Cost of Living

[FortuneFavorsTheBold]

I'm sure this has been discussed many times, but the cost of living changes frequently, so I'm curious to know what people are now spending to live here.

[scott h]

46 minutes ago, FortuneFavorsTheBold said:

but the cost of living changes frequently

Less than you would think IMHO. In 20 years of visiting and living (going on 4 years) here things really have not changed that much. Hair cut has gone up from 40 to 50 Pesos (but I think that was because my barber moved to a bigger building, added aircon and cable tv ). Bag of Pan de Sal is still 20 pesos. Most basics seem to be prices controlled to some extent (rice, electricity, petrol etc.) My retirement dollars seem to go just as far now as in the past.

Naturally, others might see things different

[JJReyes]

Best way to answer your question is to asked another one, "What is your monthly budget?" Then you adjust your standard of living accordingly. If you enjoy drinking, there is a big price difference between buying local gin and an international brand name. There is a local phrase, "With $1,000 you can live like a king." Only true if you are a Filipino and based on the local standard of living. 

To be on the safe side, a monthly budget of $2,000 is a good starting point. 

BTW, don't let anyone know how much money you got. You are better off if everyone thinks you have very little money.

Edited June 26, 2016 by JJReyes

[Jollygoodfellow]

1 hour ago, FortuneFavorsTheBold said:

I'm sure this has been discussed many times, but the cost of living changes frequently, so I'm curious to know what people are now spending to live here.

Well since you have decided it's dangerous in the Phils I may as well let you know the hidden costs no one explains. Purchase and maintenance of two attack dogs, At least 1 bodyguard, numerous security systems for your house. Hidden guns, ammunition, swords and at least a baseball bat for each room. You will also need something like mace, bulletproof vest, holster and stun gun. Armored car for ATM withdrawals can be rented but still an added cost. I probably forgot something but these hidden cost do add up. 

[mogo51]

You forgot a machine gun post in the front yard, that is always a slower for would be kamakaze types.

[mogo51]

In answer to the original question, on a recent visit to Philippines, I had a good look at the cost of living compared to Thailand, but relating principally to food, accommodation and electricity = the main cost components.

As stated, stick with basics and 'eat like the locals' in both  places, you can certainly 'live' on $1000US and probably have a few luxuries. But from my previous trip, I did see increases in imported foods such as a bottle of wine.  I was buying acceptable Aussie wine for $6Au but now hard to find a bottle under $10 and many more up from there.

But if you are coming from Oz, US or Britian, you are still a long way in front.  Fluctuating currency rates are an ongoing nightmare.

[chris49]

15 hours ago, mogo51 said:

In answer to the original question, on a recent visit to Philippines, I had a good look at the cost of living compared to Thailand, but relating principally to food, accommodation and electricity = the main cost components.

As stated, stick with basics and 'eat like the locals' in both  places, you can certainly 'live' on $1000US and probably have a few luxuries. But from my previous trip, I did see increases in imported foods such as a bottle of wine.  I was buying acceptable Aussie wine for $6Au but now hard to find a bottle under $10 and many more up from there.

But if you are coming from Oz, US or Britian, you are still a long way in front.  Fluctuating currency rates are an ongoing nightmare.

$1000 paying rent is bare minimum. 

A US retirement income, SS, or SS plus private pension would be more than that.

In Metro Manila, $2000 US affords a nice lifestyle. We live on about $1200 US here in the province, rent free, we have our own house and very low utilities.

[chris49]

17 hours ago, scott h said:

Less than you would think IMHO. In 20 years of visiting and living (going on 4 years) here things really have not changed that much. Hair cut has gone up from 40 to 50 Pesos (but I think that was because my barber moved to a bigger building, added aircon and cable tv ). Bag of Pan de Sal is still 20 pesos. Most basics seem to be prices controlled to some extent (rice, electricity, petrol etc.) My retirement dollars seem to go just as far now as in the past.

Naturally, others might see things different

A lower world oil price going on 3 years keeps everything under control. Also local manufacturing or processing of name brands eg Nestle, Nescafe, under license tends to keep prices down. Imports from China, other Asian countries, the same rule applies, they are cheaper. But keep an eye on the quality.

As Scott says the dollar stretches quite well. We get around 47 pesos/dollar right now (I get US not Aussie) vs a quite low 33 on the AUD and a currently dropping pound. The dollar is usually dominant in this era, so I don't think you will suffer on exchange rates.

When I lived in Quezon City, running AC at night and part of the day, I paid 6500 for Meralco monthly. Around 3k more for internet, minimum phone load, cable TV. About 10k in bills, and I owned the place, did not pay rest. Here in the province, no AC, electric is 500-600....internet and etc 1500....around 2000 all in.

My mate in Manila, well off, pays a minimum of 12, 000 pesos a month running AC almost continuously in a deluxe but quite small condo which they own.

And yeah, the old benchmark, 50 pesos for a haircut and a superb job of neck shaving and trimming vs $27.50 AUD in Australia and they hustled me out in no more than 10 minutes, no neck shave only clippers.

 

 

[Tukaram (Tim)]

8 hours ago, FortuneFavorsTheBold said:

I'm sure this has been discussed many times, but the cost of living changes frequently, so I'm curious to know what people are now spending to live here.

This is an age old, unanswerable, question.  Comfort levels and expectations vary too much from person to the next.  I lived my first year in a 1 bedroom bamboo/nips. No aircon, no glass in the windows so lots of bugs. Only moved because of the noise. 

I live on $800 (USD) a month but would be happier with closer to $1,200.  I know guys that live on less and others that need double that. It is, as they love to say here, "up to you".  

[Dave Hounddriver]

8 hours ago, FortuneFavorsTheBold said:

I'm curious to know what people are now spending to live here.

I'm only spending 100 pesos a day

Spoiler

Its Yvonne who spends the other 1500 LOL LOL