Part 2 - Can I Live On $2,000 A Month In The Philippines?

[chris49]

I read the entire thread. $2000/month is good, but there are a few caveats.

 

There are set up fees in every move. I came in with well over $100K, but I came in before my pension was due. I would suggest a cash amount of $20, 000 minimum. $10k be be prepared to lay out, $10k try to save it.

 

There are people like myself who lucked into rent free situations. Here outside Vigan City, my other in law has a decent piece of farmland. I put up a small separate house and we live rent free...400-500 pesos electric, no A/C. But we put up with family problems and that does come with a cost.

 

We live on $1200. But I do have a 2nd pension due $1600...That's $2800 which is outside the original argument.

 

For those who say live on $1500-1600 a month and save the rest, good idea. But I would also say you don't know the Philippines very well and you might find that more difficult in practice.

 

28-30k pesos a month in rent is ludicrous. You are cheating yourself out of good money. That's on the borderline of luxury. Who needs that?

 

If it's me I find a way to reduce that even by moving far out of town. One visit a month is all we need.

[jassy]

2000usd is a lot of money for the philippines. Just consider the average wage of filipinos and you get an idea.

[Old55]

Thanks for that perspective Jassy. Sometimes Foreigners forget how the average Filipino family lives.

In your opinion how well could you live on 80,000 peso a month?

[stevewool]

Thanks for that perspective Jassy. Sometimes Foreigners forget how the average Filipino family lives.

In your opinion how well could you live on 80,000 peso a month?

Very Very WELL I WOULD SAY

[chris49]

Thanks for that perspective Jassy. Sometimes Foreigners forget how the average Filipino family lives.

In your opinion how well could you live on 80,000 peso a month?

 

I get your point, but that's not really the topic here. $2000=closer to 90k pesos right.

 

My observation would be that the average Filipino would get into a bind handling 90k....they do better on smaller amounts.

 

EDIT: Oops, sorry Old55, the reference and quote should be directed back at Jassy.

Edited February 16, 2015 by chris49

[Jollygoodfellow]

I get your point, but that's not really the topic here. $2000=closer to 90k pesos right.

 

If we were talking aussie dollar at the moment its , $2000= P68,594.8   :unsure:

[chris49]

 

I get your point, but that's not really the topic here. $2000=closer to 90k pesos right.

 

If we were talking aussie dollar at the moment its , $2000= P68,594.8   :unsure:

 

 

I'm Aussie. The one I quoted was American, and the discussion has referenced US Dollars.

 

As for our AUD, mate you don't have to remind me, more than 25% loss in 3 months...OUCH.

[John Mogusar]

Pokermike here, hi everyone! finally settled in thanks to the good advice from forum members JJ, John m special thanks. Almost made a big mistake to start ,  i am staying in Angeles with my friends that used to work for me in the casino business. the mistake was liking the first condo i saw, one bedroom , new, nice pool no gym 60,000 pesos for a month. Luckily my poker playing buddies at Aces High poker room directed me to Candy Suites , great pool , new gym , nice pool table only 30,000 pesos a month with no lease. Went to S&R several times to stalk up on my western goods. Not cooking as much as i thought manily because of playing poker so much. John M played 15 tournaments made to final table 10 times for a whopping profit of $423. Its fun and passes the time away.

So, far i am close to my original forcast of $3,500 on my budget and which i think i can lower a few hundred dollars a month. I will not be counting my poker profits which i know now are a sure thing, very weak players. Guessing those profits around $600 per month. I am now convinced you can live here fairly well on just over $2,500 a month. So, far i am happy i made the move.   Later Poker Mike

Hey Mike,

 

Extremely excited to see that you've started to settle in and things are going well for you! Great that you found a cheaper condo that (I assume) you enjoy.

 

I'm sending you a PM regarding the tournies.

 

If you're coming in at a $3500 budget per month right now, I'm certain you can get that down to $2500 over time with relatively the same comfort level. When you say "...you can live here fairly well on just over $2500 a month," you are talking about YOU.

 

LOL, I don't spend $2500 in the U.S. and I will be *perfectly* comfortable with $1200 a month and could easily live with under $1000 with no regrets. Of course, that is emergency monies aside and I am single.

 

Keep us updated on how you're getting along!

[JJReyes]

The general consensus seems to be that a budget of US$2,000 a month in the Philippines is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. That includes a daily intake of a few beers at home and possibly a good steak once a week.

[i am bob]

Must be a really big steak and really large beer! I do that now on half that amount!

:D