller chains. Currently, Caltex gasoline regular unleaded costs P43 / liter. Diesel P33 / liter.

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.?

Electricity: P3,800 on average. 
Water is around 600-900 / month.
Cooking gas (LPG) costs P560 / refill which lasts for around 2 months.

Water and electricity are higher during summer / dry months – longer aircon use and the need to water the garden more often.

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription?

I use a Smart Broadband LTE postpaid data plan 15gig: P900 / month. My husband uses a prepaid Globe broadband. He spends around P500 / month.

Sun Cellular postpaid unlimited calls and text to Sun subscribers, 250 free texts to other networks, regular rate applies for calls to other networks or landlines: P350 / month / cellphone.

PLDT plan: P900 / month for 1 regular landline and 2 wireless landlines.

> How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?

I usually bring food from home to work. When I forget or didn't have time to prepare packed lunch, I would buy a grilled chicken sandwich from the mall: P100.  Or a Mang Inasal barbecue chicken with rice: around P100.  A side of veggies: 40 pesos. A side of taho (extra soft tofu with syrup and pearl / jelly): 40 pesos.

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?

On average, I think it's 100-110 for a small cup. I usually order a tall cappuccino with an extra shot from Starbucks. A tall cappuccino is 120, and extra shot costs 30. A grande size which has 2 shots is 135. So, instead of ordering a tall +1 shot, I order instead a grande cappuccino, have them reduce the amount of milk, and have it poured in a tall cup. Saves me 15 pesos.

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?

Around 230-250 for 2D. More for 3D, Imax.

> How much does a gym membership cost in the Philippines? 

At Fitness First, one of the largest gym chains in the Philippines, regular membership starts at P3,000 / month. Both my husband and I used to go there for a year when we first moved here. Membership was P2,400 / month for each of us. Cancelled them because we didn't have time for it.

We bought instead a treadmill for P60,000, a bench and some weights. When my knees started to hurt, I shifted my cardio to an elliptical machine (P6,500) and played dance games, for variety, on an Xbox Kinect.

According to some of our friends, Gold's Gym is cheaper than Fitness First.

>Calif-Native mentioned cable TV.
No available cable at our place. Satellite only. Our fee is P1,350 / month with Cignal, which includes 3 boxes. We could have gotten a cheaper plan, but we both wanted to get NBA Premium HD.

Nathan juan wrote:

Like I said before... You were taken. Many people like you pay those super high prices and I bet your neighbors in the same condo complex are paying way less. I've even noticed guys like you with local wife/girlfriend. Over paying. It's what they do here. Many of these girls want to be living upscale and if they are going to be with a foreigner then it's going to be shown that they are earning it.

It's really annoying that some would conjecture that just because some of the significant others of  foreigners would want to live an upscale lifestyle does not mean that ElGatoNegron's wife is like them.

@Nathan juan,

I'm sure that ElGato did due diligence when he and his wife decided to move from a 30k rental to a 25k one. Have you seen their condo or its proximity to certain services, services which they might value more than you do?  This is not the time to make ElGato question his and his wife's decision, or make him judge her. If you've read his past posts, his wife is pregnant with twins.

@ElGato,

there are rental condos here in Quezon City in a not-so-developed area (not Ortigas or Makati) which are priced higher than yours. And they are being rented by Filipinos. Your 400 sqft condo for 25k is fine. You'll have less space to clean and more time for your family. Befriend your neighbors, so they would be forgiving when they hear the babies crying in the middle of the night.

Iligan city Mindanao not maybe the safest of cities but because of my bike a cbr 900rr and have been here on and off for 13 years, 3 years this time so I have many friends my house has a respectable garden currently with 3 jeepney and 3 motorbikes parked there lol. As I say it would not suit all it is basic but I sleep comfortable eat well drink too much drive too fast and love my g/f what more do I need

@NathanJuan.  I think your a little jaded with your opinion on the women.  Yes some are that way, but many are not.  My wife beats every one down to get the best price.  She knows that the less we pay, the more WE have.  I guess you've had bad experiences that you wish to project onto everyone else.   

Maybe he's paying too much, but a lot of factors go into why.  Location, amenities, services.  You say that he doesn't need all of the amenities, well that's his choice.  I do agree with you, that less is more, but others need to decide what is more important to them.  It is just like buying an expensive new car or finding a cheaper one.   In most places there is a  large range of pricing for housing.  The individual needs to ask themselves what is important to have.  And if luxuries are important, then you need to be willing to pay for it.

I guess I am in a unique situation here as I do not pay rent or Mortgage here as my Partners Eldest son pays that but I do pay for food and Utilities

If you shop at the local market then you can reduces the costs

However for SM Market (for us Aussies a Super Market) - These figures are what I compiled about 2 years ago, they are not weekly, or monthly or yearly figures, purely the cost of the items  - How much of each you will eat will be up to you

Breakfast Cereal    PHP 125.00
Milk (regular), (1 litre)    PHP 75.00
Powdered Milk  (1kg)    PHP 800.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)    PHP 72.00
Rice (white), (1kg)    PHP 45.00  (good quality - the trouble with cheap rice is that it has bits of grit in it which my teeth cannot handle)
Pasta (500g)    PHP 72.00
Eggs (12)    PHP 65.00
Local Cheese (1kg)    PHP 200.00
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)    PHP 160.00
Beef (1kg)    PHP 350.00
Pork (1kg)    PHP 150.00
Fish (1kg)    PHP 120.00
6 Apples  (1kg)    PHP 50.00
Pineapple - 1    PHP 45.00
6 Tomato (1kg)    PHP 60.00
Banana's    PHP 15.00
Potato (1kg)    PHP 50.00
Lettuce (1 head)    PHP 58.01
Coffee (36 sachets)    PHP 180.00
Tea (100 pieces)    PHP 210.00
Sugar (1kg)    PHP 30.00
Tomato Sauce    PHP 48.00
Soy Sauce    PHP 49.00
Cooking Oil    PHP 80.00
Spices    PHP 45.00
Garlic    PHP 53.00
Vinegar (2lts)    PHP 69.00
Vegetables    PHP 50.00


1 box of 32 tampons YEP FOR GF LOL  (Tampa, OB, ...)    PHP 175
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.)    PHP 95
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (375 ml)    PHP 250
Razor Blades x 2    PHP 26
Make up    PHP 250
5 x soap    PHP 100
12 rolls of toilet paper    PHP 180
Tube of toothpaste  (Sensodine)    PHP 110
Tooth Brush    PHP 110
Dental Floss    PHP 225
Washing powder for clothes  ($13 per Kg)    PHP 275
Dish washing liquid    PHP 124
Cleaning sponges    PHP 16
Floor Cleaning liquid    PHP 50
Mops    PHP 400
Mop bucket    PHP 501
General cleaning liquid    PHP 50
Tissue    PHP 43


Gym for a 12 month membership is 30,000php (current for 2017)

As Norwegian I'm used to high cost of living. I stayed in Phil quite a lot since 2007 and worked here for 3 years. Where i live 6 months a year, Makati, it's more expensive than in Norway. Electricity 40% more and food bought in Malls are more expensive. Milk 15% more, Jam 75% more, cheese 50% more etc., but beer and liqueurs 50% less. Accommodation of course depends on location, but I have rented out my condo in Makati (60sqm) for P56,000.00/month. In Norway in average P45K for equal size.

I discussed this with other Norwegian living in Philippines and many disagreed, but they lived in the province and bought food on the local market and in Sari-sari that of course is much cheaper.

Electricity is what really is expensive compared to Norway. Guess that the reason is that Meralco has monopoly?

Iloilo Province
P3500 monthly for electric,
2 small bedrooms with efficient splits used at various times of the day by elderly Filipinos.
Not full time AC users.
When we visit for a month,
P5500 with one or 2 additional medium bedrooms cooled whenever we in room, each also with efficient splits.
Not a nipa hut, solid walls.

Nathan juan wrote:

ElGatoNegron wrote:

davtjo wrote:

How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in the Philippines? 
Mindanao costs me 3500peso monthly for basic 2 bed house
.

I live in Davao City. My small condo (about 400 sq. ft.) rent is like 25k. I was paying 30k for a three br house (1800 sq. ft.) in an upscale gated neighborhood. You are paying like US $70 a month. Do you mind sharing in what place you live.

Wayne

Like I said before... You were taken. Many people like you pay those super high prices and I bet your neighbors in the same condo complex are paying way less. I've even noticed guys like you with local wife/girlfriend. That's right your pocket is being picked and she's allowing it. It's a  thing with them. Even though she's not getting anything from the Rio off her countryman is and they look out for each other and you are the fodder.....

I'm just being brutally honest here. You need to reevaluate everyone in your social circle. You are paying way too much to live here in the Philippines.........
Be realistic and employ someone who has your best interest at heart.

What I need to do Nathan is be looking you in the eye when I say I resent your characterization of my wife. You don't know me. And you sure the {#%k don't know her. You remind me of the reason I left the States. Too many people with limited views thinking they know all anout everyone's business. I'm just being brutally honest here.

The question I asked was because I was curious, not stupid. I decided to live where I want to live. I am not trying to live my life on the cheap. And at least for now I don't have too. My living equation is not about having the lowest cost of living I can find. It's about having the quality of life I want and can afford. I would not live in a million dollar much less a million peso house in the province unless I had to. I like being within 30 minutes of the airport because I like to travel. I like 24 hour security and folks to hail taxi's for me. I like a diversity of restaurants because I like dining out. I like getting drinks or coffee with the fellows in places that offer western atmosphere and top shelf liquor. I like going to the malls. I like being able to have friend's kids and family go play in the pool. I like sending my wife's nece to a good private school.

You act like a person has to be a fool to live the life they want to live. And if that includes sharing that life with the person they love - not to mention just had kids with - they need to just see they are being taken. Geez man, what is wrong with you? Who damaged your soul?

My rent is the equivalent of $500 a month. And though I wish our place was bigger, it is well worth it because I get all of the above.

My food bill is exorbitant. I would caution anyone moving here to look at the cost of whatever dietary habits they wish to maintain might be. I do not eat like Filipinos, have never been to Jollibee and would not be caught dead near anything lechon. I do not eat meat, only fish and other seafood. I do not eat white rice and not that much brown. I eat greek yogurt when I can get it (about $20/1kg), drink about three bottles of red wine most weeks (sometimes about $ 10 - 14/bottle) and I try to make sure my wife's diet contains as much whole grains, fruits and veggies as possible. Our food bill, including wine is about $1000/mo for three of us (the 15 y.o. niece lives with us). Eating western foods/imports is expensive here. My problem is, I will not compromise. I'm 66 and just fathered twins. why should I?

I take taxis. Been in a jeepny only three times in four years. My transportation budget is $150/mo
I buy clothes for my wife and I, along with gadgets, fragrances and something nice (surprise) for her in the States on my annual run (take an empty suitcase). Whatbone pays for quality here is notbworth it to me. And, .i don't like cheap crap that has to be replaced three months out if the bix (there's a lot if that here).So, am I spending too much living here? When you compare my life style to those who want to do it for way less, yeah!

Now, I will give you this Nathan, it is about you circle. But is that notbtrue no matter where we live. And you might not believe this. My wife did not want to move into the 30k house. Only did it because that is how she was raised. We moved to the condo to be closer to the hospital. The rate we pay (Actually 22.5 cable and internet included. I have a good relationship with the owner) is less than the going rate here. Our lease is 6 months. People do tend to get charged more for less than a 1 yr lease.

My wife is always trying to get me to save money. She would take a jeepney, if I would let her.  She shops in okay okay and makes do with stuff I would through away. She saves the littlest if food uneaten and protects me from people who would take advantage. My habits will probably changewith the twins coming. She will be ok with that. She does like to go to dinner. I have gotten her used to that frivolity. As, far as I am concerned I am blessed by my circle. But if I'm being tajen - let me remain blissful in my ignorance:-).

Our total hospital bill will probably be in the neighborhood of 300k (for those interested in having kids here). Not bad, I din't think though there are quality issues. Our twins reremain in NICU. Please keep them in your prayers. If you believe in prayer that is.

Live life. Love the life you live. If not, get help.....

Thanks FilAmMom

You are right about babies crying....jajaja. One of the great things about being here is that we lived here before. The guards know us. My wife made cakes and cookies for them for various holidays. And of course we chat with them. And give tips when they goutbofbtheir waybto help us. All that to say, it was like homecoming seeing and greeting them again. Kindness comes back

Thanks

costs of living ,
can be as high or as low as ya choose it to be ,depending on,do you want to maintain a western or assian life style.
for my selfe i did not come here to live a western life as i had it with that,so one can say i live cheap ,but,i enjoi life here way more than i did in europ .
so,do i have a higher quality of life ?
OOOO YEAHHHH
some want to be the rich westerner ,i do not ,i am not rich and i will not behave as i am .
dos who do behave as they are rich, are the reason why some ppl see westerners as a walking talking ATM.
some even think giving cakes or cookies to security is a warranty to be safe ,dont make me lauhf .what a simplistic way of thinking .
just be open and frendly and respectful will get ya way further.
greets Dirk

We give cakes, cookies, tips and sometimes even food. Not to guarantee security or even look for any kind of quid pro quo. From my perspective, most security guards and maintenance staff where we have lived make maybe 30 to 50 pesos an hour. Many working ten to twelve hour days.

I don't get it. The reason to not give folks something is because we should not want the locals to think we're rich? Guess what, by virtue of being here and not working the impression is etched in concrete. Regardless of the lifestyle we adopt.

I admit, I don't get the hardness, the protectionism, the view that I read here. Its like turn away, always be on guard, lest you be taken advantaged of. For what? A three dollar cake? Aouple of happy meals? A six pack of soda on a hot day? Or a gallon of ice cream for the folks who have to work Easter Sunday? Really? Perhaps poverty is not all economic. Maybe its spiritual also.

BTW - I'll probably send pizzas or something to the folks working NICU who took care of our babies. Hate on that one too!

Well said ElGato. 
We have people that help us/do things for us on a regular basis.  On occasion we give them gifts, tips, little extras.  It makes US feel good that we can do this.  Those that work with us on a regular basis don't think, hey this is a rich yankee what can we take them for; they look at us as someone who thinks enough to help them out.  They are fair with us.  We treat them with respect and they do us.  Sure there are people that will take advantage, no question, but there are many more who don't!
We have a taxi driver that we use regularly.  He goes out of his way to take care of us.  So, naturally, we take care of him.  If you close your heart to those around you, you truly miss the wonderful little things in life.  So many make do with so little, but yet are very proud hard working people.  When we can do a little extra for them, to help their lives be better, why not.  They certainly make our lives better/easier.

Hi hope i'm not being fussy but your total of P36,225 a momth does not add up from your price breakdown:

Rent P 10,00
Grocery P 19,000
Car Fuel P 3,675
Electric gas water P4000
Internet P2950
phone P  600
Gym P1950
Cable tv P600
Misc P4000

This totals to p 46,775

PS: I also intend to retire to Tagytay, will be on holiday there 13 April to 8 May and looking around for property to rent. I have looked on web sites (Property24) but could not see anything around the price your paying p10,000. Any suggestions of agents I could contact.
Thanks
Gordon

kilgore99 wrote:

Hi hope i'm not being fussy but your total of P36,225 a momth does not add up from your price breakdown:

Rent P 10,00
Grocery P 19,000
Car Fuel P 3,675
Electric gas water P4000
Internet P2950
phone P  600
Gym P1950
Cable tv P600
Misc P4000

This totals to p 46,775

PS: I also intend to retire to Tagytay, will be on holiday there 13 April to 8 May and looking around for property to rent. I have looked on web sites (Property24) but could not see anything around the price your paying p10,000. Any suggestions of agents I could contact.
Thanks
Gordon

Gordon,
I have not been to that area but from experience helping several friends in Central Luzon, using agents or real estate companies just ends up leading to dead ends or places too high in cost. Best way that I have found in locating rentals is to simply spend time in the desired location. Ask people in stores and shops. Even people on the street. These are the people that can guide you to the best places for rent or lease. Give it a try.

When it comes to renting as we all know... its location, location location... if its cheap there is a reason... could be a flood prone area, heavy traffic or not too safe for foreigners. Been there, done that!  My advice is allow a decent budget for rent if you go cheap you get what you pay for. I pay 25k a month for a 2 bed condo (unit) but it has 24hr security, and beautiful amenities. Most important its safe.
You can live quite cheaply here if you buy local.
But..
1hr massage at home: 250php
Laundry services: 30php per kilo
Mens haircut: 50 php
Anything requiring manual labour is dirt cheap.

new build 1 bdr house whit garden nice and quite naiborhood ER supermall 10 mins walk ,market 2 mins walk and bus van terminal 1,5 mins walk,nice price (5000 peso a month),a lot les hot than Davao or Manila,very nice beaches,see Dahikan on youtube,i love it here in Mati city.

greets Dirk

Btw.. I live in Manila... outside of metro is much cheaper

kilgore99 wrote:

Hi hope i'm not being fussy but your total of P36,225 a momth does not add up from your price breakdown:

Rent P 10,00
Grocery P 19,000
Car Fuel P 3,675
Electric gas water P4000
Internet P2950
phone P  600
Gym P1950
Cable tv P600
Misc P4000

This totals to p 46,775

PS: I also intend to retire to Tagytay, will be on holiday there 13 April to 8 May and looking around for property to rent. I have looked on web sites (Property24) but could not see anything around the price your paying p10,000. Any suggestions of agents I could contact.
Thanks
Gordon

Tagaytay is expensive you will struggle w cheap rent. Being a weekend getaway for much of Manila prices for most stuff has a tourist price tag. If you have not been there before you can expect heavy traffic every weekend. To save make use of the wet markets and fruit & veg vendors. Keep groceries limited to the basics.
Buy a gas stove to save on electricty
Gas & Electric are same prices as a western country. And prices are fixed per suburb.
Eat locally. Anything imported is expensive.

Monthly basics:
Purified water: 70php
Phone / internet/ cable: 1500php
Groceries 6000 php per adult
House Help: 3- 4000php per month
rent: varies
gas: 43 php per litre
water: 500php

Web sites are best to use, but dont be afraid to negotiate. Avoid cheap.. there will be a good reason why.
Rent is one thing you shouldnt cut costs on esp if retiring. Look for safety and convience.

Where is Mati? 😊

About three to four hours south east of Davao City.

Mati Davao Oriental,whit bus 5 hrs from Davao city whit van 3 hrs .see google maps and or you tube .
it is nice here if you do not depend on inported food or night life,for ppl who want to settle away from big city polution trafic conjestion and bothersom loudnes come and take a look around .
wen we'r visiting Davao city we stock up on inports and other things that we can not find here,the prices of rental or buying houses or land are low, for me it is what i was looking for .my neigbor is australian and around the corner lives a french expat .for the rest the expat population is few but most of them live here alredy quit some time.


greets Dirk

Im from Australia also, my monthly medication costs here would usually last me 3 months in Australia... 3500php a month.
that said, a big reason for the expenses here is the monopoly... drug stores "bid" w local mayors by offering a percentage return to secure limited competitors.
Medicine costs you really cant get around but hospitals you can. Be aware hospitals will charge you for everything you use from pillows to face towels and give them when you check out. Every single thing even syringes will appear on your bill.
Im lucky enough to have HMO but a very strong word of advice get health insurance!  If you cannot pay upfront you will not be treated.

In response to safety i have to disagree... i orginanlly felt the same and didnt live in a gated community at first. Then i had intruders break in twice. It will happen.
dont be so naive to forget this is a third world country which there are millions living in appalling conditions and nothing to eat and no jobs.
Guys, arrogance is one thing you can leave at the airport, because it will bite you in the ass.

Your comment on ammenities- sorry should i feel bad that i can live in a beautiful community that doesnt even exist at home?
Or are we all meant to live here and be ashamed of such things?
What truly matters is taking it all on and allowing it to make you a better person.

Im jealous! Like most here im bound to Manila by work but love to travel. Ive been to Davao and loved it. Is Mati also safe?
Everyone i talk to writes off the entire area 😕 perhaps a rumour the locals started to keep everyone away??  😆

we'r in Mati 1 yr now, seen no crime exept some vandalism against a small basket bal court were the lokal kids play morning and evening,this happend at night .helpt to do the repairs,was not thinking on anny consequences wen i was doing that but it made me popular whit the players hahaha.
we always feel safe but we dont take un nesesary risks like beeing in squaters aria at night he.
Mati is a small provincial city so low on crime and as we close to the market ,bus terminal and pnp station and our dog reakts on anny thing that touches the gate day or night ,the dog sleeps under our bed hehehe
as far as i know Mati is safe

greets Dirk

We live in Central Luzon (30 minute drive from Angeles City). We rent a smaller 2 bdrm home with enclosed patio, wash area, and carport and pay P2,500 = aprox $50us dollars per month. We are raising two school age daughters and my wife keeps us on a good budget of about P34,000 per month. Usually less depending on the local travel and the number of times we hit Jollybee or other restaurants etc.
No bad really and have most all stores and pharmacies withing walking distance. Good in the event of road closures due to typhoons.

Philippines is very expensive specially if your living in City side from transportation to food. People thought that its a way cheap but if you add your monthly expenses its 2 or 3 times expensive. Taxes for foreigner is insanely crazy.

auculture wrote:

What truly matters is taking it all on and allowing it to make you a better person.

Amen (or whatever affirmation anyone prefers)!!!

mbanluta wrote:

Philippines is very expensive specially if your living in City side from transportation to food. People thought that its a way cheap but if you add your monthly expenses its 2 or 3 times expensive. Taxes for foreigner is insanely crazy.

Taxes, what taxes?

auculture wrote:

Im from Australia also, my monthly medication costs here would usually last me 3 months in Australia... 3500php a month.
that said, a big reason for the expenses here is the monopoly... drug stores "bid" w local mayors by offering a percentage return to secure limited competitors.
Medicine costs you really cant get around but hospitals you can. Be aware hospitals will charge you for everything you use from pillows to face towels and give them when you check out. Every single thing even syringes will appear on your bill.
Im lucky enough to have HMO but a very strong word of advice get health insurance!  If you cannot pay upfront you will not be treated.

I find Davao a safe place to live. But remember the law and order president was the law and order mayor here for 20 years. His family, daughter and sins, still run the city. Having said that, there are a couple of places I will not go - why tempt fate. But that is true of any place I've been, big or small. Davao basically shuts down at 11 on the weekday and 1 on the weekend. It does not have the amenities of Cebu and Manila, i.e. diverse restaurants, an arts and cultural scene, styled city scapes, etc. If my wife was not from here I would not be here. Only because I think I can get more of what I want from my living environment for the same money.

We just had twins so dealing with the health care system in Davao is fresh. Davao is like a big country town. And it shows, as does the paternalistic culture. You are absolutely right, all things are charged to the patient and itemized on your bill. They are also used to charging patients by perception of income. Those in more expensive private rooms and suites pay more for associated costs than patients in ward rooms pay for the same items. Doctor's might also charge patients more who they think can pay more, charging people they perceive as poorer less for the same services. The birth of our twins cost approximately 270k. Significantly less than in the States or Costa Rica (where I lived less and known for quality carevfor less). Would I have paid more, for less of a triage environment and more patient centered care - absolutely!

Wayne

Hi Guys, I went through all the posts here and  as I am also planning to move in to Phillipines . Could anybody advice me which place is better , safe and cheap to live?
I firstly thought about Davao city but if the city is shut down at 11:00pm, for me it means no peace!.
How is Bukidnon province, When comparing to Cebu, Davao, and Tagatay?
Thanks in advance,

Have a look at Bohol been living there for 12mths and like it !!

advising on were to liveis kinda dificult and depends on what one whants i gues,personal ,am not interested in night life or teatre or museums and so on ,so all i wanted is living easy life ,building a boat wich i will soon do,and go foshing swimming snorkeling and do some hookah diving ,i looked for a safe place to live not in a big city and were rents are low.
found what i was looking for in Mati,small provincial city in full development .no traffic jams here ,also no inported foods hehe,we get those wen we visit Davao and stock up on them.
we have some nice resorts here for anny taste also a nice beach were no entry has to be payed so nice place to my stile but not for most expats as there is no night life .but i really love the no noise at night,we have very nice pinoy naibors who like to sleep peacefull at night after sundown it quit here .who dont beleeve i say come and seet hahaha always welcome we show ya around ,for 800peso a night ya have hotelrooms here.we rent a new house 1bdr for 5000peso .
we live whitin walking distance from supermarket,bus terminal ,public market,police station and hospital.15 minutes drive to beach resorts.
we will never live in big city's .to polluted to much noise to many traffic jams.

greets Dirk

aginnel wrote:

Hi Guys, I went through all the posts here and  as I am also planning to move in to Phillipines . Could anybody advice me which place is better , safe and cheap to live?
I firstly thought about Davao city but if the city is shut down at 11:00pm, for me it means no peace!.
How is Bukidnon province, When comparing to Cebu, Davao, and Tagatay?
Thanks in advance,

Have you been here before? If yes, what did you like about where you visited? Why not go back there?
If no, why do you want to move here?

What is better fir others may not be better for you. What is important to you? Not for vacation - for living? You already said you don't want to be in a place that shuts down at 11. Do you like restaurants? If yes, what kind? Wanna live close to an airport? How much do you travel? How many people you want around you? Where do live now? Like it? Want to replicate it?

I would never move to a place without visiting first. Staying for at least six months before committing.

Seems to me only you can answer your question.

Wayne