My american husband was looking forward to us moving back to Cebu in 2026 but, unfortunately he did not make it. He passed away July 2024. Me and my son will still push our plan. Coming home for good this year. Very much excited...
Probably the more accurate assessment Ive seen. I pay 15k for rent...add in water, electricity, wifi and trash....I can round it up to 20k...and I'm in a city of half a million. I would agree with you numbers. If you don't go out whoring and drinking (buy a damn bottle and tip one at home, ppl!) and just live like a normal person, your 1500-1800 USD/month would be spot on...add in maybe trips to S&R for nice meats and frozen foods (buying a dedicated freezer of course!) and you can cook some great stuff when you aren't going out. I make frequent trips to other Asian destinations (usually about same time frame, 3-7 days) with the surplus. For those of you that need a vehicle other than a scooter, a new Wigo can be had for 12k USD. even a good 4x4 is less than 25K USD. Good report Sir
I’ll be 40 in September and am considering retiring early and moving to the Philippines. My budget would be a little over 3k a month for the rest of my life with a nice investment on the back burner. This video puts my mind at ease. I plan on visiting for a couple weeks sometime this summer. Can’t wait!
I just subscribed to this channel. I'm moving to the Philippine's sight unseen in October. I'm 73 and have already been retired for almost 12 years now. Much like you, I've been on line doing research for about 8-10 months now. I have a girl over there (in my age range) already and we're moving to Puerto Princesa Palawan initially. I've already been thru a dozen or so girls in their 20's over here in the states, so I have that out of my system now LOL I'm very comfortable moving there sight unseen because I've kind of done it in the states a few times for business reasons and it was always easy for me to adjust. I'll be watching some of your videos over the next few months and commenting before I move there. Thank you for doing your channel. There's a lot of expat dorks doing these kind of channels. I've had active you tube channels since You tube began and before that I used to produce DVD's about cooking for about 10 years or so. My point is that i understand the you tube video business game. I have around 500 videos of my own on you tube, which require more than a fireside chat lol, in order to produce. LOL. Anyway, thank you for your efforts. maybe one day I'll see you over there.
Was living in the Philippines for 3 years but had to move back for my senior MediCare. Unfortunately FULL healthcare can be as much as the rent! For seniors considering retiring to Asia always factor in $400 - $700/mo for FULL healthcare coverage vs. your home country's plan. (e.g. MediCare in the USA $185/mo). In Asia the monthly premium goes up w/ age and pre-existing conditions.
Great content and love the sincerity! Tell us about the year round seasons, weather. Best, worst month based on your boots on the ground year experience.
Just discovered your channel. Very well done. I'm 58 and plan to retire in the Philippines with my filipina wife. We live in Denver currently. We have already chosen Cebu as our next home. She is from Dipolog. We have talked about IT Park but also like the Ayala City Center area. Stayed at Calyx the last time we were there. Would love to grab a beer some time.
im paying $800,,,,it depends where u live, many states with no state income tax have to make up for the lost revenue. They have higher sales taxes and property taxes
Found you from Chad love your enegry and outlook. Those condo towers up on hill look great. Would like to see your view. When i get to Cebu ill be in touch for sure
Hi Thanks for the video. My wife and I easily live off 30K PHP per month. Granted we have no mortgage as we built our new home in Isabela province. I was lucky enough to retire at age 55. Cheers Simon
Add visa extensions, Health Insurance (Travel Insurance/PhilHealth) and you are there. Good video for a new guy. I know a lot of guys self insure, but not ideal without some type of insurance.
Ahh the 90s. I used to rent a 2 bdrm basement suite by myself in Whistler, BC for 800 cdn a month and kept one room empty for visitors. I only worked 8-9 months out of the year because I was in construction, would take the winters off and skied about 100 days a year on average. Went on trips all over the world at the same time. Got a new F350 truck every 4-5 years, ate out all the time in the best restaurants in town and went out partying several days a week. All on a construction workers salary of about maybe 10-12K cdn a month in todays money. You can't even rent a 2 bdrm up there now for under 5000 cdn, lift tickets are almost 300 cdn and eating/going out is ridiculously expensive. Vehicles, flights/hotels, cell phones, real estate has all 4-5Xed in price. I feel sorry for the younger generations who never got to experience what I did back then
@@brucemunro7499Nice try but capitalism existed in the 90s. What didn't exist back then was Justin Trudeau selling out Canada. He cripples the oil and gas sector while handing over Canada to India and China.
Great info Britt! How long did it take you to get used the weather? The heat and humidity are a bit of a concern to me. Did you buy a car there? I've wondered at the availability of used trucks and motorbikes. Thanks!
Very cheap my friend! If you want brand-new motorcycle bike 125 cc Yamaha Honda or kawasaki it range about $1,200, if you want slightly used motor bike $600 to $700. If you want a car like Toyota or Honda or Mitsubishi which is also a good quality of cars brand-new $8000, if you want good quality used cars there are so many choices it is only $4,000. They offered also installment bases.
Great, realistic information. I live in a Luxury Condo in Cebu City. All in, $2,000 US a month. 50K pesos / $850, rent worth every pesos. Everything else all in $1,200. Groceries, eating out, utilities misc spending money for 2. Walking distance to everything western amenities you could want. Similar lifestyle in Hawaii $6,000 to $7,000 plus a month.
It's the same as my lifestyle in China. Go out to eat, 12rmb to 40rmb. Get a massage, it's 60rmb per hour. tuktuks cost 5rmb, a scooter is 2500rmb new, gas 25rmb per tank. Hang out with my friends, drink qingdaos at night, smoke zhonghua. That's right out of university because Western companies were not hiring fresh grads because it's the Financial Crisis back home. 500rmb rent.
Great video, Britt. Thanks for breaking down a basic and concise budget layout on what a foreigner would be looking at as far as monthly expenses when moving to the Philippines. I have been to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam but I have not been to the Philippines yet. I plan to travel there in 2025 and your channel has been a great source of information for me to take notes prior to arriving there. Wishing you continued success on your TH-cam channel and you gained another subscriber. Hope to meet you in person when I get there. Take care.
I know many who live here on $900 to $1500 USD a month and they live good. Some may not travel much but they never did that in the states either. It's all about your lifestyle and what you want in life. Some choose to walk and avoid buying a motorbike or car, some stay home and cook while others eat out all of the time. You can always cut out expenses to shape your budget. I've always said this........I would rather live on $900 to $1500 in the Philippines before trying that in the states.
Really all depends on lifestyle & location. Usually a short distance from the big city life prices are much cheaper and allow for a smaller budget. Many expats I know doing that also spend about $900 on the basics most months for a comfortable life and add some when they do travel. Not depriving themselves at all doing this and eat out often. --- Seems to afford quite a nice retirement on the average SS check. Some I saw in Manila even do a thrifty budget and live frugal but easily on $1500. Locals manage on so much less everywhere in the entire country ! You won't be homeless like in the US on the very small SS incomes @ $800 for some. I see some living in their cars on those incomes in the US !
Happy Holidays, Britt I checked out Marco Polo and it's awesome. I'm looking to rent there too coming this February. There are many choices and I wonder which towers do you consider the best and which ones are the worst to live in and why.
Britt, If the wife and I wanted to sail out boat there. Are there lot's of islands to sail around there and how about marina costs? Thanks ! - SUBSCRIBED
Good video on your cost of living expenses in the Philippines. I have a question? Have you started dating in the Philippines? If yes, how much money per month are you spending on dating?
@@bernardo2022 I'm dating. Even had a relationship for 6 months. I spent the same amount. She would cook at home. Therefore, I saved the money I spent eating out.
I left something out. It's critical. If you have never been with a Filipino woman, get ready to take pictures of her standing in front of anything and everything. Rocks, trees, food, highway signs, rivers, restaurants, parked cars, boats, coconuts, hills, street signs, malls, and anything else. It becomes white noise after a while. We have probably 4.2 million photos that will never be looked at a week later.
Enjoyed your interview on Chad's channel. All men considering a move need to watch your channel, straight and to the point. The difference between your channel and others, you talk the raw numbers, they don't. I don't know why they do that, but men shouldn't have to be guessing about all this. I have been eyeing Marco Polo Residences because it looks to have everything I want, and it won't be a shock transitioning from my San Francisco Nob Hill view condo that overlooks the entire city and Bay. Since you were talking numbers I'll disclose mine. My "pension" totals $6,500 USD net each month. Here in California that puts me in the "low income" category. Although I have zero debt, so my money goes farther than most, with everything being so costly, it is easy for me to blow through $6,500 monthly. (E.g., just walked to the pet store to get a 13 lb. bag of dry fud for my dog, some "Greenies" chews, and two small bags of treats. With California robber baron tax (aka "sales tax") the total bill was $165!) The sad thing, I didn't blink an eye, I just paid it and we walked back up the hill. I'm leaving because after I broke up with my last GF of five years, I have NOTHING keeping me here. And at my age, like you, I'm never going to be in a relationship again, at least not anyone in their 20s to 30s. So now I have started giving away a lot of stuff to the housekeeper. And I plan to sell things too (my gun collection, motorcycle, etc.) My biggest problem can be reduced to one word: LOGISTICS. I have lived in my place for 30 years. I have accumulated so much stuff that at times I fantasize about tossing everything at the corner trash can and let people have at it. (Did that once about 10 years ago when trying to clear out one of my storage rooms in the basement. Passers-by were like locusts. I was beginning to think that people drive around 24/7 scrounging for stuff.) Well, I've said enough. I'll look you up when I get there, if that's OK.
@FoundingTH-camr-2005 Wow. I sold it all. Put everything on FB Market Place. Then sold a lot of things to my brother for a huge discount. My move over here is the best decision I ever made.
I hear you regarding stuff, I had things in storage for 15yrs plus, I got so frustrated trying to sell things that i just started dumping or leaving it at goodwill. It was best decision, I learned the $$ value had to do more with a mental block than actually needing it! Good luck in your journey
Our original budget was 3k as well but we bought our condo so no rent in the budget. The only time we over spent or came even close to going near 3k is when we take trips out of the country.
I've spent a lot of time in the Philippines. I lived in Azalea by the Ayala Mall in Cebu. You have to be careful with restaurants. Lots of restaurants do not have health and safety standards. All the 'sit down' restaurants in Ayala were safe. We were in Lapu Lapu at the Waterfront Casino (nice place) and went to their Chinese restaurant (Best in Cebu award). We were sick for 2 days. It was bad. Resorts on Camotes, Santiago Bay, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The resort restaurant got half the guests sick. I'm guessing cross contamination. Breakfast was the only meal that didn't make us sick. There were a dozen of us that checked out early from food poisoning. It really was hit or miss depending where you were. If you get to a TGIF, Texas Roadhouse, or an Italiano, you can buy a diners card. It's good at 12 restaurants. All those restaurants practice health and safety standards. I would recommend Airbnbs. You can shop and cook for yourself. Also, carry wipes and baggies. There's no toilet paper in public places, and you can't flush anything you use for self-cleaning. Also, many places only take cash to include lots of public restrooms on traveling roots. Once you leave bigger communities, ATMs are hard to find. We were two weeks on Camotes. 1 working Atm that was 45 minutes by trike from our resort. It was not working the time all of us got food poisoning. Having said that, I love the Philippines. Most of the people are awesome. In some areas, beggars are super aggressive, and some areas you can get robbed or killed. The provinces are really nice. There are huge expat communities. Bantayan was awesome. A small island off of the Cebu mainland. You get their by a converted freighter. A great trip. A ton of Australians, New Zealanders, Spanish, British, lots of Swedes, and Norwegians. That place was so much fun.
I just found your channel, new subscriber. I am moving to Cebu in a couple of months. I have looked at Marco Polo condos online. Is what you are paying typical price? Is that a year lease? Great video!
@@kenh2265 I love it here. Most here are a little higher. Around $500. But you could get lucky and find one here. Definitely need a bike to live here. Let me know when you're coming. I'll meet up with you to help out on the transition.
One source I use is a realtor called "Dot Property" They seem to have a lot of info on Marco Polo Residences. They have anything you could want there, and there's lots of photos. I told them what I wanted (2 BR) and my price range, then put myself on their mailing list (an e-mail once weekly). Just now Dot Property site shows: Marco Polo Residences Cebu City , Cebu FOR SALE (190 units ) starting from ₱ 4,600,000 FOR RENT (66 units ) starting from ₱ 18,000
As a caution just be on the low radar. There are many scammers who is looking for money. Enjoy your time in Philippines. As I am still working towards my retirement here in U.S. Hopefully I can join other expats and have a higher quality of life in SE Asia.
Hi Britt, 2 questions- What about medical expenses & can you collect still collect Social Security, living living in the Philippines? Your videos are great!
Hey Britt.. great video man. First off, miss you guys in Cebu.. secondly, one thing I notice in the comments from the guys who’ve never left US/Canada is that the comments inevitably go to politics… might be a pretty cool video if you outline how unimportant and irrelevant “western politics” are once we arrive in the Philippines. We all just get along over there, zero bickering about politics. See you in a few months man.
1800 can easily be 900 U own or trade houses no rent wife contributes 500. Budget is already 900. Grow some food ,eat in your own restaurant, Save another 100 Passive or net zero house save another 100. Attack your expennses one by one. I could get it down to 20 a day and have 5 homes and 4 cars.
Internet $28 electricity $15 gas to cook $10 car insurance $55 is $55 a year. Gasoline is $5.5 a gallon food about $75 a week. My small house is free and clear np property taxes. My water bill $20 a yearly. Central America (not costa rica which is equivalent to the USA.
Britt's numbers are very accurate. I visited over 5-6 places (incl. Manilla) this past July 2024. I initially planned to vacation there for 2 weeks. I stayed 7 weeks and had a fantastic vacation. I spent 26 years working in the hospitality business; marketing the best resorts in Orlando. (Hilton, Marriott and Disney.) I have met tens of thousands of people from all over the world. The Philippine people are their happiest that I've ever interacted with. I'm returning there this year and can't wait. Thank you for the very accurate info. Excellent video. Viewers: do yourself a favor and subscribe to his channel.
Nice video, been there myself and have similar aspirations. Do you consider investing in the area for income? Maybe an Airbnb, sarisari store? Just curious because I found just vacationing the whole time was little different. Anyway nice video, massage I had there Angeles was with two girls 😅
@tcdavis66 I came here to live life to it's fullest. Heard horror stories about investing. I do have friends that work all night for themselves or for American companies.
Your living like a king in the Philippines with less money,I'm talking about a budget for $1,000 a month and you live a good life without stress in your life.
I just subscribed to your channel. I'm from UK and am in the Philippines at the moment. Next time I'm in Cebu I would like to try to meet up. And talk with you over a coffee You are living the life that I want to live also. Andy
Sounds great, what kind of visa arrangements have you made? Do you know anyone who has been able to find a remote job that they can work over there for a US company? Or any other Americans who need to make money from a job? Great video!
@@BrittMcalister Are the ones working for US companies doing it remotely? I have known a couple people who were doing that in South America and unfortunately their employer didn't know (and found out).
@CaptainRon2 I bought a used Mazda 2018. Had 20,000 miles on it. Did have to do a little maintenance. Mostly rubber parts. Runs and looks great. $11,000
I've been there. Did the falls, but my party didn't want to try canyoneering at the time. I'll go back and try. Heard nothing but good things about the excursion.
Question for you and your Expat buddies and maybe to address in a future video. This video is a great topic for todays lifestyle, my guess is alot of the viewers like myself are still many years out from making the move. I am roughly 10yrs or so myself. How do you forsee inflation and future costs? Maybe for your expat buddies that have lived there for 10+ yrs, how much have they seen the inflation affect their budget of the years? In the US its insane.. Could your 1700-1800 turn to 2300 in 10 yrs? 3000? Or with it still being a developing country, could we be luckys to see minimal infaltion and still be around 2k?
Be aware this is for a single man. Most men take on a woman and many have children also. Bigger house needed, more food, clothes, school and on and on. If you stay single forever you are fine. Do not forget the Filipinas family. Un expected medical costs can be huge in some circumstances. Calculate your budget and then double it. Also, there is a huge difference between the value of the US dollar and the Canadian dollar.
New sub here! Great information. Ironically, my last name is Britt. PH is on my radar as well as Vietnam. One question I have is: Do you keep a US phone to get your two factor authentication codes from your bank when you check your account online. Always curious about how this is done and what your solution is. I do have a Charles Schwab checking acct. that reimburses ATM fees while abroad and have a Wise account too, though haven't used it yet. I hear T-Mobile has an international plan. Any recommendations would be appreciated
I have 2 lines here in the Philippines. I do pay $40 per year for Skype for unlimited calls to America. You can choose a phone call for most banks. Skype allows all US incoming calls.
@@BrittMcalister Thanks for the reply Britt. So, I would just have to change my current US carrier phone number (that's on record with my bank) to the new Skype number to receive a phone call from my bank. Correct?
I have a house in Bantayan island Cebu me and my whife solar with battery back up i live in Pensacola Florida I'm 52 my question is how much is anuff to live there full time
Congrats on the channel! Nice to see a more realistic budget assessment. I have watched others… Mostly from the usual suspects over in Dumaguete. Who I thought were either getting robbed or are turning into gatekeepers trying to convince people you need $3k per month minimum. Thats about what I spend being a tourist traveling all over there for a month with 10 of those days always spent in El Nido! So it never made sense to me.
I lived in cebu city for 7 years, this is about accurate for my cost. I rented a new studio condo in IT park for around $360 a month,,,,some are between 18k to 25k,,,depending on the size u want,,,,Some also do not include HOA fees, so if u have to pay the HOA fees its usually another 2k or more
"I run my aircon a lot." That's subjective to say the least. Do you run aircon 24/7 at 23 or 12 hours at 25? You have a likable screen personality. Just up your game a little.
I have two aircons. Used to run both 24/7. Bill was over 7000 pesos. Now I run one at a time. Usually both off at night. Justvrun fan. Never over 4000.
I sort of settled on Davao. Have you been there? I'm staying about 2 and a half months so I'll probably move around a little bit. I'm going to try to make it to Boracay and maybe El Nido and Baguio
I haven't been to the pi since 87. I'm getting ready to retire in fact I pretty much could. I may never leave to be honest with you. I'm going to liquidate on my s*** stateside and make my move!
@@BrittMcalister I've changed my mind. I'm coming to Cebu. Not just because of you. I've been on the fence. Is there any way we can talk outside of TH-cam? I promise not to waste your time. I have some questions about Cebu itself and some last-minute prep.
My american husband was looking forward to us moving back to Cebu in 2026 but, unfortunately he did not make it. He passed away July 2024.
Me and my son will still push our plan. Coming home for good this year. Very much excited...
I'm sorry for your loss
@@nerisamccrickard540 sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
Probably the more accurate assessment Ive seen. I pay 15k for rent...add in water, electricity, wifi and trash....I can round it up to 20k...and I'm in a city of half a million. I would agree with you numbers. If you don't go out whoring and drinking (buy a damn bottle and tip one at home, ppl!) and just live like a normal person, your 1500-1800 USD/month would be spot on...add in maybe trips to S&R for nice meats and frozen foods (buying a dedicated freezer of course!) and you can cook some great stuff when you aren't going out. I make frequent trips to other Asian destinations (usually about same time frame, 3-7 days) with the surplus. For those of you that need a vehicle other than a scooter, a new Wigo can be had for 12k USD. even a good 4x4 is less than 25K USD. Good report Sir
@@iratecrab Thanks for the input.
Good video, thanks for sharing your budget and experiences. Seems like your channel is off to a great start, keep up the great work.
Thanks, will do!
I’ll be 40 in September and am considering retiring early and moving to the Philippines. My budget would be a little over 3k a month for the rest of my life with a nice investment on the back burner. This video puts my mind at ease. I plan on visiting for a couple weeks sometime this summer. Can’t wait!
Don't put it off.
I just subscribed to this channel. I'm moving to the Philippine's sight unseen in October. I'm 73 and have already been retired for almost 12 years now. Much like you, I've been on line doing research for about 8-10 months now. I have a girl over there (in my age range) already and we're moving to Puerto Princesa Palawan initially. I've already been thru a dozen or so girls in their 20's over here in the states, so I have that out of my system now LOL I'm very comfortable moving there sight unseen because I've kind of done it in the states a few times for business reasons and it was always easy for me to adjust. I'll be watching some of your videos over the next few months and commenting before I move there. Thank you for doing your channel. There's a lot of expat dorks doing these kind of channels. I've had active you tube channels since You tube began and before that I used to produce DVD's about cooking for about 10 years or so. My point is that i understand the you tube video business game. I have around 500 videos of my own on you tube, which require more than a fireside chat lol, in order to produce. LOL. Anyway, thank you for your efforts. maybe one day I'll see you over there.
Good job Britt⭐️Cheers
@@deant007 Appreciate it.
Thanks for the informative video, I will eventually end up there. Liking your tips and daily expenditures.
You can do it!
Was living in the Philippines for 3 years but had to move back for my senior MediCare. Unfortunately FULL healthcare can be as much as the rent! For seniors considering retiring to Asia always factor in $400 - $700/mo for FULL healthcare coverage vs. your home country's plan. (e.g. MediCare in the USA $185/mo). In Asia the monthly premium goes up w/ age and pre-existing conditions.
Great content and love the sincerity! Tell us about the year round seasons, weather. Best, worst month based on your boots on the ground year experience.
@@alexb722 Weather. There's 2 seasons. Wet and dry. Dry: Dec - June. Wets the rest. Always around 80°-95°. Every day.
@@alexb722 Appreciate the comment. Come on over.
GREAT INFO, TY ❤❤
@@tuckt6180 Thanks so much. Appreciate the feedback.
@BrittMcalister I'm planning to make the move, 54yo Orlando, Fl life to short.. tired of working
@@tuckt6180 Come on. I'll be here to greet you.
I could live there easily. It looks good. Thanks for posting & good job!
@@prairiemark4084 Thanks for commenting.
Just discovered your channel. Very well done. I'm 58 and plan to retire in the Philippines with my filipina wife. We live in Denver currently. We have already chosen Cebu as our next home. She is from Dipolog. We have talked about IT Park but also like the Ayala City Center area. Stayed at Calyx the last time we were there. Would love to grab a beer some time.
I'm here and not going anywhere. jbmcharrison@yahoo.com
Checking in from Tampa, FL
Great video
@@PAPACREDIT Thanks so much.
Nice interview with Chad, I'll be watching your content, good luck!
@@Florida-Ken Thanks so much.
Some people I know are paying $16k in property taxes in my town. NOT a big house!
@Larrye123 I know the feeling of taxes. Lived in NY for 12 years.
im paying $800,,,,it depends where u live, many states with no state income tax have to make up for the lost revenue. They have higher sales taxes and property taxes
Don't buy a home in Vermont if you don't want to get robbed on taxes
They raised my brothers from 9k to 18k in home taxes this year in CT.
@YoLoBong-xs3to that's ridiculous
Yes, I subscribed. Thanks. Welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭
Thanks so much.
Britt was so cute in this video discussing budget
Nice video, good job!
@ToGoPhilippines-uz1qe Thank you so much. Just getting started. I will work harder to become better and put out good content.
With the Water? Is that Household like Showers, Toilet , washing Dishes? Drinking Water ? Is it Separate ? Thanks 👍🏼Britt
@Quigley999 There's water for household use. I buy a 5 gallon jug of mineral water every month for drinking, ice, and cooking.
very nice Britt enjoy and have a Fun @@@@
Thanks so much.
Thank you for choosing our country 🇵🇭, enjoy life as it comes..
Your welcome to the Philippines..
Found you from Chad love your enegry and outlook. Those condo towers up on hill look great. Would like to see your view. When i get to Cebu ill be in touch for sure
Let me know when.
@@BrittMcalisterhow did you hook up that deal at Marco Polo? I recently watched another channel talking about php 50k for MP.
Mirrors my budget in many ways. I add 600 a month which allows for dating, annual trip back Canada, and of course philanthropy.
Thanks Britt I am on the fence but passport is ready
@@Ske-b1v Sounds good. I'll be here waiting.
New subscriber, thanks for the information. Most excellent 👌
Welcome aboard!
Hi
Thanks for the video.
My wife and I easily live off 30K PHP per month. Granted we have no mortgage as we built our new home in Isabela province.
I was lucky enough to retire at age 55.
Cheers
Simon
Thanks for sharing!
Great content very informative keep it going
Much appreciated
Add visa extensions, Health Insurance (Travel Insurance/PhilHealth) and you are there. Good video for a new guy. I know a lot of guys self insure, but not ideal without some type of insurance.
Will do. Thanks.
This video put my mind at ease, I was stressed my budget wouldn’t be enough 😅
Glad I could help.
i plan on your plan starting next year.I have a friend in Dumagette.Im 51,so I will look you up sir.
@@loothak I'm not going anywhere. That's a promise.
Sounds like Canada in the 90s before the world went to hell. all you said we use to be able to have in North America....our countries have failed us
Ahh the 90s. I used to rent a 2 bdrm basement suite by myself in Whistler, BC for 800 cdn a month and kept one room empty for visitors. I only worked 8-9 months out of the year because I was in construction, would take the winters off and skied about 100 days a year on average. Went on trips all over the world at the same time. Got a new F350 truck every 4-5 years, ate out all the time in the best restaurants in town and went out partying several days a week. All on a construction workers salary of about maybe 10-12K cdn a month in todays money. You can't even rent a 2 bdrm up there now for under 5000 cdn, lift tickets are almost 300 cdn and eating/going out is ridiculously expensive. Vehicles, flights/hotels, cell phones, real estate has all 4-5Xed in price. I feel sorry for the younger generations who never got to experience what I did back then
Capitalism has failed you.
@@brucemunro7499Nice try but capitalism existed in the 90s. What didn't exist back then was Justin Trudeau selling out Canada. He cripples the oil and gas sector while handing over Canada to India and China.
Are you Chinese?
What capitalism are you referring to? We don’t have capitalism in America, we have fascism and corporatism.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you.
Great info Britt! How long did it take you to get used the weather? The heat and humidity are a bit of a concern to me. Did you buy a car there? I've wondered at the availability of used trucks and motorbikes. Thanks!
Very cheap my friend! If you want brand-new motorcycle bike 125 cc Yamaha Honda or kawasaki it range about $1,200, if you want slightly used motor bike $600 to $700. If you want a car like Toyota or Honda or Mitsubishi which is also a good quality of cars brand-new $8000, if you want good quality used cars there are so many choices it is only $4,000. They offered also installment bases.
I bought a bike 1st. Then bought a car during the rainy season. It took me about 2 weeks to get used to the heat.
Yep newbie here and new subscriber! Because of ur quality content!
Great, realistic information. I live in a Luxury Condo in Cebu City. All in, $2,000 US a month. 50K pesos / $850, rent worth every pesos. Everything else all in $1,200. Groceries, eating out, utilities misc spending money for 2. Walking distance to everything western amenities you could want. Similar lifestyle in Hawaii $6,000 to $7,000 plus a month.
Thanks for sharing!
It's the same as my lifestyle in China. Go out to eat, 12rmb to 40rmb. Get a massage, it's 60rmb per hour. tuktuks cost 5rmb, a scooter is 2500rmb new, gas 25rmb per tank. Hang out with my friends, drink qingdaos at night, smoke zhonghua. That's right out of university because Western companies were not hiring fresh grads because it's the Financial Crisis back home. 500rmb rent.
Great video, Britt. Thanks for breaking down a basic and concise budget layout on what a foreigner would be looking at as far as monthly expenses when moving to the Philippines. I have been to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam but I have not been to the Philippines yet. I plan to travel there in 2025 and your channel has been a great source of information for me to take notes prior to arriving there. Wishing you continued success on your TH-cam channel and you gained another subscriber. Hope to meet you in person when I get there. Take care.
Let me know when you're coming.
@ Thank you, Britt. I appreciate it. Take care and stay safe. Best to you.
I know many who live here on $900 to $1500 USD a month and they live good. Some may not travel much but they never did that in the states either. It's all about your lifestyle and what you want in life. Some choose to walk and avoid buying a motorbike or car, some stay home and cook while others eat out all of the time. You can always cut out expenses to shape your budget. I've always said this........I would rather live on $900 to $1500 in the Philippines before trying that in the states.
Really all depends on lifestyle & location. Usually a short distance from the big city life prices are much cheaper and allow for a smaller budget. Many expats I know doing that also spend about $900 on the basics most months for a comfortable life and add some when they do travel. Not depriving themselves at all doing this and eat out often. --- Seems to afford quite a nice retirement on the average SS check. Some I saw in Manila even do a thrifty budget and live frugal but easily on $1500. Locals manage on so much less everywhere in the entire country ! You won't be homeless like in the US on the very small SS incomes @ $800 for some. I see some living in their cars on those incomes in the US !
appreciate your perspective, cheers from a new subscriber from Canada!
Awesome, thank you!
I definitely agree with you about Cost of living there compared to the U.S. ..Same great Service but cheaper in the Philippines!!😃
Tells us about the Mexican food.
@@s0ld4u OK. I'll go to Maya one night. Thanks for the feedback.
Hey Britt! Keep up the good videos.
Thank you! Will do!
Good work, very happy for you!
Thank you! Cheers!
Happy Holidays, Britt
I checked out Marco Polo and it's awesome. I'm looking to rent there too coming this February. There are many choices and I wonder which towers do you consider the best and which ones are the worst to live in and why.
I live in Tower 1. It's the oldest. Tower 4 is the newest.
@BrittMcalister Thank you
info is great but show us what it buys. take us there.
ur living like a king.... as a filipino who owns a place under 20k is huge and decent already...
Britt, If the wife and I wanted to sail out boat there. Are there lot's of islands to sail around there and how about marina costs? Thanks ! - SUBSCRIBED
There are marinas here. I checked on a local marina. For a 40' boat it was $600 per month.
@@BrittMcalister , thanks sir
3k is way way high. Thats what live like a king looks like. 1.5k to 2k is just nice for foreigner. For locals, 300$ to 800$
yeah, spot on. $300 a month for me, no aircon, cook my own food, electricity, water and rent included. And I live in the city - not province
Good video on your cost of living expenses in the Philippines. I have a question? Have you started dating in the Philippines? If yes, how much money per month are you spending on dating?
@@bernardo2022 I'm dating. Even had a relationship for 6 months. I spent the same amount. She would cook at home. Therefore, I saved the money I spent eating out.
Was just watching your eyes wide open karaoke, keep singing...don't stop
@@CaptainRon2 Thank you.
I left something out. It's critical. If you have never been with a Filipino woman, get ready to take pictures of her standing in front of anything and everything. Rocks, trees, food, highway signs, rivers, restaurants, parked cars, boats, coconuts, hills, street signs, malls, and anything else. It becomes white noise after a while. We have probably 4.2 million photos that will never be looked at a week later.
Enjoyed your interview on Chad's channel. All men considering a move need to watch your channel, straight and to the point. The difference between your channel and others, you talk the raw numbers, they don't. I don't know why they do that, but men shouldn't have to be guessing about all this.
I have been eyeing Marco Polo Residences because it looks to have everything I want, and it won't be a shock transitioning from my San Francisco Nob Hill view condo that overlooks the entire city and Bay.
Since you were talking numbers I'll disclose mine. My "pension" totals $6,500 USD net each month. Here in California that puts me in the "low income" category. Although I have zero debt, so my money goes farther than most, with everything being so costly, it is easy for me to blow through $6,500 monthly. (E.g., just walked to the pet store to get a 13 lb. bag of dry fud for my dog, some "Greenies" chews, and two small bags of treats. With California robber baron tax (aka "sales tax") the total bill was $165!) The sad thing, I didn't blink an eye, I just paid it and we walked back up the hill.
I'm leaving because after I broke up with my last GF of five years, I have NOTHING keeping me here. And at my age, like you, I'm never going to be in a relationship again, at least not anyone in their 20s to 30s.
So now I have started giving away a lot of stuff to the housekeeper. And I plan to sell things too (my gun collection, motorcycle, etc.)
My biggest problem can be reduced to one word: LOGISTICS. I have lived in my place for 30 years. I have accumulated so much stuff that at times I fantasize about tossing everything at the corner trash can and let people have at it. (Did that once about 10 years ago when trying to clear out one of my storage rooms in the basement. Passers-by were like locusts. I was beginning to think that people drive around 24/7 scrounging for stuff.)
Well, I've said enough. I'll look you up when I get there, if that's OK.
@FoundingTH-camr-2005 Wow. I sold it all. Put everything on FB Market Place. Then sold a lot of things to my brother for a huge discount. My move over here is the best decision I ever made.
I hear you regarding stuff, I had things in storage for 15yrs plus, I got so frustrated trying to sell things that i just started dumping or leaving it at goodwill. It was best decision, I learned the $$ value had to do more with a mental block than actually needing it! Good luck in your journey
Our original budget was 3k as well but we bought our condo so no rent in the budget. The only time we over spent or came even close to going near 3k is when we take trips out of the country.
I've spent a lot of time in the Philippines. I lived in Azalea by the Ayala Mall in Cebu. You have to be careful with restaurants. Lots of restaurants do not have health and safety standards. All the 'sit down' restaurants in Ayala were safe. We were in Lapu Lapu at the Waterfront Casino (nice place) and went to their Chinese restaurant (Best in Cebu award). We were sick for 2 days. It was bad. Resorts on Camotes, Santiago Bay, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The resort restaurant got half the guests sick. I'm guessing cross contamination. Breakfast was the only meal that didn't make us sick. There were a dozen of us that checked out early from food poisoning. It really was hit or miss depending where you were. If you get to a TGIF, Texas Roadhouse, or an Italiano, you can buy a diners card. It's good at 12 restaurants. All those restaurants practice health and safety standards.
I would recommend Airbnbs. You can shop and cook for yourself. Also, carry wipes and baggies. There's no toilet paper in public places, and you can't flush anything you use for self-cleaning.
Also, many places only take cash to include lots of public restrooms on traveling roots. Once you leave bigger communities, ATMs are hard to find. We were two weeks on Camotes. 1 working Atm that was 45 minutes by trike from our resort. It was not working the time all of us got food poisoning.
Having said that, I love the Philippines. Most of the people are awesome. In some areas, beggars are super aggressive, and some areas you can get robbed or killed. The provinces are really nice. There are huge expat communities. Bantayan was awesome. A small island off of the Cebu mainland. You get their by a converted freighter. A great trip. A ton of Australians, New Zealanders, Spanish, British, lots of Swedes, and Norwegians. That place was so much fun.
I just found your channel, new subscriber. I am moving to Cebu in a couple of months. I have looked at Marco Polo condos online. Is what you are paying typical price? Is that a year lease? Great video!
@@kenh2265 I love it here. Most here are a little higher. Around $500. But you could get lucky and find one here. Definitely need a bike to live here. Let me know when you're coming. I'll meet up with you to help out on the transition.
@@BrittMcalister cool I am thinking about coming myself
@puppyrex1789 I will set up meet and greets at a local coffee shop once you arrive.
That's great Britt I would like to meet up with you when I get there. I would like to keep in touch.
One source I use is a realtor called "Dot Property" They seem to have a lot of info on Marco Polo Residences. They have anything you could want there, and there's lots of photos. I told them what I wanted (2 BR) and my price range, then put myself on their mailing list (an e-mail once weekly).
Just now Dot Property site shows:
Marco Polo Residences
Cebu City , Cebu
FOR SALE (190 units ) starting from ₱ 4,600,000
FOR RENT (66 units ) starting from ₱ 18,000
As a caution just be on the low radar. There are many scammers who is looking for money. Enjoy your time in Philippines. As I am still working towards my retirement here in U.S. Hopefully I can join other expats and have a higher quality of life in SE Asia.
Hi Britt, 2 questions- What about medical expenses & can you collect still collect Social Security, living living in the Philippines? Your videos are great!
Yes. I have friends collecting social security. Video coming soon on health insurance.
Hey Britt.. great video man. First off, miss you guys in Cebu.. secondly, one thing I notice in the comments from the guys who’ve never left US/Canada is that the comments inevitably go to politics… might be a pretty cool video if you outline how unimportant and irrelevant “western politics” are once we arrive in the Philippines. We all just get along over there, zero bickering about politics. See you in a few months man.
Will do.
Yes a video of the message places you go to would be great. also how is the gyms there and the cost
@@simplysocial7383 Gyms are about $40 per month from what I've heard. There's 4 gyms where I live.
1800 can easily be 900 U own or trade houses no rent wife contributes 500. Budget is already 900. Grow some food ,eat in your own restaurant, Save another 100 Passive or net zero house save another 100. Attack your expennses one by one. I could get it down to 20 a day and have 5 homes and 4 cars.
Internet $28 electricity $15 gas to cook $10 car insurance $55 is $55 a year. Gasoline is $5.5 a gallon food about $75 a week. My small house is free and clear np property taxes. My water bill $20 a yearly.
Central America (not costa rica which is equivalent to the USA.
Britt's numbers are very accurate. I visited over 5-6 places (incl. Manilla) this past July 2024. I initially planned to vacation there for 2 weeks. I stayed 7 weeks and had a fantastic vacation. I spent 26 years working in the hospitality business; marketing the best resorts in Orlando. (Hilton, Marriott and Disney.) I have met tens of thousands of people from all over the world. The Philippine people are their happiest that I've ever interacted with. I'm returning there this year and can't wait. Thank you for the very accurate info. Excellent video. Viewers: do yourself a favor and subscribe to his channel.
Thanks for the comment.
Show us the view from your condo?
Nice video, been there myself and have similar aspirations. Do you consider investing in the area for income? Maybe an Airbnb, sarisari store? Just curious because I found just vacationing the whole time was little different. Anyway nice video, massage I had there Angeles was with two girls 😅
@tcdavis66 I came here to live life to it's fullest. Heard horror stories about investing. I do have friends that work all night for themselves or for American companies.
@@BrittMcalister yes be careful to avoid the stories, in whatever your doing.
Great job.
Thank you! Cheers!
Wow …. Fantastic prices
Yes they are!
Good info keep it up love it. Next Condo video
Done.
Very real & genuine, except for leaving out the city/location that all this applies too. 🤔🙄
@@assetinvestco5820 Cebu City. Sorry.
how about gas for your car
@@dohpredator I have a new video coming out tonight. $3000 budget. Appreciation for 3000 subscribers. But roughly $34 per month.
@dohpredator That's gas for both car and bike.
What city do you live in for that budget? I know budget depends on what city or province someone is living in
I'm in Cebu City. Great centralized location.
Thanks for the info. You mentioned that you would list the massage places you recommend in Cebu. I didn’t see where you mentioned them
@@RustyTompkins Healing Point, Avene, and I'll tell you the other two personally.
Your living like a king in the Philippines with less money,I'm talking about a budget for $1,000 a month and you live a good life without stress in your life.
That's about right. 18.000, but i dont eat most Philippines food
I just subscribed to your channel. I'm from UK and am in the Philippines at the moment. Next time I'm in Cebu I would like to try to meet up. And talk with you over a coffee You are living the life that I want to live also. Andy
@@andrewokeeffe2672 Let me know when you're here. I'll be here.
Sounds great, what kind of visa arrangements have you made? Do you know anyone who has been able to find a remote job that they can work over there for a US company? Or any other Americans who need to make money from a job? Great video!
I have friends that work here. Either for themselves or for a US company. Hard to work here without proper visa.
@@BrittMcalister Are the ones working for US companies doing it remotely? I have known a couple people who were doing that in South America and unfortunately their employer didn't know (and found out).
Good video. Did you buy a new or used car? If used, what kind of warranty do you get with it?
@CaptainRon2 I bought a used Mazda 2018. Had 20,000 miles on it. Did have to do a little maintenance. Mostly rubber parts. Runs and looks great. $11,000
@BakiKing-w1z thank you
Kawasan Falls just south of Moalboal is awesome if you haven't done canyoning there. It has to be seen to be believed
I've been there. Did the falls, but my party didn't want to try canyoneering at the time. I'll go back and try. Heard nothing but good things about the excursion.
@BrittMcalister yeah the canyonering is where it's at. The falls are just a minor sideline in my opinion
@BrittMcalister four hours of natural splendor
Great video and thanks! But what about Internet access (Wi-Fi), cell phone and health care / health insurance?
Did a new video about those questions.
@@BrittMcalister Cool! Thanks! I'll check it out.
ouch! I was expecting a British accent
Thats a testament there. Amen
@@ralf7901 Thanks so much.
New subscriber to your channel…I, too, would like to retire there. Where would you recommend in the Philippines for homebase?
Yes. This is my home base.
Only my opinion. I love Cebu City.
Man your really making me question my choice of Eastern and Southern Europe.. I don't like to sweat or I would go to the Philippines 🎉
those prices are for Manila, its much cheaper in the province, the apartment in the province just costs 150USD per month. 🤣🤣🤣
That is if you are retired and have money coming in every month
What if you have 2 people living on 2,000 a month is that doable?
@djoy3244 yes. Very easy.
Are planning on doing a tour of your condo?
@@user-ni1mh3ne3e It's in my shorts.
Question for you and your Expat buddies and maybe to address in a future video. This video is a great topic for todays lifestyle, my guess is alot of the viewers like myself are still many years out from making the move. I am roughly 10yrs or so myself.
How do you forsee inflation and future costs? Maybe for your expat buddies that have lived there for 10+ yrs, how much have they seen the inflation affect their budget of the years? In the US its insane.. Could your 1700-1800 turn to 2300 in 10 yrs? 3000? Or with it still being a developing country, could we be luckys to see minimal infaltion and still be around 2k?
There's going to be inflation. Take the numbers from the America inflation and divide by 3.
Only my opinion.
Be aware this is for a single man. Most men take on a woman and many have children also. Bigger house needed, more food, clothes, school and on and on. If you stay single forever you are fine. Do not forget the Filipinas family. Un expected medical costs can be huge in some circumstances. Calculate your budget and then double it. Also, there is a huge difference between the value of the US dollar and the Canadian dollar.
There are three bedroom homes on the beach for $650. Compared to Florida at $6000 for on the beach.
what is the vibe like in cebu, i am either considering davao or manila
I love it here. Haven't been to either of those yet. Have tried several places, but love coming back home.
Both Cebu and Davao are nice.
New sub here! Great information. Ironically, my last name is Britt. PH is on my radar as well as Vietnam. One question I have is: Do you keep a US phone to get your two factor authentication codes from your bank when you check your account online. Always curious about how this is done and what your solution is. I do have a Charles Schwab checking acct. that reimburses ATM fees while abroad and have a Wise account too, though haven't used it yet. I hear T-Mobile has an international plan. Any recommendations would be appreciated
I have 2 lines here in the Philippines. I do pay $40 per year for Skype for unlimited calls to America. You can choose a phone call for most banks. Skype allows all US incoming calls.
@@BrittMcalister Thanks for the reply Britt. So, I would just have to change my current US carrier phone number (that's on record with my bank) to the new Skype number to receive a phone call from my bank. Correct?
I have a house in Bantayan island Cebu me and my whife solar with battery back up i live in Pensacola Florida I'm 52 my question is how much is anuff to live there full time
$1700 to $2200 to live a very comfortable life.
That's per month.
❤
Thanks.
Health insurance?
@@kendonius4928 There are plans here. Check out Michael Onstad on Facebook.
You sound like you are from somewhere in the southern US
Born in NC. Lived there half my life and the other half in GA.
Congrats on the channel! Nice to see a more realistic budget assessment. I have watched others… Mostly from the usual suspects over in Dumaguete.
Who I thought were either getting robbed or are turning into gatekeepers trying to convince people you need $3k per month minimum. Thats about what I spend being a tourist traveling all over there for a month with 10 of those days always spent in El Nido! So it never made sense to me.
Awesome! Thank you!
My advice go easy on the girls
Exactly
❤ C E B U
Thanks so much.
I lived in cebu city for 7 years, this is about accurate for my cost. I rented a new studio condo in IT park for around $360 a month,,,,some are between 18k to 25k,,,depending on the size u want,,,,Some also do not include HOA fees, so if u have to pay the HOA fees its usually another 2k or more
Food is terrible and so is the healthcare. Sorry but both Thailand and Malaysia win hands down
"I run my aircon a lot." That's subjective to say the least. Do you run aircon 24/7 at 23 or 12 hours at 25? You have a likable screen personality. Just up your game a little.
@@frankfurtur5531...hmm frank. Angry much? 45sqm acon runs 12 hours a day at 25/24/23 C. Apparently that is a mind bender for you.
I have two aircons. Used to run both 24/7. Bill was over 7000 pesos. Now I run one at a time. Usually both off at night. Justvrun fan. Never over 4000.
@@BrittMcalister Thanks, looking forward to more content.
t-50 days for me!
Coming to Cebu City?
I sort of settled on Davao. Have you been there? I'm staying about 2 and a half months so I'll probably move around a little bit.
I'm going to try to make it to Boracay and maybe El Nido and Baguio
I haven't been to the pi since 87. I'm getting ready to retire in fact I pretty much could. I may never leave to be honest with you. I'm going to liquidate on my s*** stateside and make my move!
@@BrittMcalister I've changed my mind. I'm coming to Cebu. Not just because of you. I've been on the fence.
Is there any way we can talk outside of TH-cam?
I promise not to waste your time. I have some questions about Cebu itself and some last-minute prep.