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@@prepperjonpnw6482 actually... the $63 is the monthly average of 12 months healthcare... as I described in the video, our 12 month total of all doctor visits, prescriptions, over-the-counter, etc. was $756. The $6.50 was an addendum for the PhilHealth insurance. It's P1000 quarterly... so it works out to about $6.50 per month. I hope that helps you...
@@prepperjonpnw6482 My primary carrier is Globe and secondary is Smart. Here's a video I did on my phones, internet and cableTV -> th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html
@@mikemercado1957 ... you really dont want to be working in the Philippines. firstly you will be taking a job away from the locals who desperately need the job, secondly, expect to get paid as a local, which is a low salary. Most of the foreigners have a nest egg, social security, some type of passive income that they can rely on. Cheers!
@@FrankSouza-ss7cz Exactly like you said they have something they can rely on . For me thats going to be dividends. I dont know about moving there but going for 1 year sounds like a refreshing change of scenery
this is so far the most accurate living expenses in the rural philippines give or take another $100. i like your honesty and detailed explanation of the expenses. good luck, have fun, stay safe, and love your family. pete
i feed in usa in Kentucky 12 ppl , cost 300 usd a month. light bill 175 , rent zero own it . water well o usd. insurance 20 usd . van and truck insurance 150 usd a month. gas month 100 usd basic living supply for house clean and stuff 50 usd , eat out 100 usd . cost alot for you.
Hello @@hillbillyintheasia6122 Thanks for sharing your living expenses in Kentucky. Indeed, the cost of living can vary significantly from one place to another, even within the United States. It's great that you own your home, which eliminates a significant monthly expense. Comparing the cost of living between the U.S. and the Philippines can be quite different due to various factors such as housing, utilities, and the overall economy. In my video, I aimed to provide insights into 'my' cost of living specifically in the Philippines for those who are considering moving there or retiring. The numbers I shared are based on my personal experiences and observations in the Philippines, where living expenses can be relatively lower compared to many Western countries. It's always interesting to see how different regions and countries have varying living costs. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!
I think it's funny that you and everyone who does a budget video has to preface with "This is MY budget, yours will vary depending on you." You would think by now, after watching dozens of these types of videos people would know this is YOUR budget, NOT THEIRS. They should realize these videos are ONLY meant to give them a starting point and things to think about when trying to plan THEIR OWN budget. One thing new people will have to add in is Visa renewal every other month. If your budget for a family of 8 is ONLY $1,700 (Good luck doing that in the U.S.), then me being alone with $1,900 a month would be golden, thanks again for re-igniting the fire under my butt and getting the excitement to get things I need to taken care of faster. Great video as always, I really enjoy your no non-sense, honest, and relaxed presentation, so many others try to add so much drama and complaints, like their channel is a "Reality t.v." show. Have a great day boss.
Hello @Eric Taylor ... thanks as always for chiming in with your great feedback! I think it's funny that you mentioned the thing where we state that this is our experience. Well, I can only speak for myself, but the reason I say that is because it is true. And yes, you would think that people would get that, but if I don't state that as a disclaimer, then people will come back to me saying "YOU SAID THIS!" or "THATS NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME", so by saying this is my experience, then that negates the backlash. 😆 Haha! And yes, I left out the VISA extensions because, for 1) I don't have those anymore, but also 2) because everyone's situations will be different. I might should have at least mentioned it anyway. But yes, I think the core cost of housing and living that I gave should give people a good foundation to base their plans. And yes, if you have a $1,900 budget... as a single guy... you are MOST DEFINITELY golden. and thanks again, I am a no-nonsense type of guy (some find me boring) but I just face things straight forward, develop my strategy and execute. No time for fussy drama. Funny how that seems to come out in my videos. Thanks Eric! Look forward to meeting you in person some day! 😀
To add to the visa bit, I've noticed that many people aren't aware that you don't have to renew monthly. There's a Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension available for people that like to extend 6 months at a time. The price for the first 6 months is 215USD (ACR-I card included) and the subsequent 6 months should be 160USD-ish. totaling 475USD per year/40USD-ish per month. iirc monthly extensions are 55USD-ish and per two months it was 65USD-ish While the two-month visa extensions are cheaper than the 6-month extensions. The hassle of not having to have it extended so frequently could already be a deciding factor.
@HypnosisV Thanks for adding that in. How quickly I have forgotten the days of visa extensions. But yea, I took advantage of the 6-month extensions myself up until right before I acquired my permanent resident VISA. I didn't want to have any overlap and double-payment. Haha! 😆
This is definitely helpful for people like us who are considering moving to the Philippines. It’s good to hear that you don’t scrimp on all items. Thanks for posting this.
89 k peso a month is top 20 percent in the Philippines call rich . avg middle class in the Philippine's is just 55k peso a month. 100 k a month in peso you be in the 15% in the Philippine's workers. in make 150 k top 10 %. make 199 k a month top 1 %.
Hello again @@hillbillyintheasia6122 Thanks for providing more context on income distribution in the Philippines. You're correct; the cost of living can vary significantly depending on one's income. Your insights on income percentiles shed light on the economic diversity in the country. It's always valuable to hear from viewers with different perspectives. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!
Nice, I do plan to move there when I retire in 3 yrs. at 60. My retirement should be around 8K a month without social security and I do plan on taking it at 62 yrs old.
Hi @markJones38133 ... It sounds like you're preparing for an exciting chapter with your retirement income and plans to move to the Philippines. Many retirees find the Philippines to be a wonderful place to enjoy their golden years. Best wishes as you prepare for this new adventure! Stay in touch! I look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Funny thing is in La that's the cost of a one bed room apartment! Some people might think your list is expensive, but that seems really cheap! Especially since you're looking after seven people too!
@William Breeze ... most defintely! as I say, it's all relative. after being here almost 5 years, I have become acclimated to the scale of economy here in the Philippines! But I still know well enough that its a fraction compared to living in the U.S.! especially these days! 😆
Excellent! We enjoy your videos. We are in the states still. We will be in the Philippines in December and part of January. We are planning on moving in the next two years and your videos help us plan! Thanks!
We will be in Manila for a few days and then going to Narvacan in Ilocos Sur. We will definitely meet up one day soon!!! Keep up the great work! Tell your family we said hello!
That was the most realistic budget I have seen. (I would probably add a bit more for more comprehensive health insurance, and many guys here are a bit older than you and should as well). Thank you.
Hi @Jon Jon ... everybody has their own way of doing things. For me, the cost of healthcare is so minimal, I would probably be spending more on insurance premiums than our actual healthcare costs. Now, others who have ongoing or chronic health issues, yeah, I agree with you there. I am in the process of preparing for a video talk on this very topic. Coming soon! Haha! 😄
Hi Bro, I stumbled across your channel and am happy to find another brother in Christ! I was working at the US Embassy in Manila, but the wife and I transferred to Bahrain. I am also retired, Navy, we have a US base here. Once a quarter, we send packages to our family in the Philippines full of US products. If you are missing anything that you can't get there, send me a list, and I will let our family LBC the items to you. Anyway, I'm glad we found your channel. By the way, 2 mins in your video well before you said anything about your faith. I knew you were a man of God.
Hello @Tony P ... Wow! Wow! Wow! You have no idea how much of a blessing your comment is. Totally made my day! There is no higher compliment than that Brother, I only wish I felt worthy. ☺ You mention that you worked at the US Embassy. You must realize the consequence of you sharing that with me, as an American living in the Philippines, and a youtuber on top of that, the hundreds of questions I might have for you! Hahaha! 😅🤣😂 And your offer to send us stuff. That would be amazing. I might take you up on that! 😄 I hope this is the beginning of us getting better acquainted. We're on facebook, facebook.com/theg5family/ send me a message and let's chat! God bless you Brother...
That is very true, it does depend if you drink and smoke a lot and go out for meals, like I suppose any country and personal life styles, but the electricity has gone up there so much and food also ...lived there on and off since 1987..
Hello @Rayzersharp Man ... yep, significant rise in costs in 2022. I will be releasing a new cost of living video for 2022 costs. Thanks for chiming in. 😀👍🏻
That is not bad at all your monthly expenses for eight people. Here in Boston my household budget is about $7,000 including mortgage. Luckily, I am still working and my husband is retired. Yup I am retiring pretty soon to the Philippines.
Hello @Isarog1055 ... Thanks for your comments... yes, our budget in Nashville was about $8,000 per month, but that was with just my wife and I and 2 young children. We do live a far simpler life here in the Philippines, but we really have everything we want and need. Keep us updated when you guys get ready to move over to the Philippines. 😃
We just moved back to Arizona after living in Cebu City for two years. I figure our monthly COL was around $1500 monthly. We got shocked by the inflation while we were gone, thankfully we didn't sell our house. We had a baby girl while there so we've got the baby expenses here. One box of diapers costs over $40!
@@G5Philippines actually we were fortunate, PAL honored the refund they gave us in 2020 when we went to the Philippines and had to use a different airline to get to Cebu. So we just had to get tickets from LA to Phoenix.
@@PhilstoPhx very cool! I have some credits on Cebu Pacific from back during the lockdowns. double booking flights to get home. 😆 Those were some crazy times!
Thank you for this informative video. That being said most of the costs on your home we don't know really how you live. Take us on a tour of your home so we can take in your daily living.
First let me say that your presentation with providing the cost for each expense in a visual running total and then going into detail was excellent. It looks simple yet so many expats make videos where they talk and give vague numbers and it's frustrating to follow. Secondly I see a number of people on Phillipines TH-cam videos where they claim anyone saying a single expat can live on only $800 to $1000 a month isn't telling you the truth or providing full details. Yet you have a family of eight living on about $1700 per month! Yes I know single people have different lifestyles and location may impact cost but if a household of 8 can find a way to live comfortably on $1700 per month then surely a single person can do the same on $800 to $1000 per month.
@Arie Fraiser thank you so much for your kind feedback. I do my best to create informational videos that I myself would appreciate. To address your comments on the SIngle Guy - $800 - $1000 per month. Its absolutely doable. You know as well as I do that there are many variables that affect our cost of living, but if Filipinos can get by on their meager incomes, (mostly less than $800 to $1000 monthly, then so can we. And you don't have to live on dirt floors. I think I will take this and create an intelligent video on this topic. I have good insights on this topic. Thanks again for chiming in, I really appreciate it. Please subscribe and tell your friends! 😀👍
What a great video and I subscribed!. I'm looking at Thailand and the Philippines and plan on venturing over there in the Fall when my passport is finalized and the rainy season has passed. With that said, you mentioned a live-in housekeeper. Does she solely clean or is meal preparation also part of that? Does she stay for 5 days a week, I presume? It'd be great if you could do a video detailing that in the future.
Hello @Steve ... Thanks for subscribing! I actually did a video on this, just click here -> th-cam.com/video/p2n3WpstrWA/w-d-xo.html where I go into all the details. Check it out and let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks again!!! 😀👍🏻
Hello @James Garrett ... I'm curious why you would say "maybe not a good idea". I looked it up on maps, and it looks like you're in a good place... close enough and far enough from Manila, and nearby Laguna Lake, and then to the east you have Lamon Bay... I've not been there, but it looks like it could be a nice spot. I have friends who live in Calamba, Laguna. 😀
@@oregonjim1953 ah... understood. well, having your home established is a VERY good thing. I'm still renting, so I look forward to owning/building our home soon. 🙂
Amazing ! ! ! - - - In the US - I hate to even think about what it would cost for the same living arrangements - for the same life - for the same 8 people ? = OMG - it would be many many times what you are paying - even in some of the cheapest places.
Hello @frankkluz9787 ... absolutely! Back in the US, my cost of living just for me, my wife and our 2 kids (at the time) was just under $10,000 a month. But I can sincerely testify that 6 years living here, I truly appreciate the simpler lifestyle. Of course, we do miss a few things from time to time, but not enough to trade it all back. I need to do a new cost of living video for 2023. The prices of things have increased, but we're still managing about a $2000 per month budget. Peace and blessings!
Hello @jamesessenmacher6078 ... we're located in Negros Occidental, the Philippines is a tropical climate year-round. 2 hospitals in the area. you're welcome.
Hello @JOHN E ... good plan... 👍 depending on your situation, the size of your family... I would try to have at least 3 to 6 months cost of living in the bank. 🙂
hi i got a equation .i almost ready to move philippinses only thing im worry about ,is tax .how u fill your tax i have find some one in usa to do for me or can do from Philippines .tnx
@@geraldgolden2723 thank you for your service ... I wish we had more U.S. military presence in the Philippines... hoping the new president will renew friendships with the U.S. the China activity in the South China sea is a real concern.
Great video and quite complete. I have to say you all eat super cheap. Our small condo is in San Fernando, Pampanga and my wife and I alone ate more than that, .. but we (or should I say I) do like my western style food, and we ate at the mall a lot being as we had just moved into our place and were just getting things set up.
Hello @Tim's Retirement Journey ... thanks for the kind feedback. Yes, it would be easy to spend way more than that, but here in the province where we live, the selection for western brands and foods are very limited. We get creative and we can put together some nearly the same recipe's. but yes, we're not trying to penny pinch, we get what we want, when we want it, so long as its available! haha! 😆
Hello @shadowsniper4583 ...great question! I can't speak for all the Philippines, but our city actually does DAILY, yes, every day garbage pickup. And it's free. My wife gives the men little token Christmas gifts every year as a gesture, but the garbage pickup is free. Oh, and they are VERY strict about separating the recyclables. 😄
What about parties? My wife has a big family and though we don’t celebrate everybody’s birthdays it averages at least once a month and our house is the common point of get togethers. We get contributions but we pay for the bulk.
Hi @philam1973 ... oh definitely! 😄 there are a bazillion different discretionary expenses that could be mentioned, but the focus of this video was the "actual" costs of the essentials. I did not include things like insurance premiums and other miscellaneous costs, because those would be different based on you, your family, your lifestyle, etc. But yes, we host the occasional parties as well. The families bring their dishes and then we sort of provide the main course and whatever else is needed. Thanks for chiming in! 🙂👍🏻
@@G5Philippines sounds like you are one of the few expats who really blend in. My wife calls these people “cowboys” coz they can adapt to different environments and different people. Enjoy life here!
Hello Sentinel! I went back and did the math. I know how I came to the $1700, but you are absolutely correct, I definitely goofed up on that. 😆 I'll be doing follow on videos, so I'll correct that in the next one! Thanks for bring that to my attention! 😀👍
Hi @Chuck 555 ... I agree it may seem like low pay, 😬 Please allow me to clear up ANY confusion. She was NOT taking care of 8 people. Her role was as a helper to my wife, in addition to the kids having their assigned chores as well. I can assure you, we were not all sitting around letting our helper wait on us hand and foot. 😆 Basically, we all work as a team unit. But as for the pay rate, we were paying her a higher amount than what she asked for. And, I would not usually mention these details, but we paid her vacation time, bonused her for birthdays and Christmas... not to mention covering all of her expenses. I just wanted to clear up any confusion on this. She was good to us and we were good to her. Thank you for sharing your sentiments. 😀👍
Thank you @Christopher Leroy ... I appreciate your feedback! 🙂 We live in the Visaya region of the Philippines. In the Negros Occidental province... between San Carlos and Bacolod CIty... closer to San Carlos.
Hello @Carl Wilkinson and thank you for your feedback and subscribe! 😀 As for schooling. Our kids are enrolled in public school, so the costs are nominal; literally just a couple dollars here and there for school supplies. I am working on a video that discusses private schooling, so stay tuned for that one in the coming days. 🙂
Hello @JEPOYHEROBLOGG! Thanks for the suggestion. While I appreciate your idea, my content is primarily aimed at providing information and insights to Westerners who are considering moving to or retiring in the Philippines or those in relationships with Filipinas. However, if you think my videos would be helpful to Filipino groups or dating groups, please feel free to share it with them. I'm more than happy to reach a wider audience and provide information to those who find it valuable. Thanks for being a part of our community! Peace and Blessings Friend!
Hello @Roc Robert ... thanks for chiming in... no Sir, I didn't forget insurance. And yes, I carry different types of insurance policies, as well as other costs that are not necessarily relevant to the day-to-day cost of living. But those are subjective to each individual or family situations. There's really no way for "all us vloggers" 😆 to suggest what your insurance costs might be. However, you may have missed it, but I did mention that we carry PhilHealth which is very inexpensive, but it does provide some discounts at the check-out counter. Healthcare in the Philippines is very inexpensive and so far we have just covered the costs above the discounts that PhilHealth provides.
Hello @islandborn ... I use Globe as my primary and Smart as a secondary if/when needed. I did a video talking in more depth on my phones here -> th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html
Hello @Philip E ... the REAL mask requirements are that they are still required, but it is looser if you are in your personal space. For example, if we go into a store or any place of business, you might be turned away by the security guard if you're not wearing it. But in the car, and walking around outside, it's not as strict.
Masks are mandatory in any setting where you are close to others and in tight spaces without physical distancing. You get used to it after awhile wearing it. We been doing it for over 2.5 years here now.
Hello @paul fowler ... as for internet quality, there are good areas and not-so-good areas. I did a video on my internet setup if you want to take a look. th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html And we also have Starlink coming as well. 🙂👍
We have a house in northern luzon it's an 1 level 4 bedroom style on posts off the ground . My question is your A /C what kind do you have is it a split system or central . I was thinking about getting a tower unit to cover the whole floor but then I am faced with the bedrooms. ????.
Hi @Steve ... central A/C is almost non-existent in the Philippines. I say "almost" because there may be folks who have installed central, but in my observations, I haven't run across anyone with central. That said, my setup is a split unit A/C that covers the main living room, kitchen are, and then smaller window units for the bedrooms. Although, if I had known then what I know now, I would have gotten small split unit systems for the bedrooms. They are so much more efficient, and quiet. But yes, that's how we're doing it currently. 👍🙂
Hello @Mario Calixterio ... well, I would agree with you except, I have no choice but to accept it. It's either accept and pay, or go without airconditioning. Today's temperature is 86 Fahr., 💥and the humidity is 80%. 💦So, I'll be running my A/C. 😂👍🏻
You can find the place that quite cheaper around because one of my fren is the monthly is $120 and so nice and quite big as well in the location so nice and have beaches and lots of people around and lots of fun also around also as well ans you k ow the Philippines quite cheaper compared to other Asia
Hello @Marichu Armodia ... that's great. We are a family of 5 plus my Filipina wife's parents. No way we could find a house, on the beach, with enough space for all of us for $120. That's just not realistic. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
thank you for this video, consider to buy land and build your own house comparing to the long term cost of rent also gives you the opportunity of growing your own foods to safe at this end, in about 15 month my wife and me will do this step and hoping to stay more in the range of $500 per month
Merry Christmas @Modern Robinson ... absolutely agree. We look forward to that. We're saving our pesos in order to buy land and build. The cost of rent is so little, I don't really think too much about that, but I look forward to having our own place. 😀
@@G5Philippines very nice, Merry Christmas, we are located in bicol catanduanes near virac and did buy a beach property 2 years ago right next to twin rock resort, where are you guys located ?
@@modernrobinson2934 oh wow... that's a very nice area over there! We are located in Negros Occidental on the eastern side of the island. We're not on the beach, but within walking distance.
Hello @gordon ramsey ... we have our kids enrolled in public school and the costs are nominal. No tuition costs at all, just school supplies, their uniforms and those sort of expenses. And yes, the schooling is good. We help with their homework, and it seems to me they are learning more than we did at their ages. That being said, there are plenty of private school options, especially in the bigger cities. You'll just need to research the schools in the area where you live to seek those out. 🙂👍🏻
Thanks for the very useful information. I'll be moving to the Philippines in a few months. I'm not really a rural type guy but I like small cities. For reference I currently live in Amarillo, Tx. Got any suggestions for small cities I should see?
Hello @Kevin Mullin ... I can totally relate to what you are saying. Btw, I'm from the Houston area myself, so fellow Texan here! Anyway, yeah, I can only speak to what I have seen with my own eyes, but where I live near San Carlos City, Negros Occidental is about 120,000 population. We have the necessities, but the downsides are no good beaches, 2 hours away from the nearest airport, and limited shopping and dining. None of these make enough of a difference that I want to move, (this is where my wife and her family is from) but might not be a fit for you. So, you need to think about what you can and cannot live without. For me, we could move over to Bacolod City, which does have all the things I mentioned, well except the beaches, but everything else. You could settle just outside of the city and have a nice peaceful surroundings while being near to the amenities that matter the most. You might need to plan on not setting roots too quickly. Give yourself the chance to learn through other people, your own research and so on before you decide to settle into any long term house and home commitments. One note on the beaches. No matter where you live, you will be just a short trip to a paradisaical beach, so unless you are wanting to be able to surf or jog on the beach every day, that's not a big deal. 😀
Thanks for getting back to me with your wise and practical advice. I should spend a few months checking out the places I've researched online before planting roots. One of those places is just down the road, Dumaguete and I will add Bacolod to my list. Vlogger Asia Unscripted I believe the name was done a few walk around tours of San Carlos It looks like a fine town too. Nice to meet a fellow Texan, perhaps we'll cross paths.
@@KevinMullin-fd4yn I just looked up Asia Unscripted and yup, he did a good job of showing what San Carlos looks like. Although, there are some other areas like the big park with tennis and basketball courts too. Anyway, If you're ever in San Carlos, be sure to let me know and we'll meet up. 😀
8 people for 1700 is already cheap. If u chose local products much more cheaper, instead of renting for 400$ just bust a land n build your own house, own design , cheaper for long term. Market value after some years becomes higher.
Hello @Waterbubblevlogs ... thanks for your input. Actually, our rent is only $285, not $400. And yes, we will eventually build. All things in due time. 🙂👍
. i live with my 12yo son, and my mother who is 71.our monthly expenses includes:in Peso. Food/groceries. - 8,000 Electricity 0 Water. - 200 Drinking water - 360 Allowance(school)- 450 Recreation/ 1000 I buy meds whenever needed, specially my son has asthma. My mother is taking maintenance meds and we can get if for free at the health center No house helper, As for maintenance, i do my own cleaning,laundry,. I put zero for electricity bec when i moved in to my house. A year ago, we found out the meter is stucked up and we are still waiting for replacement. I live up north in IFUGAO province.
Yeah it's true in the Philippines its cheaper than here in America. I'm watching you guys from Miamisburge, Ohio USA. Originally from Davao City the Philippines. ❤️🇵🇭 Yeah our country is cheaper guys than in America. If you own a house there it's little bit better than renting. Okay love to see your coming videos and I'm one of your subscribers. I feel like I'm back home when I heard n listen your video. Thank you so much. ❤️🇵🇭
Hello @Shima Osman ... thank you SO MUCH! we have family in Columbus, OH. I'm so glad you enjoyed our videos. ❤We enjoy sharing about our life here in the Ph! 😀👍
Yeah Columbus is only 2 hours and half hour from Dayton. Hope you explore more videos guys since she is Filipina you will reach thousands of subscribers. Love to hear from you more kabayan
@@G5Philippines hi G5, not yet, but I would love to be there, and stay there for living. Lets keep in touch. Later I might have some questions. Have a nice day to you.
Hello @SherryKrotzer ... thanks for your question. I created another video that discusses a bare-bones budget. "LOW COST of LIVING budget to live in the Philippines" th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RIsf949DhhC1oyl_ but yes, the $285 I mentioned in the video is for a 1400 sq ft 3-bedroom, 2-bath house. As for living comfortably in the Philippines on $700 per month, I'm concerned that would be quite challenging, even for a single person. The cost of living can vary a lot depending on your location and lifestyle. While the Philippines can be significantly more affordable than many Western countries, you'll need to budget for housing, utilities, transportation, food, healthcare, and other expenses. It's advisable to research the specific area you plan to move to and create a detailed budget to ensure you have a clear understanding of your financial requirements. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further information about living in the Philippines.
Could you please tell me about the school costs per month? I have 2 boys at school, they are 10 (5th grade) and 13 (8th grade). We are Germans but we currently live in Lisbon. Thanks a lot for your answer in advance and God bless you and your family.
God bless you as well @Inês Regina Krupa ... for the prices of school, I can only speak specific to public schooling. Our kids are in elementary and there are no fees. We have some little costs here and there for school supplies, their uniforms, but thats normal anywhere. There are private schools, and the little bit I have looked at those, the costs are very affordable. Maybe a few hundred dollars USD per year. I will do a video discussing schooling in the Philippines in the near future. I hope that helps. 🙂👍🏻
@@G5Philippines Could you please tell me which is the official Language at the public school? And yes, a video about the public and private schools would be really amazing. Specially for families with children in junior high. Could you also talk more about the quality of internet? My husband and I need internet for working and this is a very important issue. We are interested in living in Puerto Princesa. Could you please go deeper about this subject? Thank you so much in advance!
Hi @@inesreginakrupa4363 😀 ok, so the local language will depend on where you live. You mentioned Puerto Princesa, The predominant local tongue is Cuyuno. However, other languages like English and Tagalog, (Tagalog being the national language) are widely spoken. The internet service will vary from area to area, but I do understand that PLDT fiber is available in Puerto Princesa, you will just want to verify with the local carrier before you buy, build or rent your home. Click on this video I made about my internet service experience. th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html 😃
Just found you. Loved your graphics and background! Where in Philippines do you live? Where puts a perspective to food, electricity and rent. Bagio coolness lowers that electric. Manila rent is higher than tacloban province. Sorry if I missed your location. But a really great presentation, but location helps a-lot. Thanks again.
Hello @MGySgt K ... yeah, I get it... makes sense. I wouldn't have thought it necessary because in my experience, costs across the varias rural (province) areas are relatively similar. We live in the Visaya region in the Negros Occidental province, close to San Carlos. The population of San Carlos is roughly 125,000. so not the smallest, but also not too large, or densely populated. Thanks for your input. 🙂👍
@@G5Philippines thanks. I just wanted a general area, A kinda of, here I am location. I respect your privacy. Again, loved your backdrop and writing out the cost in the margin of the screen. Well done video. I will have to catch up with your other videos today.
@MGySgt K oh! no, no worries. I didn't think you were being disrespectful at all. 😆 I understand you wanting to compare. it is true, we're not necessarily broadcasting our exact gps coordinates, but I don't mind sharing the area where we live. it's all part of the equation. Are you here in the Philippines? and thank you for the positive and supportive feedback. that background is an image I created in photoshop. greenscreen magic. Haha! 😆
@@G5Philippines Preparing for about 3 years in the future. Just starting to recatch up. Using TH-cam to reintroduce the various areas, cost of stuff and medical care. I've been lucky. Lots of PI travel 1979 1980 at Subic Bay base to numerous wife and I numerous visits. Also, served a tour as an embedded U.S. Marine in the Philippine military in 2007 at WestMinCom Zamboanga. That said, I have the sense to know that what was true 12 years ago, is now changed. Wife last there 2015, but even she says things and places have changed. So I rely on you all, as my/our refresher of PI. Thanks again for your VLOGS.
@MGySgt K oh wow! are you in the U.S.? I welcome your suggestions for topics that you need covered as part of your research. At least I can share what I have experienced. 🙂👍
Hello @James Beaty ... my best answer to your question is "it depends" 😄but I created a video where I go into what a minimal budget might look like for a single guy living in the Philippines. Just click the link 👉🏻th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.html and then let me know if you have any other questions. 😀👍🏻
Hello @Bob ... yes... these numbers were the average over a 12-month period. The house is 1500 sqft, 2 large bdrm and 1 & 1/2 bath. we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. And the housekeeper had her space just outside the "utility" room. the housekeeper is no longer here since May, so we are down to 7 people now. 😀
@@G5Philippines thanks so much for the info . I just wanted to get this info to see how many square feet you use for Aircondition. Thanks again….beautiful. My wife is Filipino and hopefully I would move there someday. I love the Philippines
Hello @Paul Mazurek ... I totally agree! I haven't talked about it because I haven't done anything with solar power yet. I rent my house here, so I wouldn't be able to install solar on the roof. But when we eventually build, I will definitely be outfitting my place with solar, possibly wind, and a diesel generator to cover our power usage. When that happens, I will be doing a lot of talking about it. 👍🏻😀
Hello Sir, Thank you for your useful info👍 which made me to subscribe to your chanel! I'm a Danish citizen, working & living in Copenhagen. I have been in Phil several times as a tourist. I know little bit about the country, it's geographi, culture etc... I have in my mind come & live in Phil when I'm retired in futre. I'm single, no woman in my life at all! May I ask where in the Phillipines you're living? Which kind of house/flat you're renting? How quiet or how noisey your invironment it is?
Hello @H. N. thank you for subscribing! and Welcome! 😀 We live in the Visayas, on Negros in the Occidental province. We live in a subdivision in a single story 150 Sqm house. and thankfully, our neighborhood is fairly quiet. No roosters crowing, but there are barking dogs. 😖 Haha! 😆
Hello @Trent Steel ... I am learning that there are other health insurances available to foreigners. I'll be doing a set of videos in the next few weeks on this exact topic. I am going to interview a Filipina lady here that has lived in the U.S., so she's very aware of our concerns and needs. Stay tuned! 🙂
Great video, very informative... People who do Video Blogs from the Philippines say that you can live very comfortable, a Western style lifestyle for $ 1600 per month or less, would you agree ?
Hello @Bluponi ... Ok, I "can" agree, but it can also be said that you could live on even less. It's really subjective and depends on the person/couple/family. With so many variables, thresholds of acceptable housing, car? or no car? Metro or Provincial? But yes, $1600 is reasonable, maybe not an extravagant lifestyle, but all of your essential needs are possible for that amount. I actually did a low cost of living video here - th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.html - that will give you a perspective on the cost of a most basic lifestyle. Please let me know your thoughts after you watch that video. 👍😎
Hi im just wondering because you dont have a list for daily meal budget, so that means its all included on the $455 grocery budget? thats around 25,000 pesos or approx 830 pesos per day, given that Pork and chicken are so expensive right now and you are 8 in the family, that is still so modest. Im a filipina we are just 3 in the household and our daily food budget is not less than 500 pesos, we have another budget for groceries for snacks only .your video makes me think to check on my budgeting again maybe we are overeating😅
Hello @Xtra 😂the $455 doesn't include eating out, or carry-out for the additional $95. So roughly P28k total. Remember also, I did this in June, and the cost of groceries has spiked in the last 2 months especially. I have been thinking about doing a follow-up budget video for August that shows what the costs are now. 😳
Thanks @Michael Artis and welcome the G5 Family family! 😆 You are correct about the tuition, so far, we only have one child in school and we enrolled her in the public school system. This was a choice we made because we want our girls to grow up immersed in the culture and social environment, just like her Mama. So for now at least, we do not have any school tuition costs. And sure, we live in the Visayas, central Philippines on the Negros Island in the Occidental province. Thanks for your question! I will plan on doing a talk about schooling here in the Philippines. 🙂👍
Me and my family live in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. It is VERY rural. I gave the local school system a chance with our 2 boys (12, 11) and have found it to be abysmal. Perhaps the public school system in the city is better, but we have had to rent a second house in Bacolod so that our sons can go to a private school there. I mention this because families with school age kids who plan to live here should plan on adding private school tuition to their budget. The cost of a very good private school is a little more than $1000 per child, per year, in Bacolod. Very reasonable.
@Jeff Benedict Thanks for sharing, that's great information! And it makes me wonder also, we are between San Carlos and Don Salvador, so we take our kids to the school in San Carlos City. It wouldn't be a stretch to think that the quality of schooling would be better in the city. We should meet up sometime! We drive through Don Salvador going to Bacolod City about once a month! Been thinking about going over to see Top Gun. 😆😎
Hello @Nell Nell ... I'm not sure I am understanding the point of your comment. 😄I shared our cost of living for our family. We have more than 2 people in our family. 😀
@@Usernotknown21 Ah, ok. It really comes down to lifestyle., location, type of housing, etc. If it was only me and my wife, and we wanted to live in the same city we live now, we would definitely want to live in the house we are in now. However, we would spend less in food, unless we decided to do more traveling, since in this scenario, its only the 2 of us. So we might spend more than what we spend now. There's just so many variables to consider. You might search to find cost of living videos by couples with no children to get an idea of what their costs are. As I said before, I just gave the numbers that I experience with our specific family situation. 👍🏻😊
Hello..thanks for the honest accounting :) Could you please help me understand the live in housekeeper expense? Is $80USD ( about 4500P) seems a bit low..is it?. I realize the person is not paying rent or food which is awesome but I would like to know the details, which would help my understanding of having a helper there. Are they cleaning how many hours a day. Is it 6 days a week? Things like that. If you have made a video already on that ..it would be great. :) Thanks once again...and your living in which area? I am heading to Negros Oriental..so apologies if you've covered this in another video as it is my dinner break and this is my first video of yours viewing cheers...great family and I love the goaty 😎, Rob.
Hi @schmutly ... yes, I am happy to answer all of your questions... I do have a video where I talk about this in more detail -> th-cam.com/video/p2n3WpstrWA/w-d-xo.html ... check that out and let me know what other questions you have. And yeah, we live in Negros Occidental near the San Carlos area. We'll practically be neighbors! 😀👍
Hello new subscriber here, I would like to move to the Philippines with my family which is myself my wife and four children, what do you think would be a good place to recommend for a good place for safety security and overall low cost of living? Also how do you find good places to live? What is the best way to find those houses? Both my wife and I are not native Filipinos, nor are any of our kids. Our goal is to move to the Philippines to save money, have a better quality of life, and have more family time with one another.
Hello @Opsec Classified ... thanks for subscribing! Yeah, so, wow. 😃 that will be a huge change for you guys, but I highly recommend it if you can make it happen. As for places to live, I have to admit to being biased to where we live. San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. For business purposes, I have hit cities around the Philippines, so I have a fairly good feel for other areas, but every time I come back home, it's a huge sigh of relief. Not easy to put into words. The size and population here gives us all the necessities, but it's not touristy, and it is really ideal for raising a family. I'm happy to chat with you 1-on-1, just connect on our facebook.com/theg5family page. Peace and Blessings!
Hello @Godexists100 ... living in Manila is definitely more expensive than what it costs to live in a more rural city, but sure, if you're careful with your spending, you should do well on that budget amount. 🙂👍🏻
Hello @Mike&Micah 😀click here 7:38 where I talk about the cost of fuel for my vehicle. If you're asking about gas for cooking, we're all electric here. When I build our house, I do plan on putting in a gas stove. I hope that helps! Peace and Blessings! 😀
Thats an honest expense. Still cheap living in LA gas is 4.85 a galloon. Car insurance and maintenance. For those renting apetment 2500 for 1 hedroom sucks and taxes. No brainer Philippines is cheaper.
Hello @Reychelle Hervias ... yes, my earnings are USD and I work from home. For foreigners, working/earning in the Philippines is not really practical. Thankfully, my part-time work in the U.S. is all I really need. 🙂 How about you?
@@G5Philippines That's awesome, I am wondering how to get a work from home job, so that I am able to visit the Philippines with no worries of income, and potentially live there for a few months before coming back to New Zealand :). Where did you apply for a work from home position? I'm not sure it will be the same rule in NZ as US though. Would be awesome if you could make a video on this or reply! I appreciate your content and effort
@@ChelMatisse thank you so much! It makes my day to know that in a small way I am helping people pursue their dreams! I actually created a video a while back on ideas for how foreigners can earn incomes while living abroad (including the Philippines) Just click the link here 👉🏻th-cam.com/video/5vcrJ3mUFqY/w-d-xo.html and then let me know if you have any questions. 😀
A small tip please. The amount it cost you to live anywhere will differ to how much it cost anyone. While as a kiwi I am quite happy to live in a good apartment for PPH 12,500 per month, it seems like Americans like to spent upwards of PPH 40,000. While in N.Z. We have a very nice new home being built, after selling a bigger new home. So we are used to comfort. We don’t like A.C. As it drys. Out the air to much. We just have very good fans in the Philippines. My budget would be of little use to you and yours to me. So thankyou, but no thank you. Kiwi
Hello @denyswoodroffe490 ... uh, thank you? I guess? I'm not sure how to respond. 😀you seem very nice, but if this is of little use to you, then why bother watching the video, and taking time to comment? 😄I will just respond by noting that at 0:06 I mention that I receive many inquiries about mine and general costs of living in the Philippines. Then at 0:32 I specifically state as a disclaimer that, and I quote "everybody is going to have their own experience, your preferences, your priorities are going to be different from mine, so everybody is going to have their own situation, and then you have different parts of the country..." end quote. So yes, I agree with you, everyone will have a different experience. The video has over 37,000 views, and people seem to appreciate having a general idea of what to expect. So even though it is of little use to you, maybe others find value. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts. 😃 Peace and blessings to you and yours.
Hi @darryl Bailey ... I just looked at my most recent electric bill and our per KWh rate is ₱13.74 at 1,259 KWh's used = ₱17,309 or $0.26 x 1,259 = $327.30 USD
@@G5Philippines My old home state at .22 KWH that would be $276.98. My last bill 420KWH, so 4900php. My AC”s are spilt con inverter type so that saves some. I do need to get the ceiling insulated I think that will help.
Hello @Tootsie 😂actually, we're not crowded at all. 😆we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife, and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. We let the housekeeper go a few months ago, but she had her space, including her own bathroom next to the "utility" room, and now we use that space for storage. Anyway, it's perfect for us.
The place I have in the USA i own completely so I don’t owe rent or mortgage or HOA fees and my average monthly expenses are around $1800 or $1900 a month and about $600-700 of that goes for paying insurances like medical insurance and auto insurance. Between the food and gas, that is under $300 a month and my electric has been averaging about $170 a month, much more in winter than the summer and where I live we do have hot summers.
let me see if i understand this== 1500sq' 3BR(1-used as storage) & 1.5 bath--- husband/wife in master bdrm(usually) 3-kids in 2nd bdrm- - seems you are out of bdrms- no room for live-in-housekeeper and in-laws no room-- maybe you have a dog house but that still leaves either the livei-n or in-laws out in the cold- i am confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😅Haha! @Bruce Devaux ... AMAZING HUH!?!?! No need for confusion... and no, no doghouse, and no one living outside. we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife, and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. And the housekeeper had her little space just outside the "utility" room. Comfy, cozy. 😀 the housekeeper is no longer here since May, so we are down to 7 people now.
Great video, love the breakdown of expenses but again 8 people, is that normal and if isn't normal, your expenses could possibly be 30% less. The thing I enjoy about these vlogs is the USA price comparison, I get a good laugh because there are no comparisons, unless you're living in one of the major metropolitan cities, so why even mention same, you've moved to a developing country where more than half or more of their 7k islands are in the catching up mode, as well as its people and with a salary range from 8 - 12 k monthly for the norm, these people have learnt to live within their means as I'm sure you are, 8 people in a 2 bedroom house, the key is, your happiness, JWD.
Hello @Junior Weir ... are you asking if 8 peope is normal? 😀 I suppose normal is larger families, but for us, we are a family of 5, add my wife's parents, = 7. Add the housekeeper, = 8. 😀👍 As for comparisons, I compare EVERYTHING. I can't help it. Being an American, living in a foreign country, whether its a developing country or not, I would always compare! 😆 8 people in a 2 bedroom house... keep in mind, its a good sized house with 1500 square feet. we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife, and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. And the housekeeper had her little space just outside the "utility" room. Comfy, cozy. 😀 the housekeeper is no longer here since May, so we are down to 7 people now. AND yes, you nailed it on the head. Happiness is the blessing. 🙏😍
Holy large family, Batman!!. Eight is enough! If you don't mind my asking, where in the Philippines are you located? Do you also provide health insurance for the housekeeper too? Is this a requirement? I like your mathematical analysis. It's right up my alley. God bless and salamat po.
😆😂 well, we are back down to 7 for the last couple months. But it's great having my wife's Mama and Papa here. They love the kids especially, so its a lot of love and fun! Sure, we live in the Visayas, Negros Occidental province between San Carlos and Bacolod City (closer to San Carlos). As for your question on health insurance. We were actually just about to sign her up on PhilHealth which is super inexpensive. But she needed to go back to her family home to care for her father. And no, it's not a requirement, although some housekeepers might negotiate that as an option. Thanks for the kind feedback also! I enjoy doing these videos and all the new friends I make everyday! 😁
@@newyorkwalks4515 Actually, where we are, Visayan (a dialect of Cebuano) is the most prevalent. language spoken. Over in Bacolod, its a mix of Visayan and Ilongo.
Hey @RIC KIN HAWAII ... yeah, not bad... funny how we acclimate and now I feel like we could try to cut costs here and there. 😆 but, i know things are WAY more expensive in the U.S.! 😮
Hello @Good Vibes ... the prices are rising, especially this year. I will be doing a 2022 (whole year) cost of living video in January. But, in response to your comment, there is no way I would be able to support my family on less than $2000 per month in the U.S. Even if we lived on just the basics, that just would not be possible. So, yes, the prices have risen in the Philippines, but I am thankful that the cost of living is still much lower than living the same or similar lifestyle in the U.S.
I guess it depends where u live we live in Indiana USA and mortgage free so it’s just basic expenses. This is about our expenses every month maybe less and also it just 2 of us me and hubby.
@@GoodVibes-fe2qf Location can play into it, for example, living in California vs. living in Tennessee, the costs of living are much much less in Tennessee. But for you guys, being just the 2 of you, and no mortgage or rent, yeah, I can see how your monthly expenses would be less. 😄
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@@prepperjonpnw6482 actually... the $63 is the monthly average of 12 months healthcare... as I described in the video, our 12 month total of all doctor visits, prescriptions, over-the-counter, etc. was $756. The $6.50 was an addendum for the PhilHealth insurance. It's P1000 quarterly... so it works out to about $6.50 per month. I hope that helps you...
@@prepperjonpnw6482 My primary carrier is Globe and secondary is Smart. Here's a video I did on my phones, internet and cableTV -> th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html
the avg. expat from the usa get 1,800 usd in turn currently is 96 k make you rich for a philipines workers .
$1,700 for eight people? Thats insane! Im single and have about a $3,000 monthy budget. Im moving to Philli
Hello there @rough rooster 😂 come on over! 👍🏻
How do you make money ? Unless you work from home. Salary isn’t that proportion to cost of living
@@mikemercado1957 ... you really dont want to be working in the Philippines. firstly you will be taking a job away from the locals who desperately need the job, secondly, expect to get paid as a local, which is a low salary. Most of the foreigners have a nest egg, social security, some type of passive income that they can rely on. Cheers!
Hahahahahaha.
@@FrankSouza-ss7cz Exactly like you said they have something they can rely on . For me thats going to be dividends. I dont know about moving there but going for 1 year sounds like a refreshing change of scenery
this is so far the most accurate living expenses in the rural philippines give or take another $100. i like your honesty and detailed explanation of the expenses. good luck, have fun, stay safe, and love your family.
pete
Thank you @peter Alvarez ... and right back atcha! best wishes, stay safe, and love your family! 😍God bless!
i feed in usa in Kentucky 12 ppl , cost 300 usd a month. light bill 175 , rent zero own it . water well o usd. insurance 20 usd . van and truck insurance 150 usd a month. gas month 100 usd basic living supply for house clean and stuff 50 usd , eat out 100 usd . cost alot for you.
Hello @@hillbillyintheasia6122 Thanks for sharing your living expenses in Kentucky. Indeed, the cost of living can vary significantly from one place to another, even within the United States. It's great that you own your home, which eliminates a significant monthly expense. Comparing the cost of living between the U.S. and the Philippines can be quite different due to various factors such as housing, utilities, and the overall economy.
In my video, I aimed to provide insights into 'my' cost of living specifically in the Philippines for those who are considering moving there or retiring. The numbers I shared are based on my personal experiences and observations in the Philippines, where living expenses can be relatively lower compared to many Western countries.
It's always interesting to see how different regions and countries have varying living costs. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!
I think it's funny that you and everyone who does a budget video has to preface with "This is MY budget, yours will vary depending on you." You would think by now, after watching dozens of these types of videos people would know this is YOUR budget, NOT THEIRS. They should realize these videos are ONLY meant to give them a starting point and things to think about when trying to plan THEIR OWN budget. One thing new people will have to add in is Visa renewal every other month. If your budget for a family of 8 is ONLY $1,700 (Good luck doing that in the U.S.), then me being alone with $1,900 a month would be golden, thanks again for re-igniting the fire under my butt and getting the excitement to get things I need to taken care of faster. Great video as always, I really enjoy your no non-sense, honest, and relaxed presentation, so many others try to add so much drama and complaints, like their channel is a "Reality t.v." show. Have a great day boss.
Hello @Eric Taylor ... thanks as always for chiming in with your great feedback! I think it's funny that you mentioned the thing where we state that this is our experience. Well, I can only speak for myself, but the reason I say that is because it is true. And yes, you would think that people would get that, but if I don't state that as a disclaimer, then people will come back to me saying "YOU SAID THIS!" or "THATS NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME", so by saying this is my experience, then that negates the backlash. 😆 Haha!
And yes, I left out the VISA extensions because, for 1) I don't have those anymore, but also 2) because everyone's situations will be different. I might should have at least mentioned it anyway. But yes, I think the core cost of housing and living that I gave should give people a good foundation to base their plans.
And yes, if you have a $1,900 budget... as a single guy... you are MOST DEFINITELY golden. and thanks again, I am a no-nonsense type of guy (some find me boring) but I just face things straight forward, develop my strategy and execute. No time for fussy drama. Funny how that seems to come out in my videos. Thanks Eric! Look forward to meeting you in person some day! 😀
To add to the visa bit, I've noticed that many people aren't aware that you don't have to renew monthly. There's a Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension available for people that like to extend 6 months at a time.
The price for the first 6 months is 215USD (ACR-I card included) and the subsequent 6 months should be 160USD-ish. totaling 475USD per year/40USD-ish per month.
iirc monthly extensions are 55USD-ish
and per two months it was 65USD-ish
While the two-month visa extensions are cheaper than the 6-month extensions. The hassle of not having to have it extended so frequently could already be a deciding factor.
@HypnosisV Thanks for adding that in. How quickly I have forgotten the days of visa extensions. But yea, I took advantage of the 6-month extensions myself up until right before I acquired my permanent resident VISA. I didn't want to have any overlap and double-payment. Haha! 😆
This is definitely helpful for people like us who are considering moving to the Philippines. It’s good to hear that you don’t scrimp on all items. Thanks for posting this.
Thanks @Desert Fox ... I will be publishing a new budget video soon for 2022/2023. 🙂
89 k peso a month is top 20 percent in the Philippines call rich . avg middle class in the Philippine's is just 55k peso a month. 100 k a month in peso you be in the 15% in the Philippine's workers. in make 150 k top 10 %. make 199 k a month top 1 %.
Hello again @@hillbillyintheasia6122 Thanks for providing more context on income distribution in the Philippines. You're correct; the cost of living can vary significantly depending on one's income.
Your insights on income percentiles shed light on the economic diversity in the country. It's always valuable to hear from viewers with different perspectives. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!
Nice, I do plan to move there when I retire in 3 yrs. at 60. My retirement should be around 8K a month without social security and I do plan on taking it at 62 yrs old.
Hi @markJones38133 ... It sounds like you're preparing for an exciting chapter with your retirement income and plans to move to the Philippines. Many retirees find the Philippines to be a wonderful place to enjoy their golden years. Best wishes as you prepare for this new adventure! Stay in touch! I look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Funny thing is in La that's the cost of a one bed room apartment! Some people might think your list is expensive, but that seems really cheap! Especially since you're looking after seven people too!
@William Breeze ... most defintely! as I say, it's all relative. after being here almost 5 years, I have become acclimated to the scale of economy here in the Philippines! But I still know well enough that its a fraction compared to living in the U.S.! especially these days! 😆
Facts, LA rent is outrageous and only getting higher.
Facts, LA rent is outrageous and only getting higher.
@@Iamawanderingangel much more in the bay area. A room in mountain view is $500.
But at least in LA for that money you get to live surrounded by homeless, loads of garbage and rising crime...so the high rent is a "deal."
Excellent! We enjoy your videos. We are in the states still. We will be in the Philippines in December and part of January. We are planning on moving in the next two years and your videos help us plan! Thanks!
Hi @Randy S. ... I love it! Where will you be staying in Dec/Jan? If Negros Occidental, let's plan to meet up! 😀👍
We will be in Manila for a few days and then going to Narvacan in Ilocos Sur. We will definitely meet up one day soon!!! Keep up the great work! Tell your family we said hello!
That was the most realistic budget I have seen. (I would probably add a bit more for more comprehensive health insurance, and many guys here are a bit older than you and should as well). Thank you.
Hi @Jon Jon ... everybody has their own way of doing things. For me, the cost of healthcare is so minimal, I would probably be spending more on insurance premiums than our actual healthcare costs. Now, others who have ongoing or chronic health issues, yeah, I agree with you there. I am in the process of preparing for a video talk on this very topic. Coming soon! Haha! 😄
Thank you sir! Very, very helpful. I will check out your other videos!
Hello @beehive5835 😀 Thank you for letting me know! It always makes my day to know I was able to help somebody along! peace and blessings!
Hi Bro, I stumbled across your channel and am happy to find another brother in Christ! I was working at the US Embassy in Manila, but the wife and I transferred to Bahrain. I am also retired, Navy, we have a US base here. Once a quarter, we send packages to our family in the Philippines full of US products. If you are missing anything that you can't get there, send me a list, and I will let our family LBC the items to you. Anyway, I'm glad we found your channel. By the way, 2 mins in your video well before you said anything about your faith. I knew you were a man of God.
Hello @Tony P ... Wow! Wow! Wow! You have no idea how much of a blessing your comment is. Totally made my day! There is no higher compliment than that Brother, I only wish I felt worthy. ☺
You mention that you worked at the US Embassy. You must realize the consequence of you sharing that with me, as an American living in the Philippines, and a youtuber on top of that, the hundreds of questions I might have for you! Hahaha! 😅🤣😂
And your offer to send us stuff. That would be amazing. I might take you up on that! 😄
I hope this is the beginning of us getting better acquainted. We're on facebook, facebook.com/theg5family/ send me a message and let's chat! God bless you Brother...
This is the most realistic cost video I’ve seen. Thank you l!
Hello @Just Fred 😁 THANK YOU FOR THAT!
Aweschammel man. Getting a lot of really great information tonight
Hello @AJMuma ... THANK YOU! 😄 It makes my day to know that!
That is very true, it does depend if you drink and smoke a lot and go out for meals, like I suppose any country and personal life styles, but the electricity has gone up there so much and food also ...lived there on and off since 1987..
Hello @Rayzersharp Man ... yep, significant rise in costs in 2022. I will be releasing a new cost of living video for 2022 costs. Thanks for chiming in. 😀👍🏻
@@G5Philippines Your very welcome, stay asfe stay cool, Ray in the cold UK
Safe oops.. glassses on now ...
@@Bereadyalways123 Will do! and you stay safe and warm! 😀👍🏻
I recently ran across your channel and I love it. I live in the Houston area and plan to retire there about a year from now. Hope to see you one day!
Thank You! @Elton Randolph ... I'm from the Houston area also! Thant's VERY exciting! Keep me informed with your progress! 😀👍
I have the same ideal. We both live in Houston and are retired now.
@Gerald Golden 😀👍
New subscriber! Just saw your video, super great information. Thank you for sharing.
Hello @MTB Forty ... thank you! and welcome! 😁
That is not bad at all your monthly expenses for eight people. Here in Boston my household budget is about $7,000 including mortgage. Luckily, I am still working and my husband is retired. Yup I am retiring pretty soon to the Philippines.
Hello @Isarog1055 ... Thanks for your comments... yes, our budget in Nashville was about $8,000 per month, but that was with just my wife and I and 2 young children. We do live a far simpler life here in the Philippines, but we really have everything we want and need. Keep us updated when you guys get ready to move over to the Philippines. 😃
We just moved back to Arizona after living in Cebu City for two years. I figure our monthly COL was around $1500 monthly. We got shocked by the inflation while we were gone, thankfully we didn't sell our house. We had a baby girl while there so we've got the baby expenses here. One box of diapers costs over $40!
Hi @Phils to Phx ... WOW! Yes... prices are outrageous! How was your travel experience between the Ph and U.S.?
@@G5Philippines actually we were fortunate, PAL honored the refund they gave us in 2020 when we went to the Philippines and had to use a different airline to get to Cebu. So we just had to get tickets from LA to Phoenix.
@@PhilstoPhx very cool! I have some credits on Cebu Pacific from back during the lockdowns. double booking flights to get home. 😆 Those were some crazy times!
Eggs are 7.50 to 9.00 for a dozen crazy 🤪
@@jeffhorton2024$7.5~$9 for 12 eggs? That’s US dollar? That can’t be true, can it? Where do you live?
Thank you for this informative video. That being said most of the costs on your home we don't know really how you live. Take us on a tour of your home so we can take in your daily living.
Hello @phil rose ... that is true... everyone will have their own lifestyle that will affect their costs. Peace and Blessings!😀
Thanks for videos short and sweet to the point. I have watch other videos that drag on this point.
Thank you again @JIM BREWER ...always appreciate the good feedback! 😀
First let me say that your presentation with providing the cost for each expense in a visual running total and then going into detail was excellent. It looks simple yet so many expats make videos where they talk and give vague numbers and it's frustrating to follow.
Secondly I see a number of people on Phillipines TH-cam videos where they claim anyone saying a single expat can live on only $800 to $1000 a month isn't telling you the truth or providing full details. Yet you have a family of eight living on about $1700 per month! Yes I know single people have different lifestyles and location may impact cost but if a household of 8 can find a way to live comfortably on $1700 per month then surely a single person can do the same on $800 to $1000 per month.
@Arie Fraiser thank you so much for your kind feedback. I do my best to create informational videos that I myself would appreciate. To address your comments on the SIngle Guy - $800 - $1000 per month. Its absolutely doable. You know as well as I do that there are many variables that affect our cost of living, but if Filipinos can get by on their meager incomes, (mostly less than $800 to $1000 monthly, then so can we. And you don't have to live on dirt floors. I think I will take this and create an intelligent video on this topic. I have good insights on this topic. Thanks again for chiming in, I really appreciate it. Please subscribe and tell your friends! 😀👍
What a great video and I subscribed!. I'm looking at Thailand and the Philippines and plan on venturing over there in the Fall when my passport is finalized and the rainy season has passed. With that said, you mentioned a live-in housekeeper. Does she solely clean or is meal preparation also part of that? Does she stay for 5 days a week, I presume? It'd be great if you could do a video detailing that in the future.
Hello @Steve ... Thanks for subscribing! I actually did a video on this, just click here -> th-cam.com/video/p2n3WpstrWA/w-d-xo.html where I go into all the details. Check it out and let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks again!!! 😀👍🏻
@@G5Philippines I checked out your other video and it's awesome! Thanks a lot!
@@Steve-cn5up You're welcome! and THANK YOU! 😀👍🏻
We built our own home here in luisiana laguna.Maybe not a good idea but at least now we have a nice home and expences here are very low.
Hello @James Garrett ... I'm curious why you would say "maybe not a good idea". I looked it up on maps, and it looks like you're in a good place... close enough and far enough from Manila, and nearby Laguna Lake, and then to the east you have Lamon Bay... I've not been there, but it looks like it could be a nice spot. I have friends who live in Calamba, Laguna. 😀
I thought maybe not a good idea to build a house so soon and spend all my savings.I do like this area though.
@@oregonjim1953 ah... understood. well, having your home established is a VERY good thing. I'm still renting, so I look forward to owning/building our home soon. 🙂
Just run across your video, great video, thanks for sharing!
Thank you @Jerry B. I really appreciate your kind feedback! 😀👍
Amazing ! ! ! - - - In the US - I hate to even think about what it would cost for the same living arrangements - for the same life - for the same 8 people ? = OMG - it would be many many times what you are paying - even in some of the cheapest places.
Hello @frankkluz9787 ... absolutely! Back in the US, my cost of living just for me, my wife and our 2 kids (at the time) was just under $10,000 a month. But I can sincerely testify that 6 years living here, I truly appreciate the simpler lifestyle. Of course, we do miss a few things from time to time, but not enough to trade it all back. I need to do a new cost of living video for 2023. The prices of things have increased, but we're still managing about a $2000 per month budget. Peace and blessings!
Appreciate you brother for the most recent cost and break down.
Grateful,
Thank you @Marc Mac brother for your kind feedback. I am also grateful. 🙏😀
new subscriber because your video was spot on - i mean its your situation but it was really helpful, good luck to you and your larger family :)
Thank you @Peter Hughes and welcome! Best to you as well!
Where do you live what island near what city hospital access province climate etc. thanks.
Hello @jamesessenmacher6078 ... we're located in Negros Occidental, the Philippines is a tropical climate year-round. 2 hospitals in the area. you're welcome.
Excellent video G5 Family
Thank you @jeremy lazarus 😀👍
Very nice Vid. Thanks. Gives me time to save up a bit and idea before we move there.
Hello @JOHN E ... good plan... 👍 depending on your situation, the size of your family... I would try to have at least 3 to 6 months cost of living in the bank. 🙂
@@G5Philippines Thank you for the response. Wish us luck! Lol
Thanks for such detailed info.
Merry Christmas @make your life easier ... 100% my pleasure. I hope its helpful! 😀
hi i got a equation .i almost ready to move philippinses only thing im worry about ,is tax .how u fill your tax i have find some one in usa to do for me or can do from Philippines .tnx
Hello @myway ... yes, we just use our tax accountant in the U.S. 👍🏻
My monthly cost is about $500.
Mostly food.
$60 electricity, $50 gasoline.
Built my house. No rent.
Hello @Jesse Akers ... that's AWESOME! 🙂👍🏻
Great video thanks for sharing.
Thank you! @Silverfox 🙂
You give very good information on true cost. Others low ball the cost as low as 600. Keep up the great info videos.
thank you @Gerald Golden ... let me know if there's a topic you would like me to cover. I'm always looking for ideas. 😀👍
@@G5Philippines I was stationed in the Olongapo area years ago in the Marines and vow to return soon.
@@geraldgolden2723 thank you for your service ... I wish we had more U.S. military presence in the Philippines... hoping the new president will renew friendships with the U.S. the China activity in the South China sea is a real concern.
Great video and quite complete. I have to say you all eat super cheap. Our small condo is in San Fernando, Pampanga and my wife and I alone ate more than that, .. but we (or should I say I) do like my western style food, and we ate at the mall a lot being as we had just moved into our place and were just getting things set up.
Hello @Tim's Retirement Journey ... thanks for the kind feedback. Yes, it would be easy to spend way more than that, but here in the province where we live, the selection for western brands and foods are very limited. We get creative and we can put together some nearly the same recipe's. but yes, we're not trying to penny pinch, we get what we want, when we want it, so long as its available! haha! 😆
What do you do with household garbage? Is there a pick up service there?
Hello @shadowsniper4583 ...great question! I can't speak for all the Philippines, but our city actually does DAILY, yes, every day garbage pickup. And it's free. My wife gives the men little token Christmas gifts every year as a gesture, but the garbage pickup is free. Oh, and they are VERY strict about separating the recyclables. 😄
Regardless of the content .. You're such a great loveable personality
@A ... thanks for your kind comment. 🙂
What about parties? My wife has a big family and though we don’t celebrate everybody’s birthdays it averages at least once a month and our house is the common point of get togethers. We get contributions but we pay for the bulk.
Hi @philam1973 ... oh definitely! 😄 there are a bazillion different discretionary expenses that could be mentioned, but the focus of this video was the "actual" costs of the essentials. I did not include things like insurance premiums and other miscellaneous costs, because those would be different based on you, your family, your lifestyle, etc. But yes, we host the occasional parties as well. The families bring their dishes and then we sort of provide the main course and whatever else is needed. Thanks for chiming in! 🙂👍🏻
@@G5Philippines sounds like you are one of the few expats who really blend in. My wife calls these people “cowboys” coz they can adapt to different environments and different people. Enjoy life here!
@@philam1973 😂 well, its either adapt or go crazy. Haha! 🤣
Great detailed budget 👍
I think you may be better off than you think cos my calculator says your total is $1593.50 not $1706.50 🤔👍
Hi @Sentinel ... WHAT?! 😆 I will recheck my math! Haha!👍
Hello Sentinel! I went back and did the math. I know how I came to the $1700, but you are absolutely correct, I definitely goofed up on that. 😆 I'll be doing follow on videos, so I'll correct that in the next one! Thanks for bring that to my attention! 😀👍
Should give the rest to your housekeeper….$80 a month to help a family of 8 😓 that should be illegal
Hi @Chuck 555 ... I agree it may seem like low pay, 😬 Please allow me to clear up ANY confusion. She was NOT taking care of 8 people. Her role was as a helper to my wife, in addition to the kids having their assigned chores as well. I can assure you, we were not all sitting around letting our helper wait on us hand and foot. 😆 Basically, we all work as a team unit. But as for the pay rate, we were paying her a higher amount than what she asked for. And, I would not usually mention these details, but we paid her vacation time, bonused her for birthdays and Christmas... not to mention covering all of her expenses. I just wanted to clear up any confusion on this. She was good to us and we were good to her. Thank you for sharing your sentiments. 😀👍
great break down, now what town do you live in?
Thank you @Christopher Leroy ... I appreciate your feedback! 🙂 We live in the Visaya region of the Philippines. In the Negros Occidental province... between San Carlos and Bacolod CIty... closer to San Carlos.
Electric get some sun panels dam i am from holland with sun my bills are -11.90 i don’t pay anything
@whoopyNL whoopy ... NICE! Yes, thats the eventual plan... 😀👍
very informative !!.. new subscriber here ...just 1 question please .. how about the cost for school for the kids ?..
Hello @Carl Wilkinson and thank you for your feedback and subscribe! 😀 As for schooling. Our kids are enrolled in public school, so the costs are nominal; literally just a couple dollars here and there for school supplies. I am working on a video that discusses private schooling, so stay tuned for that one in the coming days. 🙂
share your blog to filipino group to make it grow or any dating filipina group or make your own group for your fans
Hello @JEPOYHEROBLOGG! Thanks for the suggestion. While I appreciate your idea, my content is primarily aimed at providing information and insights to Westerners who are considering moving to or retiring in the Philippines or those in relationships with Filipinas. However, if you think my videos would be helpful to Filipino groups or dating groups, please feel free to share it with them. I'm more than happy to reach a wider audience and provide information to those who find it valuable. Thanks for being a part of our community! Peace and Blessings Friend!
Wow! that's a great monthly budget 👏
Thank you! @blizzunt 🙂
A premium healthy care package. Did you forget insurance is the most important and expensive thing to get. But all you vloggers seem to forget
Hello @Roc Robert ... thanks for chiming in... no Sir, I didn't forget insurance. And yes, I carry different types of insurance policies, as well as other costs that are not necessarily relevant to the day-to-day cost of living. But those are subjective to each individual or family situations. There's really no way for "all us vloggers" 😆 to suggest what your insurance costs might be. However, you may have missed it, but I did mention that we carry PhilHealth which is very inexpensive, but it does provide some discounts at the check-out counter. Healthcare in the Philippines is very inexpensive and so far we have just covered the costs above the discounts that PhilHealth provides.
What company do you use for your phones? Do you use load or is it a kind of phone plan?
Hello @islandborn ... I use Globe as my primary and Smart as a secondary if/when needed. I did a video talking in more depth on my phones here -> th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html
We will be taking our first vacation back to the Philippines soon, what are the (real) mask requirements? Thanks
You still need wear mask you don't need negative covid test now but you need to be fully vaccinated
Hello @Philip E ... the REAL mask requirements are that they are still required, but it is looser if you are in your personal space. For example, if we go into a store or any place of business, you might be turned away by the security guard if you're not wearing it. But in the car, and walking around outside, it's not as strict.
Masks are mandatory in any setting where you are close to others and in tight spaces without physical distancing. You get used to it after awhile wearing it. We been doing it for over 2.5 years here now.
@Philippines-Traveler yes, we've been wearing them also, but I never get used to it. 😆😂
In Cebu mask is optional
Sorry u probably said in other vid, is ur internet wired and is it reliable, thinking of teaching English over the internet there
Hello @paul fowler ... as for internet quality, there are good areas and not-so-good areas. I did a video on my internet setup if you want to take a look. th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html And we also have Starlink coming as well. 🙂👍
This was great information.
Thank you @Enjoy Life 😀
We have a house in northern luzon it's an 1 level 4 bedroom style on posts off the ground . My question is your A /C what kind do you have is it a split system or central . I was thinking about getting a tower unit to cover the whole floor but then I am faced with the bedrooms. ????.
Hi @Steve ... central A/C is almost non-existent in the Philippines. I say "almost" because there may be folks who have installed central, but in my observations, I haven't run across anyone with central. That said, my setup is a split unit A/C that covers the main living room, kitchen are, and then smaller window units for the bedrooms. Although, if I had known then what I know now, I would have gotten small split unit systems for the bedrooms. They are so much more efficient, and quiet. But yes, that's how we're doing it currently. 👍🙂
@@G5Philippines Thanks 👍🇨🇦
Thank you @Steve 😀👍
What is unacceptable is the electric bill which is way too higher than in Canada The average monthly bill is only $95 a month.
Hello @Mario Calixterio ... well, I would agree with you except, I have no choice but to accept it. It's either accept and pay, or go without airconditioning. Today's temperature is 86 Fahr., 💥and the humidity is 80%. 💦So, I'll be running my A/C. 😂👍🏻
You can find the place that quite cheaper around because one of my fren is the monthly is $120 and so nice and quite big as well in the location so nice and have beaches and lots of people around and lots of fun also around also as well ans you k ow the Philippines quite cheaper compared to other Asia
Hello @Marichu Armodia ... that's great. We are a family of 5 plus my Filipina wife's parents. No way we could find a house, on the beach, with enough space for all of us for $120. That's just not realistic. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
thank you for this video, consider to buy land and build your own house comparing to the long term cost of rent also gives you the opportunity of growing your own foods to safe at this end, in about 15 month my wife and me will do this step and hoping to stay more in the range of $500 per month
Merry Christmas @Modern Robinson ... absolutely agree. We look forward to that. We're saving our pesos in order to buy land and build. The cost of rent is so little, I don't really think too much about that, but I look forward to having our own place. 😀
@@G5Philippines very nice, Merry Christmas, we are located in bicol catanduanes near virac and did buy a beach property 2 years ago right next to twin rock resort, where are you guys located ?
@@modernrobinson2934 oh wow... that's a very nice area over there! We are located in Negros Occidental on the eastern side of the island. We're not on the beach, but within walking distance.
Great video
Hello @Lacey Edwards ...thank you so much... these are little "labors-of-love" and so gratifying to hear back from you. 😀
I'm planing to move to the philipines soon
@artie Larengano ... that's awesome! please stay in touch and let me know about your experience. 🙂👍
One thing I have to ask is how much is it to send the kids to school.. and is the schooling there good?
Hello @gordon ramsey ... we have our kids enrolled in public school and the costs are nominal. No tuition costs at all, just school supplies, their uniforms and those sort of expenses. And yes, the schooling is good. We help with their homework, and it seems to me they are learning more than we did at their ages.
That being said, there are plenty of private school options, especially in the bigger cities. You'll just need to research the schools in the area where you live to seek those out. 🙂👍🏻
@@G5Philippines ty my man...appeciate your help..
Thanks for the very useful information. I'll be moving to the Philippines in a few months. I'm not really a rural type guy but I like small cities. For reference I currently live in Amarillo, Tx. Got any suggestions for small cities I should see?
Hello @Kevin Mullin ... I can totally relate to what you are saying. Btw, I'm from the Houston area myself, so fellow Texan here! Anyway, yeah, I can only speak to what I have seen with my own eyes, but where I live near San Carlos City, Negros Occidental is about 120,000 population. We have the necessities, but the downsides are no good beaches, 2 hours away from the nearest airport, and limited shopping and dining. None of these make enough of a difference that I want to move, (this is where my wife and her family is from) but might not be a fit for you. So, you need to think about what you can and cannot live without. For me, we could move over to Bacolod City, which does have all the things I mentioned, well except the beaches, but everything else. You could settle just outside of the city and have a nice peaceful surroundings while being near to the amenities that matter the most.
You might need to plan on not setting roots too quickly. Give yourself the chance to learn through other people, your own research and so on before you decide to settle into any long term house and home commitments.
One note on the beaches. No matter where you live, you will be just a short trip to a paradisaical beach, so unless you are wanting to be able to surf or jog on the beach every day, that's not a big deal. 😀
Thanks for getting back to me with your wise and practical advice. I should spend a few months checking out the places I've researched online before planting roots. One of those places is just down the road, Dumaguete and I will add Bacolod to my list. Vlogger Asia Unscripted I believe the name was done a few walk around tours of San Carlos It looks like a fine town too.
Nice to meet a fellow Texan, perhaps we'll cross paths.
@@KevinMullin-fd4yn I just looked up Asia Unscripted and yup, he did a good job of showing what San Carlos looks like. Although, there are some other areas like the big park with tennis and basketball courts too. Anyway, If you're ever in San Carlos, be sure to let me know and we'll meet up. 😀
@@G5Philippines That sounds like a great idea, thanks.
8 people for 1700 is already cheap. If u chose local products much more cheaper, instead of renting for 400$ just bust a land n build your own house, own design , cheaper for long term. Market value after some years becomes higher.
Hello @Waterbubblevlogs ... thanks for your input. Actually, our rent is only $285, not $400. And yes, we will eventually build. All things in due time. 🙂👍
Made me sit down and write down my expenses for a month.
Hello @Myendlesslove ... how did yours compare to ours? 🙂
. i live with my 12yo son, and my mother who is 71.our monthly expenses includes:in Peso.
Food/groceries. - 8,000
Electricity 0
Water. - 200
Drinking water - 360
Allowance(school)- 450
Recreation/ 1000
I buy meds whenever needed, specially my son has asthma. My mother is taking maintenance meds and we can get if for free at the health center
No house helper, As for maintenance, i do my own cleaning,laundry,. I put zero for electricity bec when i moved in to my house. A year ago, we found out the meter is stucked up and we are still waiting for replacement.
I live up north in IFUGAO province.
Hahahaha ha. That sounds funny.
@@Scott-ws1nw consider visiting the Philippines☺️
Yeah it's true in the Philippines its cheaper than here in America. I'm watching you guys from Miamisburge, Ohio USA. Originally from Davao City the Philippines. ❤️🇵🇭 Yeah our country is cheaper guys than in America. If you own a house there it's little bit better than renting. Okay love to see your coming videos and I'm one of your subscribers. I feel like I'm back home when I heard n listen your video. Thank you so much. ❤️🇵🇭
Hello @Shima Osman ... thank you SO MUCH! we have family in Columbus, OH. I'm so glad you enjoyed our videos. ❤We enjoy sharing about our life here in the Ph! 😀👍
Yeah Columbus is only 2 hours and half hour from Dayton. Hope you explore more videos guys since she is Filipina you will reach thousands of subscribers. Love to hear from you more kabayan
@@shimaosman6520 thank you so much!!! 🤩
Hi, your video is great. Which city do you live in?
Hello @Antal Almási ... thank you! we live near the San Carlos area. Are you in the Philippines? 🙂
@@G5Philippines hi G5, not yet, but I would love to be there, and stay there for living. Lets keep in touch. Later I might have some questions. Have a nice day to you.
Is the 285 for a three bd or what looking to move there off 700 a month
Hello @SherryKrotzer ... thanks for your question. I created another video that discusses a bare-bones budget. "LOW COST of LIVING budget to live in the Philippines" th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RIsf949DhhC1oyl_ but yes, the $285 I mentioned in the video is for a 1400 sq ft 3-bedroom, 2-bath house. As for living comfortably in the Philippines on $700 per month, I'm concerned that would be quite challenging, even for a single person. The cost of living can vary a lot depending on your location and lifestyle. While the Philippines can be significantly more affordable than many Western countries, you'll need to budget for housing, utilities, transportation, food, healthcare, and other expenses. It's advisable to research the specific area you plan to move to and create a detailed budget to ensure you have a clear understanding of your financial requirements. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further information about living in the Philippines.
Excellent budget vlog
Thank you @Gilbert Garrido Sir! 😀
Is not bad here in US 1700 is only rent for one bedroom apartment
Hello @Alice Armoreda .. that is so true... 🙂
Could you please tell me about the school costs per month? I have 2 boys at school, they are 10 (5th grade) and 13 (8th grade). We are Germans but we currently live in Lisbon. Thanks a lot for your answer in advance and God bless you and your family.
God bless you as well @Inês Regina Krupa ... for the prices of school, I can only speak specific to public schooling. Our kids are in elementary and there are no fees. We have some little costs here and there for school supplies, their uniforms, but thats normal anywhere. There are private schools, and the little bit I have looked at those, the costs are very affordable. Maybe a few hundred dollars USD per year. I will do a video discussing schooling in the Philippines in the near future. I hope that helps. 🙂👍🏻
@@G5Philippines Could you please tell me which is the official Language at the public school? And yes, a video about the public and private schools would be really amazing. Specially for families with children in junior high. Could you also talk more about the quality of internet? My husband and I need internet for working and this is a very important issue. We are interested in living in Puerto Princesa. Could you please go deeper about this subject? Thank you so much in advance!
Hi @@inesreginakrupa4363 😀 ok, so the local language will depend on where you live. You mentioned Puerto Princesa, The predominant local tongue is Cuyuno. However, other languages like English and Tagalog, (Tagalog being the national language) are widely spoken. The internet service will vary from area to area, but I do understand that PLDT fiber is available in Puerto Princesa, you will just want to verify with the local carrier before you buy, build or rent your home. Click on this video I made about my internet service experience. th-cam.com/video/QCfYOXQou84/w-d-xo.html 😃
@@G5Philippines Thank you!
@@inesreginakrupa4363 very much my pleasure! Peace and Blessings! 😀
Just found you. Loved your graphics and background! Where in Philippines do you live? Where puts a perspective to food, electricity and rent. Bagio coolness lowers that electric. Manila rent is higher than tacloban province. Sorry if I missed your location. But a really great presentation, but location helps a-lot. Thanks again.
Hello @MGySgt K ... yeah, I get it... makes sense. I wouldn't have thought it necessary because in my experience, costs across the varias rural (province) areas are relatively similar. We live in the Visaya region in the Negros Occidental province, close to San Carlos. The population of San Carlos is roughly 125,000. so not the smallest, but also not too large, or densely populated. Thanks for your input. 🙂👍
@@G5Philippines thanks. I just wanted a general area, A kinda of, here I am location. I respect your privacy. Again, loved your backdrop and writing out the cost in the margin of the screen. Well done video. I will have to catch up with your other videos today.
@MGySgt K oh! no, no worries. I didn't think you were being disrespectful at all. 😆 I understand you wanting to compare. it is true, we're not necessarily broadcasting our exact gps coordinates, but I don't mind sharing the area where we live. it's all part of the equation. Are you here in the Philippines? and thank you for the positive and supportive feedback. that background is an image I created in photoshop. greenscreen magic. Haha! 😆
@@G5Philippines
Preparing for about 3 years in the future. Just starting to recatch up. Using TH-cam to reintroduce the various areas, cost of stuff and medical care. I've been lucky. Lots of PI travel 1979 1980 at Subic Bay base to numerous wife and I numerous visits. Also, served a tour as an embedded U.S. Marine in the Philippine military in 2007 at WestMinCom Zamboanga. That said, I have the sense to know that what was true 12 years ago, is now changed. Wife last there 2015, but even she says things and places have changed. So I rely on you all, as my/our refresher of PI. Thanks again for your VLOGS.
@MGySgt K oh wow! are you in the U.S.? I welcome your suggestions for topics that you need covered as part of your research. At least I can share what I have experienced. 🙂👍
How much Will it be for an single person. An monthly budget
Hello @James Beaty ... my best answer to your question is "it depends" 😄but I created a video where I go into what a minimal budget might look like for a single guy living in the Philippines. Just click the link 👉🏻th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.html and then let me know if you have any other questions. 😀👍🏻
Did you say this budget is for 8 people? Also how many bedrooms is your house? Thanks
Hello @Bob ... yes... these numbers were the average over a 12-month period. The house is 1500 sqft, 2 large bdrm and 1 & 1/2 bath. we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. And the housekeeper had her space just outside the "utility" room. the housekeeper is no longer here since May, so we are down to 7 people now. 😀
@@G5Philippines thanks so much for the info . I just wanted to get this info to see how many square feet you use for Aircondition. Thanks again….beautiful. My wife is Filipino and hopefully I would move there someday. I love the Philippines
@@usinebob so glad to help! 🙂
thanks dude. Taytay via Charleston SC
Hello @scott ramey ... NICE! and by the way, I love Charleston. I visited there 2 or 3 times back in the early 2000's. 😀
i never see ex-pats in Philippines talk about solar panels. Seems like it would be great way to power the daytime AC
Hello @Paul Mazurek ... I totally agree! I haven't talked about it because I haven't done anything with solar power yet. I rent my house here, so I wouldn't be able to install solar on the roof. But when we eventually build, I will definitely be outfitting my place with solar, possibly wind, and a diesel generator to cover our power usage. When that happens, I will be doing a lot of talking about it. 👍🏻😀
new to your channel... where in the PH do you live?
Hello @Jay Love ... we live in the Visayas, Negros Occidental province. and you? 🙂
Hello Sir,
Thank you for your useful info👍 which made me to subscribe to your chanel!
I'm a Danish citizen, working & living in Copenhagen. I have been in Phil several times as a tourist. I know little bit about the country, it's geographi, culture etc...
I have in my mind come & live in Phil when I'm retired in futre. I'm single, no woman in my life at all! May I ask where in the Phillipines you're living? Which kind of house/flat you're renting? How quiet or how noisey your invironment it is?
Hello @H. N. thank you for subscribing! and Welcome! 😀 We live in the Visayas, on Negros in the Occidental province. We live in a subdivision in a single story 150 Sqm house. and thankfully, our neighborhood is fairly quiet. No roosters crowing, but there are barking dogs. 😖 Haha! 😆
Oh! Nice hearing that you visit phil many times! I had live in finland for 7 yrs and i wanted to visit denmark
@@jayneh2006 Hello N D,
If you was able to live 7 years in Finland then why you did not visit or stay in Denmark too?
@@jayneh2006 wow Finland! how is it there?
I thought health insurance would be more
Hello @Trent Steel ... I am learning that there are other health insurances available to foreigners. I'll be doing a set of videos in the next few weeks on this exact topic. I am going to interview a Filipina lady here that has lived in the U.S., so she's very aware of our concerns and needs. Stay tuned! 🙂
Great video, very informative... People who do Video Blogs from the Philippines say that you can live very comfortable, a Western style lifestyle for $ 1600 per month or less, would you agree ?
I agree.
Hello @Bluponi ... Ok, I "can" agree, but it can also be said that you could live on even less. It's really subjective and depends on the person/couple/family. With so many variables, thresholds of acceptable housing, car? or no car? Metro or Provincial? But yes, $1600 is reasonable, maybe not an extravagant lifestyle, but all of your essential needs are possible for that amount. I actually did a low cost of living video here - th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.html - that will give you a perspective on the cost of a most basic lifestyle. Please let me know your thoughts after you watch that video. 👍😎
Really depends on your lifestyle.
i live in samal island i own my house with three kids and my maid i get 40000 pesos a month out of which i save 10to15 pesos a month
Thank you @Cliff Russell ... that is impressive! You will encourage a lot of guys that are looking to live in that $800 per month range. 😀👍
is $500k enough for a couple to retire in Phillipines? we're in our 30s.
🤣😅😂 Believe it or not, it's just as easy to live large here in the Philippines as anywhere.
Hi im just wondering because you dont have a list for daily meal budget, so that means its all included on the $455 grocery budget? thats around 25,000 pesos or approx 830 pesos per day, given that Pork and chicken are so expensive right now and you are 8 in the family, that is still so modest. Im a filipina we are just 3 in the household and our daily food budget is not less than 500 pesos, we have another budget for groceries for snacks only .your video makes me think to check on my budgeting again maybe we are overeating😅
Hello @Xtra 😂the $455 doesn't include eating out, or carry-out for the additional $95. So roughly P28k total. Remember also, I did this in June, and the cost of groceries has spiked in the last 2 months especially. I have been thinking about doing a follow-up budget video for August that shows what the costs are now. 😳
I just recently subscribed. I noticed your COL does not include your kids tution fees? Can u share where do u guys live? Thank u!
Thanks @Michael Artis and welcome the G5 Family family! 😆 You are correct about the tuition, so far, we only have one child in school and we enrolled her in the public school system. This was a choice we made because we want our girls to grow up immersed in the culture and social environment, just like her Mama. So for now at least, we do not have any school tuition costs. And sure, we live in the Visayas, central Philippines on the Negros Island in the Occidental province. Thanks for your question! I will plan on doing a talk about schooling here in the Philippines. 🙂👍
Me and my family live in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. It is VERY rural. I gave the local school system a chance with our 2 boys (12, 11) and have found it to be abysmal. Perhaps the public school system in the city is better, but we have had to rent a second house in Bacolod so that our sons can go to a private school there. I mention this because families with school age kids who plan to live here should plan on adding private school tuition to their budget. The cost of a very good private school is a little more than $1000 per child, per year, in Bacolod. Very reasonable.
@@jeffbenedict7908 a$1000 per child is not too bad at all. I just didn't want to enroll my kids in International schools that costs arm and leg
@Jeff Benedict Thanks for sharing, that's great information! And it makes me wonder also, we are between San Carlos and Don Salvador, so we take our kids to the school in San Carlos City. It wouldn't be a stretch to think that the quality of schooling would be better in the city. We should meet up sometime! We drive through Don Salvador going to Bacolod City about once a month! Been thinking about going over to see Top Gun. 😆😎
@Michael Artis same here. 👍
Good analysis but most people will have 1 to 2 before having kids.
Hello @Nell Nell ... I'm not sure I am understanding the point of your comment. 😄I shared our cost of living for our family. We have more than 2 people in our family. 😀
@@G5Philippines i think alot of people want to know how much for 2 or less people
@@Usernotknown21 Ah, ok. It really comes down to lifestyle., location, type of housing, etc. If it was only me and my wife, and we wanted to live in the same city we live now, we would definitely want to live in the house we are in now. However, we would spend less in food, unless we decided to do more traveling, since in this scenario, its only the 2 of us. So we might spend more than what we spend now. There's just so many variables to consider. You might search to find cost of living videos by couples with no children to get an idea of what their costs are. As I said before, I just gave the numbers that I experience with our specific family situation. 👍🏻😊
For a 8 person household that is not bad..
@Philippine Fandango ... yes... I think it's pretty good. we do what we want and need... but we also try to be thrifty where we can. 🙂👍
Hello..thanks for the honest accounting :)
Could you please help me understand the live in housekeeper expense? Is $80USD ( about 4500P) seems a bit low..is it?. I realize the person is not paying rent or food which is awesome but I would like to know the details, which would help my understanding of having a helper there. Are they cleaning how many hours a day. Is it 6 days a week? Things like that. If you have made a video already on that ..it would be great. :)
Thanks once again...and your living in which area? I am heading to Negros Oriental..so apologies if you've covered this in another video as it is my dinner break and this is my first video of yours viewing cheers...great family and I love the goaty 😎, Rob.
Hi @schmutly ... yes, I am happy to answer all of your questions... I do have a video where I talk about this in more detail -> th-cam.com/video/p2n3WpstrWA/w-d-xo.html ... check that out and let me know what other questions you have. And yeah, we live in Negros Occidental near the San Carlos area. We'll practically be neighbors! 😀👍
I wonder if it would be cheaper or more expensive for a single male.
Hello @Koj Koj ... it would absolutely be cheaper as a single guy. I did a video specific to that here -> th-cam.com/video/dvYTzE7B8YU/w-d-xo.html 🙂👍
Hello new subscriber here, I would like to move to the Philippines with my family which is myself my wife and four children, what do you think would be a good place to recommend for a good place for safety security and overall low cost of living? Also how do you find good places to live? What is the best way to find those houses? Both my wife and I are not native Filipinos, nor are any of our kids. Our goal is to move to the Philippines to save money, have a better quality of life, and have more family time with one another.
Hello @Opsec Classified ... thanks for subscribing! Yeah, so, wow. 😃 that will be a huge change for you guys, but I highly recommend it if you can make it happen. As for places to live, I have to admit to being biased to where we live. San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. For business purposes, I have hit cities around the Philippines, so I have a fairly good feel for other areas, but every time I come back home, it's a huge sigh of relief. Not easy to put into words. The size and population here gives us all the necessities, but it's not touristy, and it is really ideal for raising a family. I'm happy to chat with you 1-on-1, just connect on our facebook.com/theg5family page. Peace and Blessings!
So $1000 Australian per week for three people with a mortgage in Manila is good money yea?
Hello @Godexists100 ... living in Manila is definitely more expensive than what it costs to live in a more rural city, but sure, if you're careful with your spending, you should do well on that budget amount. 🙂👍🏻
@@G5Philippines thank you.
What about your gas bill?
Hello @Mike&Micah 😀click here 7:38 where I talk about the cost of fuel for my vehicle. If you're asking about gas for cooking, we're all electric here. When I build our house, I do plan on putting in a gas stove. I hope that helps! Peace and Blessings! 😀
@@G5Philippines Thank you. Yes, I meant gas for cooking.
Thats an honest expense. Still cheap living in LA gas is 4.85 a galloon. Car insurance and maintenance. For those renting apetment 2500 for 1 hedroom sucks and taxes. No brainer Philippines is cheaper.
Hello @Sugbuanon ... yes, no complaints for sure! Prices are rising here, but still way less than what things cost in the U.S.!
I'm wondering do you earn in USD or in PHP currency? Do you work from home or do you work physically in the Philippines? Thank you!
Hello @Reychelle Hervias ... yes, my earnings are USD and I work from home. For foreigners, working/earning in the Philippines is not really practical. Thankfully, my part-time work in the U.S. is all I really need. 🙂 How about you?
@@G5Philippines That's awesome, I am wondering how to get a work from home job, so that I am able to visit the Philippines with no worries of income, and potentially live there for a few months before coming back to New Zealand :). Where did you apply for a work from home position? I'm not sure it will be the same rule in NZ as US though. Would be awesome if you could make a video on this or reply! I appreciate your content and effort
@@ChelMatisse thank you so much! It makes my day to know that in a small way I am helping people pursue their dreams! I actually created a video a while back on ideas for how foreigners can earn incomes while living abroad (including the Philippines) Just click the link here 👉🏻th-cam.com/video/5vcrJ3mUFqY/w-d-xo.html and then let me know if you have any questions. 😀
Wow, budget efficient household👍👍👍.
Trying to figure out where your location is😂.
Thanks for sharing.🙏.
God bless your family.🙏.
Hello @Elon Mask ... thank you so much! We live in the Negros Occidental province. Peace and Blessings to you! 😀
A small tip please. The amount it cost you to live anywhere will differ to how much it cost anyone. While as a kiwi I am quite happy to live in a good apartment for PPH 12,500 per month, it seems like Americans like to spent upwards of PPH 40,000. While in N.Z. We have a very nice new home being built, after selling a bigger new home. So we are used to comfort. We don’t like A.C. As it drys. Out the air to much. We just have very good fans in the Philippines. My budget would be of little use to you and yours to me. So thankyou, but no thank you. Kiwi
Hello @denyswoodroffe490 ... uh, thank you? I guess? I'm not sure how to respond. 😀you seem very nice, but if this is of little use to you, then why bother watching the video, and taking time to comment? 😄I will just respond by noting that at 0:06 I mention that I receive many inquiries about mine and general costs of living in the Philippines. Then at 0:32 I specifically state as a disclaimer that, and I quote "everybody is going to have their own experience, your preferences, your priorities are going to be different from mine, so everybody is going to have their own situation, and then you have different parts of the country..." end quote. So yes, I agree with you, everyone will have a different experience. The video has over 37,000 views, and people seem to appreciate having a general idea of what to expect. So even though it is of little use to you, maybe others find value. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts. 😃 Peace and blessings to you and yours.
What are you paying per KWH? Where I’m at it 11.6php per KWH. About the same as my old home state.
Hi @darryl Bailey ... I just looked at my most recent electric bill and our per KWh rate is ₱13.74 at 1,259 KWh's used = ₱17,309 or $0.26 x 1,259 = $327.30 USD
@@G5Philippines My old home state at .22 KWH that would be $276.98. My last bill 420KWH, so 4900php. My AC”s are spilt con inverter type so that saves some. I do need to get the ceiling insulated I think that will help.
I just saw your house is 1500 SQ feet. Mine here is like 520 SQ feet. So your power bill being 3x mine sounds about right
Five adults and three children in 2 bedrooms seems very crowded.
Hello @Tootsie 😂actually, we're not crowded at all. 😆we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife, and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. We let the housekeeper go a few months ago, but she had her space, including her own bathroom next to the "utility" room, and now we use that space for storage. Anyway, it's perfect for us.
The place I have in the USA i own completely so I don’t owe rent or mortgage or HOA fees and my average monthly expenses are around $1800 or $1900 a month and about $600-700 of that goes for paying insurances like medical insurance and auto insurance. Between the food and gas, that is under $300 a month and my electric has been averaging about $170 a month, much more in winter than the summer and where I live we do have hot summers.
@@vernoncooke7348 thanks for sharing 😀
Where about do u live? I understand it different prices for different areas.
Hello @Zettie Lanphier ... we live between the San Carlos area and Bacolod City, closer to San Carlos in the Negros Occidental province. 🙂👍
@@G5Philippines have a friend that lives in San Carlos. He said it's nice and friendly place. 👍
@Zettie Lanphier yes, we love it over there. that's where we go for all our goceries and stuff. 😀
May i know what location are you in the Philippines?
Hello @Nez AG ... and yes... we live in the Visayas, Negros Occidental province. 🙂👍
Planning to retire to my hometown in 2 years.
@Nez AG That's AWESOME! 👍😎
let me see if i understand this== 1500sq' 3BR(1-used as storage) & 1.5 bath--- husband/wife in master bdrm(usually) 3-kids in 2nd bdrm- - seems you are out of bdrms- no room for live-in-housekeeper and in-laws no room-- maybe you have a dog house but that still leaves either the livei-n or in-laws out in the cold- i am confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😅Haha! @Bruce Devaux ... AMAZING HUH!?!?! No need for confusion... and no, no doghouse, and no one living outside. we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife, and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. And the housekeeper had her little space just outside the "utility" room. Comfy, cozy. 😀 the housekeeper is no longer here since May, so we are down to 7 people now.
Where in the philippines ru living?
Hello @xris ... we live in the Visayas, Negros Occidental province. and you? 🙂
@@G5Philippines I’m currently in Chicago. Retiring next year probably in Cebu
@@xris5697 Awesome! 🙂
Very good number for 8 people
Hi @rory bellamy ... with the rising costs, I'm planning to do an update for the last 3 months. thanks for chiming in... 🙂
Great video, love the breakdown of expenses but again 8 people, is that normal and if isn't normal, your expenses could possibly be 30% less. The thing I enjoy about these vlogs is the USA price comparison, I get a good laugh because there are no comparisons, unless you're living in one of the major metropolitan cities, so why even mention same, you've moved to a developing country where more than half or more of their 7k islands are in the catching up mode, as well as its people and with a salary range from 8 - 12 k monthly for the norm, these people have learnt to live within their means as I'm sure you are, 8 people in a 2 bedroom house, the key is, your happiness, JWD.
Hello @Junior Weir ... are you asking if 8 peope is normal? 😀 I suppose normal is larger families, but for us, we are a family of 5, add my wife's parents, = 7. Add the housekeeper, = 8. 😀👍 As for comparisons, I compare EVERYTHING. I can't help it. Being an American, living in a foreign country, whether its a developing country or not, I would always compare! 😆 8 people in a 2 bedroom house... keep in mind, its a good sized house with 1500 square feet. we use the 2 bedrooms for me and my wife, and the kids. Then we created a space for my wife's Mama and Papa just off of the living room area. And the housekeeper had her little space just outside the "utility" room. Comfy, cozy. 😀 the housekeeper is no longer here since May, so we are down to 7 people now. AND yes, you nailed it on the head. Happiness is the blessing. 🙏😍
hello @Philippines on the horizon not sure I understand what you are asking "what is my point?" 😆
@Philippines on the horizon 😆 ah!
Holy large family, Batman!!. Eight is enough! If you don't mind my asking, where in the Philippines are you located? Do you also provide health insurance for the housekeeper too? Is this a requirement? I like your mathematical analysis. It's right up my alley. God bless and salamat po.
😆😂 well, we are back down to 7 for the last couple months. But it's great having my wife's Mama and Papa here. They love the kids especially, so its a lot of love and fun! Sure, we live in the Visayas, Negros Occidental province between San Carlos and Bacolod City (closer to San Carlos). As for your question on health insurance. We were actually just about to sign her up on PhilHealth which is super inexpensive. But she needed to go back to her family home to care for her father. And no, it's not a requirement, although some housekeepers might negotiate that as an option. Thanks for the kind feedback also! I enjoy doing these videos and all the new friends I make everyday! 😁
@@G5Philippines Is it Ilonggo speaking there where you live?
@@newyorkwalks4515 Actually, where we are, Visayan (a dialect of Cebuano) is the most prevalent. language spoken. Over in Bacolod, its a mix of Visayan and Ilongo.
Also get her social security.
Money 💰. 1700 for 8 people 👍👍👍
Hey @RIC KIN HAWAII ... yeah, not bad... funny how we acclimate and now I feel like we could try to cut costs here and there. 😆 but, i know things are WAY more expensive in the U.S.! 😮
This is like living in usa expense already everything got expensive in Philippines it’s sad
Hello @Good Vibes ... the prices are rising, especially this year. I will be doing a 2022 (whole year) cost of living video in January. But, in response to your comment, there is no way I would be able to support my family on less than $2000 per month in the U.S. Even if we lived on just the basics, that just would not be possible. So, yes, the prices have risen in the Philippines, but I am thankful that the cost of living is still much lower than living the same or similar lifestyle in the U.S.
I guess it depends where u live we live in Indiana USA and mortgage free so it’s just basic expenses. This is about our expenses every month maybe less and also it just 2 of us me and hubby.
@G5 Philippines maybe it will change when we have kids lol
@@GoodVibes-fe2qf 😂
@@GoodVibes-fe2qf Location can play into it, for example, living in California vs. living in Tennessee, the costs of living are much much less in Tennessee. But for you guys, being just the 2 of you, and no mortgage or rent, yeah, I can see how your monthly expenses would be less. 😄