Doing early retirement and moving to the Philippines next year. I will be joining my fiance and getting married, so these videos are very helpful. Thank you. I know there will be a lot of differences in lifestyles. But I am the type that can adapt to almost anything. I'm really looking forward to this new chapter in my life. Thanks again!
Thank you, Dave. I just came across your video and subscribed. Very informative. You are doing excellent for a family of four.!!! wow. My mortgage alone is that in America and that is considered a very small mortgage in Boston. You did not say where you were, but I will check out some of your other videos and I am certain I will find out. I have been in Mexico mostly for the past three years. I sold my motorcycle and gave the Landlord back her key two weeks ago. I will meet my children in Boston for Thanksgiving and Christmas and I will see you in the Philippines in January brother. My condolences to your wife’s grandmother. I’ll check out another video. Peace man.
@@charliemulligan1988 Appreciate your comments- We live in Calbayog,, Western Samar. It’s a city trying to catch up. Lol Safe travels in January-if you come to Calbayog we have an expat meeting place every Wednesday at a place called Mango. Great restaurant and food. You can Google it. Take care
Really down to earth breakdown, i'm planning on a move to bohol in 2 years and rent until settled in . I believe a budget if 2000 for all needs is reality. I must plan for back up and keep a USA address.
Always have a backup-it’s a good budget $2000. Just have that savings for things when you arrive. Scooter, rent deposits, furniture, and you’ll want to travel and have fun the first year. You’ll spend a little more the first year. Good luck on your journey. Take care
Wow, great video. I'm sorry to hear about Mau's Grandma. Hope she and her family are doing okay. Looking forward to hearing how your new generator performs.
I live in Dasmarinas Cavite, Our cost are almost 2/3 less than you around 400, Since its just us 2, and we own our home, modest in a great subdivision under 1200 sqft. I am former Navy, and Government Contractor. Decided to take a break from that grind. Everyone's budget should be within there means. A lot of guys come there and think that you need the biggest and shiniest house, car and clothes when the people an the culture don't really care what you have other than for Chismis purposes. But if you live within your budget its a very satisfying existence. Good videos by the way..
Agree, simplicity is very desirable at this stage of life. No more hustle/grind. Just enjoying a good life, live within your means. Thank you for your service. Take care
If, I was single I would probably spend about the same amount, traveling, dating, probably being a little more loose with money without responsibilities. But yes you as a single guy could live on a lot less. Thanks for your comment Take care
Thanks so much. For a great video....i plan on visiting to philippines after the first year and if everything goes well i plan to move there. So many of the videos have click bait with scare tactics...or pretty women as the thumbnail! To get you to watch... Then they are just disappointing....This was real information that will help my journey very much. Thanks from the USA!
I am looking for a vlogger who is reasonably sane.. Saw you and subbed.. You actually do a real breakdown.... THINGS really do happen and nobody else adds them in.. Thanks. I live in CDO, Mindanao.
$1,092 is good for a family of 4 I just watched another vlogger vid, he's also a family of 4. Their budget is $1,000 really the only difference is rent theirs is 9,000 where yours is 15,000
Recently moved from the dirty, over crowded dump calamba city to a beautiful area and my last month costs all in was about $3,240 us ( 181,440 php) that was moving and paying my bills and setting up my new utilities and having my air con and 110 electrical installed, tankless hot water heater, Also electric fence.
Unless you move to another country where your money is worth more-then you can achieve a better lifestyle with what you have. That’s what the video is about. Income in the U.S. is easily spent (SS) can’t support you. In Asian countries you can live a way better life with low income. Take care
It’s nice to compare what other expats are spending per month. Thanks for sharing. I live in the deep jungle province on Mindanao Island. With a family of 8 and homestead of animals. We spend about the same as you $2000 USD per month.
Hello from Cebu all sounds reasonable to me and I agree takes some getting use to when family looks to us alot but theres legit need over here so far within reason
Great video Dave, very detailed summary to help new expats and others like me that live in different parts of the Philippines. My condolences to Mau and her family…… Congratulations on getting Amazon, we have been using it for about 1 year and love how quickly you can get things (except around Christmas) Btw we order some of the fire starters from Amazon for less than $10 that makes our charcoal grill start so nice. Do you have any medical insurance? I have been debating it. How about streaming services?
Hello Kevin. Thanks for the tip on fire starter. I’m just starting out on the TH-cam adventure and probably will do some online chats soon- Keep in touch and Mau and I will be scheduling some live chats. Take care
Just will add though my daughter did 1 year private school highly rated in cebu city cost 62k pesos tuition and 2k peso per month in special projects. They were more concerned students doing performances begging parents for donations vs actually studying think every other week we had to attend some performance where kids sing dance and u have to buy the costumes. She is back home at her normal private school in the usa and has to do catch up tutoring as she was severely stunted from that year. It’s cheap but the education is not the same.
@@Adventure5619 Absolutely agree- We live full time here, the options from private to public-private is the only option-I have heard of schools doing exactly what you have pointed out. We also do a lot of teaching at home- Thank you for your comment- Take Care
Just did a month in Cebu. Had a family medical issue plus bought a phone cost including plane ticket from the US was almost 300,000 pesos. A big difference between a vacation and living their.
I'm a single guy, frugal, cook my own food and make my own coffee. My rent for 1 bd apartment plus utilities is about $1,000/month plus my food bill: i eat 3 pounds of burger/day at $5/pound comes to $15/day equals $450, I'll round up to $500 with tax and about $40 for my coffee. not including car insurance, gas, etc... my monthly bill is about $1600, and I keep it simple. Cheers!
Dave,They don’t have natural spring water where you live?I grew up in Tolosa,Cabadbaran near Butuan City we have natural spring water there and it’s free for the whole community!
Your budget is a little different than yours. We bought our house, all the appliances, furniture, improvements, and our Pickup truck. That wiped out most of our savings, but we have no monthly payments. What we do have is repairs on the house and truck that we have to pay. We do have to live on our monthly income now. Thats why we don't make as many trips around the Philippines as I would like. It does take up money for maintaining a house and car. We do have a yard guy that comes daily to clean up and maintain the yard. Yes, I could do that myself, but I am old and retired, and I don't need to do that now. As long as I can keep my health going, I'm alright. Good video and glad that you are enjoying your life here.
what i did when i stayed in cebu city, i made sure my condo was cozy and undermeans of paying, meaning i didnt want to pay USA rates, the only downsized is that, buildings are noisy, can you imagine, waking up to some drunk koreans who cant handle their liquor? luckily for them, the other tenant told them to put a sock in it at 3AM, but besides that, I also bough groceries in smaller markets, sometimes you can find things half off the price instead of paying regular price at a bigger market, i also buy meat at bulk, including candy, but i dont know much, im going back to the philippines in january, im only 37 and my cebuana bough a condo as investment but i can stay in for free
@@lenseofanomad We live in a 2 apartment unit- Nice quiet expat lives next to us- Respect each other’s space. He is gone 5 weeks at a time-makes it quite except for the dogs-lol Thanks for the comment Take care Safe travels…
We have 2000 euro a month , but we spend only less then 1000 euro, we just bought our house in a subdivision and my son goes to a private school, private hospital close by, all 5 min away from our new house. And by the way i am 39😅
@@Anthony-q2z1u That’s a good budget for you and family. Everyone will have a different perspective on how they live and what they spend. Isn’t it great that we are all different. Congratulations on your low cost of living. It can be done- Take care
@@ronniecupstid9955 This past month she has been attending to her grandmother who recently passed. Funeral is next Tuesday. Giving her as much space as she needs. She is talking about some great videos in the future. She shall return soon. Thanks Take Care
Province life is tough- I’m in the outskirts of the city-not as loud but close enough for daily needs. Apartment is around 700 sq ft living space plus the garage 12x15. Small space and it’s great. Take care
That would be a task- We buy meats and vegetables, fruits from the markets-fish, pork, chicken. The stores in Calbayog grocery stores doesn’t carry a lot of western foods- Need to adapt to the culture the best you can. If you live in a big city-Cebu, Manila, Dumaguete, and a few others they “grocery” caters to the western culture for a hefty price. Hopefully this answers a couple of questions. Take care
Great to see a real world breakdown of costs. I'm paying privately in Ireland for my two teenagers to go to school in what we call secondary school, school uniform alone probably costs more than your total school fees 😮 not counting transportation, and believe me fuel costs here are extortionate round about the equivalent of $8.15 per gallon. Nice place you have there, I like the fact that you can grill outdoors. Keep up the great content. Oh and also my condolences to your wife on her granny's passing
@@mduckod992 I really appreciate it-I’ll let her know-very close family-Grandma was a huge family loss. I’m very happy in the Philippines compared to the U.S. I can breathe a little easier. Take care
@@charlieriley6816 The scooters came with 2 years insurance/registration. Per scooter a month runs about 300php per scooter. Around $5.00 U.S. each. $120 for both scooters per year. Good question. Thanks Take care
Hey brother. Great content I’m a new subscriber. I’ve been traveling around the Philippines for five months. I intend to make the Philippines my home. I was blessed to retire from a fire department here in the US young enough to truly enjoy the rest of my life. How long have you been living in the Philippines? I can go back and look at some of the previous videos and probably get some of this info. Are you at retirement age meeting Social Security benefits or did you save money or some other type of retirement movies? Curious how people make the transition 🙌
Retired at 54-blessed with good jobs. Been in the Philippines permanently for 2 years-travelled a lot in the younger years. Thanks for the comment/question Take care
We live in Davao City and do not live an extravagant lifestyle by far! We budget and watch our pesos carefully but, live in a decent place and eat three excellent home cooked meals per day. Let me assure you that a couple needs $2,000.-$2,500. USD per month minimum to have have a decent life! Don't forget to add in your Health Insurance! Potential ExPats should not be delusional!
Ha, delusional-good word. $1850 was our actual costs. It all depends on what life style you lead-we as a family of 4 are doing very well on the numbers I presented. Maybe cost of living in Davao is higher-I’m not sure. Have a blessed day Take care
@@maudave Actually, my comment was not meant to be critical of your comments. It was meant to let people with a $750.-$1,300. Social Security Check that they won't make it! Definitely not as a couple.Too much BS online about the low cost of living in the PIs! And, Health insurance is expensive!
@@macscotty9997 I thought delusional was a funny word. It made me laugh-no harm no foul. Agree-I would never attempt to live in the Philippines without at least $2500 available per month. You are absolutely correct on that. I’ll try and put a minimal video out. Appreciate your comments Take care
I own a duplex in US with it rented I pay less than $500 a month for all my expenses and once it paid off in less than 5 years I live for free with extra money left over fyi
Ok, I’m not sure how to understand this. You live in the Philippines? And you rent your apartment out and it covers your costs? Is this correct? I didn’t want ties with property anymore in the U.S. I had rentals and the headaches owning them. Freedom is good Take care
@@maudave no live in US have owner occupied duplex since 2007 refinanced in 2021 10 year at 2.3 % probably pay off in 8 years but renters paid for house I owe nothing keep it rented I pay nothing or get paid to live in US...but key is have it rented but has its own problems not for everyone
@@maudave yea agree with the headaches but starting out in life it's a good choice for younger person later in life you don't need the rental anymore use the money for investment like an ETF that pays a dividend
Running a whole household and family while older and hair going gray? I have no need for a car, no motorbike, no family or relatives to take care of finally at 64. Your lifestyle is almost like someone back in the US, a big house, having to drive everywhere, driving a kid to school 4 times a day, insurance, licences, gas,maintenance, etc...My lifestyle is opposite. I live close enough to walk to multiple restaurants, bars, massage shops, convenience stores, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and the beach. Makes life much simpler and less stressful as you get older. To each their own. Happy wife, happy life just wasn't a long term thing for me it turned out. Best of luck to you and yours PS. No idea why you pay for the ridiculous shipping costs from Amazon when Lazada is local and everyone in SE Asia uses them.
@@WalkingmanPattaya Amazon has no shipping costs over $49 U.S. it definitely is a win. Nothing like the U.S. My wife’s sister does all the running around-life is very simple, I’m 10 years younger, when I hit your age I’ll probably feel the same way. Lol Take care
Looks like you had a lot of one off stuff. But still, $1800 bucks is the average SS payment and you have just illustrated how well a family of 4 can live a Western lifestyle on that even with all the one off stuff.
I do not have health insurance in the Philippines. I have a savings for emergencies, basic hospitals are fairly inexpensive and I’ve visited a few already. I have an emergency fund if needed to fly back to the states. I am considering and have been researching lately for the Philippines. Take care
@@maudave I also keep my Medicare in the US but I have excellent health insurance the covers most of S.E. Asia. So you wouldn’t mind spending $50-$70,000 dollars if needed? A couple years ago my insurance paid $100,000 US in Thailand the best hospital in Bangkok. Yes I could afford paying $100,000 but I rather pay for insurance. You don’t need health insurance till you do need it. The healthiest people sometimes get sick. To each is own.
I agree-we all need insurance for sure-I’m definitely researching the best options as I know things happen in life. I appreciate your thought’s- I’m a little more motivated for coverage. Take care
Hi i was looking at cost to live in Thailand or the Philippines would 2000 us dollers give me a reasonable lifestyle including bars and maybe company once in a while
I haven’t lived that lifestyle-so I’m not sure I could answer you honestly. If you stayed single and mingled a little then yes-everyday probably not. $2000 yes you can live comfortably with a few evenings out a week-budget and see what you can and can’t do. Me as a single guy I could probably live very well. Take care
Because it’s bright out. We might be bald-don’t want sun burn. Lol It’s just easy to put on and cover up messy hair. Hats are cool. Lol I know one thing-I’m retired and just don’t care about my hair. lol Good comment Got me giggling Take care
dude really i live here on the day now for 1month tomorrow and I live in danao for 564euros do we do something extra no but we live decently but I don't support her family and she knows that I'm on a budget here it's just for 2 people
@@janpotti2660 That’s amazing you can live on that-I choose a different lifestyle than you. I would never recommend living in the Philippines on such a low budget, And would never mislead individuals to try a budget such as yours. But if you’re happy- good for you. Thanks for your input Take care
US costs spread across the world? Nope doesn’t work that way. Unless you’re importing American products. Costs are going to be higher for expats who must have an American brand. Remember the purchasing power of Americans purchasing power is high right bc of the strength of the US dollar. Your costs would be even higher if you were earning pesos. All the money you spend helps the local economy but things like washing your motorcycles every week is a spending choice not a necessity. Haircuts are only for people with hair (a disability i don’t suffer from) 😂
Can i give freindly non critical economic advise , your Bills should never ever be more tgan half yiur pay ever! You will always have money in your pocket. If yiur squeezing every peso or dime , i woukd reevaluate your budget options especially seasoned age people like us!
Absolutely-you will always need a savings and be able to save while you’re living abroad for the rainy days-health-emergency-travel. So many things to be worried about or just be prepared for situations that might happen. Good comment Thanks Take care
@@maudave Thanks for the advice. I’m just waiting for some back surgery before exploring my options on where to live abroad. I’m 61 years old and I hope to find my paradise by the age of 65. Luckily I am on no specific budget and I hope to have the opportunity to explore various countries before deciding where my happy place in the end will be.
Can you expand on the cost for your son’s private school? Is it an international school with an English curriculum or a Filipino private school? Is your son’s school on the low end or high end of the spectrum as far as expenses?
Our son attends Christ the King/grade school thru college. I don't know how it ranks other than its 100's better than public school, his learning has improved 100-fold. you can google and see all the info. Take care
Just subscribed. Greetings from Los Angeles, CA.
@@hernstv
Outstanding, my last year in the states I drove Uber in LA. Lots of stories.
Take care
Thank you for your detailed report and frank acknowledgment of implications to expenses that come with a family lifestyle.
@@4abetteru
Thanks
Take care
Doing early retirement and moving to the Philippines next year. I will be joining my fiance and getting married, so these videos are very helpful. Thank you. I know there will be a lot of differences in lifestyles. But I am the type that can adapt to almost anything. I'm really looking forward to this new chapter in my life.
Thanks again!
Appreciate your comment/support.
If you have any questions about the Philippines ask away-
Take care
This is a good Philippines 🇵🇭 channel I highly recommend
@@stevendavis8560
Thanks
Appreciate it…
Thanks for sharing good 🇵🇭 vibes and information 👍🏾!
New subscriber here. Look forward to watching your videos
Thanks
Take care
Excellent breakdown and information. Thanks!
Subscribed.
@@revelationmd
Appreciate it
Take care
Thank you, Dave. I just came across your video and subscribed. Very informative. You are doing excellent for a family of four.!!! wow. My mortgage alone is that in America and that is considered a very small mortgage in Boston. You did not say where you were, but I will check out some of your other videos and I am certain I will find out. I have been in Mexico mostly for the past three years. I sold my motorcycle and gave the Landlord back her key two weeks ago. I will meet my children in Boston for Thanksgiving and Christmas and I will see you in the Philippines in January brother. My condolences to your wife’s grandmother. I’ll check out another video. Peace man.
@@charliemulligan1988
Appreciate your comments-
We live in Calbayog,, Western Samar. It’s a city trying to catch up. Lol
Safe travels in January-if you come to Calbayog we have an expat meeting place every Wednesday at a place called Mango. Great restaurant and food. You can Google it.
Take care
The Numbers Man! Thanks for sharing.
@@DanielMillerlife
lol
Hopefully it’ll give a little insight of a family of 4z
Thanks
I had no idea Amazon is in the Philippines . Nice to know .
@@carltischer7827
It’s been a game changer-
Coffee, clothes, some items won’t ship but all orders over $50 is free shipping.
It’s great-
Take care
Thanks Dave you are so informative with useful info. Thank you and your beautiful wife for sharing your peaceful happy lives with us.
@@johnwakefield9378
Appreciate your comments.
Take care
Really down to earth breakdown, i'm planning on a move to bohol in 2 years and rent until settled in .
I believe a budget if 2000 for all needs is reality.
I must plan for back up and keep a USA address.
Always have a backup-it’s a good budget $2000. Just have that savings for things when you arrive. Scooter, rent deposits, furniture, and you’ll want to travel and have fun the first year. You’ll spend a little more the first year.
Good luck on your journey.
Take care
Wow, great video. I'm sorry to hear about Mau's Grandma. Hope she and her family are doing okay.
Looking forward to hearing how your new generator performs.
I live in Dasmarinas Cavite, Our cost are almost 2/3 less than you around 400, Since its just us 2, and we own our home, modest in a great subdivision under 1200 sqft. I am former Navy, and Government Contractor. Decided to take a break from that grind. Everyone's budget should be within there means. A lot of guys come there and think that you need the biggest and shiniest house, car and clothes when the people an the culture don't really care what you have other than for Chismis purposes. But if you live within your budget its a very satisfying existence. Good videos by the way..
Agree, simplicity is very desirable at this stage of life. No more hustle/grind. Just enjoying a good life, live within your means.
Thank you for your service.
Take care
Good morning Mau and Dave. Greetings from Ireland! Having late bfast while watching your vlog, coffee time. Missing Cebu
@@DeeCebu
Awww-good morning-
Enjoy your coffee and morning air.
Take care
Safe future travels home
Great info as a single man mine budget would be considerably less. But very useful info... Thanks
If, I was single I would probably spend about the same amount, traveling, dating, probably being a little more loose with money without responsibilities. But yes you as a single guy could live on a lot less.
Thanks for your comment
Take care
@@maudave thanks for the honesty
Thanks so much.
For a great video....i plan on visiting to philippines after the first year and if everything goes well i plan to move there. So many of the videos have click bait with scare tactics...or pretty women as the thumbnail! To get you to watch... Then they are just disappointing....This was real information that will help my journey very much. Thanks from the USA!
@@russstenseng899
Appreciate your comment.
Wishing you a safe trip in the future.
Take care
Thanks for a solid breakdown, hope the parents feel better soon.
Appreciate it.
Take care
New sub. Good video and as long as there's no political stuff, I'm here for the ride!
@@taphunt3243
Agree
Thanks
Take care
I am looking for a vlogger who is reasonably sane..
Saw you and subbed..
You actually do a real breakdown.... THINGS really do happen and nobody else adds them in..
Thanks.
I live in CDO, Mindanao.
Appreciate it-
I did forget 1 thing. “Phone”
But it’s only 300-$5.37 U.S.
Per month-
Next month I’ll get it all into the video-lol
Take care
$1,092 is good for a family of 4
I just watched another vlogger vid, he's also a family of 4. Their budget is $1,000 really the only difference is rent theirs is 9,000 where yours is 15,000
$1846.00 this past month. Always be prepared for expensive months.
Take care
Recently moved from the dirty, over crowded dump calamba city to a beautiful area and my last month costs all in was about $3,240 us ( 181,440 php) that was moving and paying my bills and setting up my new utilities and having my air con and 110 electrical installed, tankless hot water heater, Also electric fence.
Very nice.
Hope you enjoy your new home.
Take care
The budget should equal income. It's a shortcut to save time. Lifestyle varies with income 99% of the time.
Unless you move to another country where your money is worth more-then you can achieve a better lifestyle with what you have. That’s what the video is about. Income in the U.S. is easily spent (SS) can’t support you.
In Asian countries you can live a way better life with low income.
Take care
@@maudave I agree with you that earning money in the US and spending it here is a better option.
It’s nice to compare what other expats are spending per month. Thanks for sharing. I live in the deep jungle province on Mindanao Island. With a family of 8 and homestead of animals. We spend about the same as you $2000 USD per month.
That’s my future-homestead-is in the works. What a great country to live.
Thank you for the comment.
Take care
Hello from Cebu all sounds reasonable to me and I agree takes some getting use to when family looks to us alot but theres legit need over here so far within reason
Great video Dave, very detailed summary to help new expats and others like me that live in different parts of the Philippines.
My condolences to Mau and her family……
Congratulations on getting Amazon, we have been using it for about 1 year and love how quickly you can get things (except around Christmas)
Btw we order some of the fire starters from Amazon for less than $10 that makes our charcoal grill start so nice.
Do you have any medical insurance? I have been debating it. How about streaming services?
Hello Kevin.
Thanks for the tip on fire starter.
I’m just starting out on the TH-cam adventure and probably will do some online chats soon-
Keep in touch and Mau and I will be scheduling some live chats.
Take care
Just found this guy. Like him much more than some of the other expats.
Appreciate the comment.
Take care
@maudave YES sir!
Thank You
Just will add though my daughter did 1 year private school highly rated in cebu city cost 62k pesos tuition and 2k peso per month in special projects. They were more concerned students doing performances begging parents for donations vs actually studying think every other week we had to attend some performance where kids sing dance and u have to buy the costumes. She is back home at her normal private school in the usa and has to do catch up tutoring as she was severely stunted from that year. It’s cheap but the education is not the same.
@@Adventure5619
Absolutely agree- We live full time here, the options from private to public-private is the only option-I have heard of schools doing exactly what you have pointed out. We also do a lot of teaching at home-
Thank you for your comment-
Take Care
Just did a month in Cebu. Had a family medical issue plus bought a phone cost including plane ticket from the US was almost 300,000 pesos. A big difference between a vacation and living their.
@@rayskillings7506
Bib, big difference. Living here is cheaper than vacationing for sure.
Take care
I'm a single guy, frugal, cook my own food and make my own coffee. My rent for 1 bd apartment plus utilities is about $1,000/month plus my food bill: i eat 3 pounds of burger/day at $5/pound comes to $15/day equals $450, I'll round up to $500 with tax and about $40 for my coffee. not including car insurance, gas, etc... my monthly bill is about $1600, and I keep it simple. Cheers!
Nice living-
Very few can do what you’re doing.
Take care
Daylight outside and the lights on 😂
@@IanHigginson
Needed light in for video-lol
Shadows kill videos.
Good observation-😉
Take care
Dave,They don’t have natural spring water where you live?I grew up in Tolosa,Cabadbaran near Butuan City we have natural spring water there and it’s free for the whole community!
@@rhundipatanao7202
My wife’s family at the farm has free water also-city life you pay for everything.
Thanks for the comment
Take care
Your budget is a little different than yours. We bought our house, all the appliances, furniture, improvements, and our Pickup truck. That wiped out most of our savings, but we have no monthly payments. What we do have is repairs on the house and truck that we have to pay. We do have to live on our monthly income now. Thats why we don't make as many trips around the Philippines as I would like. It does take up money for maintaining a house and car. We do have a yard guy that comes daily to clean up and maintain the yard. Yes, I could do that myself, but I am old and retired, and I don't need to do that now. As long as I can keep my health going, I'm alright. Good video and glad that you are enjoying your life here.
@@barryinthepi390
Thank you for sharing.
Take care
@@barryinthepi390 That's the kicker! As long as your health is OK! Insurance is expensive in The PIs!
what i did when i stayed in cebu city, i made sure my condo was cozy and undermeans of paying, meaning i didnt want to pay USA rates, the only downsized is that, buildings are noisy, can you imagine, waking up to some drunk koreans who cant handle their liquor? luckily for them, the other tenant told them to put a sock in it at 3AM, but besides that, I also bough groceries in smaller markets, sometimes you can find things half off the price instead of paying regular price at a bigger market, i also buy meat at bulk, including candy, but i dont know much, im going back to the philippines in january, im only 37 and my cebuana bough a condo as investment but i can stay in for free
@@lenseofanomad
We live in a 2 apartment unit-
Nice quiet expat lives next to us-
Respect each other’s space. He is gone 5 weeks at a time-makes it quite except for the dogs-lol
Thanks for the comment
Take care
Safe travels…
We have 2000 euro a month , but we spend only less then 1000 euro, we just bought our house in a subdivision and my son goes to a private school, private hospital close by, all 5 min away from our new house. And by the way i am 39😅
@@Anthony-q2z1u
That’s a good budget for you and family.
Everyone will have a different perspective on how they live and what they spend. Isn’t it great that we are all different.
Congratulations on your low cost of living.
It can be done-
Take care
@@maudave thanks man same to you, nice video by the way👍
@@Anthony-q2z1u
Appreciate it-
It’s a learning curve “TH-cam”
Take care
Where is Mau? We miss her
@@ronniecupstid9955
This past month she has been attending to her grandmother who recently passed. Funeral is next Tuesday. Giving her as much space as she needs.
She is talking about some great videos in the future. She shall return soon.
Thanks
Take Care
So true , $3,000.00 for catholic high school .
I'm just curious, is it best to have a P.O. Box at the Embassy to receive mail? Or is it for the delivery of things you purchase online?
Delivery-Amazon-shopee, Lazada deliver to your door.
Angeles city is the sorting area for expats mail-military/civilian have P.O.here.
Thanks for the breakdown. How big is the apartment? Are you in the province?
Province life is tough-
I’m in the outskirts of the city-not as loud but close enough for daily needs.
Apartment is around 700 sq ft living space plus the garage 12x15. Small space and it’s great.
Take care
Can you breakdown the cost of food and the kind you buy and from where
That would be a task-
We buy meats and vegetables, fruits from the markets-fish, pork, chicken. The stores in Calbayog grocery stores doesn’t carry a lot of western foods-
Need to adapt to the culture the best you can.
If you live in a big city-Cebu, Manila, Dumaguete, and a few others they “grocery” caters to the western culture for a hefty price.
Hopefully this answers a couple of questions.
Take care
@maudave not much
You buy meats ok where what cuts and how much
Veggies what kind how much
Ect
Mornin Dave, can’t you expand on the P.O Box in Manila?
@@jimmyB52
Sure:
It’s a military P.O. Box that a lot of expats use.
If you’re prior or retired military I can pass on the info in private.
Take care
Is your PO Box like a military FPO or APO? I’m Navy from the 70’s and we got our mail by FPO. Can you get meds sent to your Box?
@@GaryC1957
Yes meds are sent thru the P.O. Box.
@@jimmyB52
I’ll send you some info later today.
Out running around.
Could you tell me what town or province you live in? Sorry i missed it if you mentioned it in the video.
Western Samar, Calbayog city.
It’s a developing city-
Take care
Great to see a real world breakdown of costs. I'm paying privately in Ireland for my two teenagers to go to school in what we call secondary school, school uniform alone probably costs more than your total school fees 😮 not counting transportation, and believe me fuel costs here are extortionate round about the equivalent of $8.15 per gallon. Nice place you have there, I like the fact that you can grill outdoors. Keep up the great content. Oh and also my condolences to your wife on her granny's passing
@@mduckod992
I really appreciate it-I’ll let her know-very close family-Grandma was a huge family loss.
I’m very happy in the Philippines compared to the U.S.
I can breathe a little easier.
Take care
Thank you for a real world and real situation budget it makes total sense. The only question I have is how much did the scooters cost you?
Honda beat 110 cost 72000 php
$1290 U.S.
Honda Click 125 cost 82000 php
$1470 U.S.
Take care
Thank you
Are you carrying the basic insurance or what does more elaborate insurance run for vehicles like that?
Also, sorry for your families loss
@@charlieriley6816
The scooters came with 2 years insurance/registration. Per scooter a month runs about 300php per scooter. Around $5.00 U.S. each.
$120 for both scooters per year.
Good question.
Thanks
Take care
@@maudave wow that’s so cheap compared to the US. Thank you for your reply.
@@charlieriley6816
No problem-
The costs is the biggest reason I moved over seas.
Take care
Hey brother. Great content I’m a new subscriber. I’ve been traveling around the Philippines for five months. I
intend to make the Philippines my home.
I was blessed to retire from a fire department here in the US young enough to truly enjoy the rest of my life.
How long have you been living in the Philippines? I can go back and look at some of the previous videos and probably get some of this info.
Are you at retirement age meeting Social Security benefits or did you save money or some other type of retirement movies? Curious how people make the transition 🙌
Retired at 54-blessed with good jobs.
Been in the Philippines permanently for 2 years-travelled a lot in the younger years.
Thanks for the comment/question
Take care
We live in Davao City and do not live an extravagant lifestyle by far! We budget and watch our pesos carefully but, live in a decent place and eat three excellent home cooked meals per day. Let me assure you that a couple needs $2,000.-$2,500. USD per month minimum to have have a decent life! Don't forget to add in your Health Insurance! Potential ExPats should not be delusional!
Ha, delusional-good word. $1850 was our actual costs. It all depends on what life style you lead-we as a family of 4 are doing very well on the numbers I presented. Maybe cost of living in Davao is higher-I’m not sure.
Have a blessed day
Take care
@@maudave Actually, my comment was not meant to be critical of your comments. It was meant to let people with a $750.-$1,300. Social Security Check that they won't make it! Definitely not as a couple.Too much BS online about the low cost of living in the PIs! And, Health insurance is expensive!
@@macscotty9997
I thought delusional was a funny word. It made me laugh-no harm no foul.
Agree-I would never attempt to live in the Philippines without at least $2500 available per month.
You are absolutely correct on that. I’ll try and put a minimal video out.
Appreciate your comments
Take care
@macscotty9997 a lot of people who retire here are x military and we have a luxury free health insurance at VA
@@StarrTile
I’m part of that family.
And enjoy every minute.
Thanks and have a blessed day.
Take care
PO Box? How to get one at the Embassy?
It’s actually in Angeles City, I believe it goes thru the embassy mail.
I’ll try and dig up the address-
Take care
I own a duplex in US with it rented I pay less than $500 a month for all my expenses and once it paid off in less than 5 years I live for free with extra money left over fyi
Ok, I’m not sure how to understand this. You live in the Philippines? And you rent your apartment out and it covers your costs? Is this correct?
I didn’t want ties with property anymore in the U.S.
I had rentals and the headaches owning them.
Freedom is good
Take care
@@maudave no live in US have owner occupied duplex since 2007 refinanced in 2021 10 year at 2.3 % probably pay off in 8 years but renters paid for house I owe nothing keep it rented I pay nothing or get paid to live in US...but key is have it rented but has its own problems not for everyone
@@maudave yea agree with the headaches but starting out in life it's a good choice for younger person later in life you don't need the rental anymore use the money for investment like an ETF that pays a dividend
@@SupDown4u
It’s a great to start out strong when your young and then enjoy the hard work when your older.
Agree
Take care
Amazon ? Where
Calbayog-Western Samar.
How much you paid for moped ? Is it used or new ?
Honda beat 110 cc-
72,000 php $1290.00
Honda click 125cc
82,000 php $1470.00
Both bikes were new purchase.
@@maudave Thanks
Some numbers are missing, so just asking, what is your cell bill and health insurance bills?
Cell bill-forgot, it’s so cheap I forgot about it. 300 php about $5.30 per month.
Take care
I’m self insured at the moment-money put away for emergencies.
Where are you located in the Philippines? I have a house in Surigao Del Sur and will retire there in Jun-Jul next year. Enjoy!!.
Calbayog, western Samar.
Love it-city is still developing.
Wishing you safe and happy retirement next year.
Keep in touch
Take care
Running a whole household and family while older and hair going gray? I have no need for a car, no motorbike, no family or relatives to take care of finally at 64. Your lifestyle is almost like someone back in the US, a big house, having to drive everywhere, driving a kid to school 4 times a day, insurance, licences, gas,maintenance, etc...My lifestyle is opposite. I live close enough to walk to multiple restaurants, bars, massage shops, convenience stores, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and the beach. Makes life much simpler and less stressful as you get older. To each their own. Happy wife, happy life just wasn't a long term thing for me it turned out. Best of luck to you and yours
PS. No idea why you pay for the ridiculous shipping costs from Amazon when Lazada is local and everyone in SE Asia uses them.
@@WalkingmanPattaya
Amazon has no shipping costs over $49 U.S. it definitely is a win.
Nothing like the U.S.
My wife’s sister does all the running around-life is very simple,
I’m 10 years younger, when I hit your age I’ll probably feel the same way. Lol
Take care
Dave, thanks for the video. I have one question: Where are you in the Philippines?
We are located in western Samar-Calbayog.
Take care
Looks like you had a lot of one off stuff. But still, $1800 bucks is the average SS payment and you have just illustrated how well a family of 4 can live a Western lifestyle on that even with all the one off stuff.
@@winduncan9818
Absolutely, We save every month for rainy days.
Appreciate your comment
Take care
Do you have health insurance?
I do not have health insurance in the Philippines. I have a savings for emergencies, basic hospitals are fairly inexpensive and I’ve visited a few already. I have an emergency fund if needed to fly back to the states.
I am considering and have been researching lately for the Philippines.
Take care
@@maudave I also keep my Medicare in the US but I have excellent health insurance the covers most of S.E. Asia. So you wouldn’t mind spending $50-$70,000 dollars if needed? A couple years ago my insurance paid $100,000 US in Thailand the best hospital in Bangkok. Yes I could afford paying $100,000 but I rather pay for insurance. You don’t need health insurance till you do need it. The healthiest people sometimes get sick. To each is own.
I agree-we all need insurance for sure-I’m definitely researching the best options as I know things happen in life.
I appreciate your thought’s-
I’m a little more motivated for coverage.
Take care
Hi i was looking at cost to live in Thailand or the Philippines would 2000 us dollers give me a reasonable lifestyle including bars and maybe company once in a while
I haven’t lived that lifestyle-so I’m not sure I could answer you honestly. If you stayed single and mingled a little then yes-everyday probably not. $2000 yes you can live comfortably with a few evenings out a week-budget and see what you can and can’t do.
Me as a single guy I could probably live very well.
Take care
Thank you for your reply appreciate it
@@soidog154
No problem-wish you the best in whatever country you choose.
Take care
Dumaguete and you are renting for just $268? I assume you are not in dumaguete city?
Samar, Calbayog city.
Dauin is about the closest I’ll get to Dumaguete.
Take care
Why do most of the expat foreigners wear hats 24hrs? hahahahahahahahaha
Because it’s bright out.
We might be bald-don’t want sun burn. Lol
It’s just easy to put on and cover up messy hair.
Hats are cool. Lol
I know one thing-I’m retired and just don’t care about my hair.
lol
Good comment
Got me giggling
Take care
Where in the Philippines do you live
@@deckdeck66
Western Samar island-near Calbayog City
dude really i live here on the day now for 1month tomorrow and I live in danao for 564euros do we do something extra no but we live decently but I don't support her family and she knows that I'm on a budget here it's just for 2 people
@@janpotti2660
That’s amazing you can live on that-I choose a different lifestyle than you. I would never recommend living in the Philippines on such a low budget, And would never mislead individuals to try a budget such as yours.
But if you’re happy- good for you.
Thanks for your input
Take care
US costs spread across the world? Nope doesn’t work that way. Unless you’re importing American products. Costs are going to be higher for expats who must have an American brand. Remember the purchasing power of Americans purchasing power is high right bc of the strength of the US dollar. Your costs would be even higher if you were earning pesos. All the money you spend helps the local economy but things like washing your motorcycles every week is a spending choice not a necessity. Haircuts are only for people with hair (a disability i don’t suffer from) 😂
@@RetirePhilippines
Was waiting for a comment on that-lol
Thanks but it was a sarcastic joke-I understand, guess I won’t do that again. Hehe
Take care
@@maudave I only make comments bc it helps out the channels…everyone is entitled to their opinion and say whatever they want to say 🌞
Just playing-took no offense.
I appreciate your comments.
Thanks
you are correct goods around the world are traded in dollars... a stronger dollar weaker pesos causes inflation in the phils no just from US goods
Still cheap. Even though you're the sugar daddy there.😊
Hehe-Ya
Cost way more to enjoy life in the states.
Philippines is a good fit for me.
Thanks for the comment.
Take care
So what if he is , I can disagree with the man with out insulting his character
@@dannyvenable1540
He put a happy face at the end of his comment-I took it as a joke-who knows?
I appreciate your input-
Take care
@@maudave Yes. A laugh is good for the soul. I am 56 years old. I missed the super sensitive train.☺️☺️
@@perryhenrickson7750
We are the same age, I totally get it. Lol
That’s cheap for 4 people
The numbers are real, I double check all the time-still shocks me how livable the Philippines is.
Take care
Can i give freindly non critical economic advise , your Bills should never ever be more tgan half yiur pay ever! You will always have money in your pocket. If yiur squeezing every peso or dime , i woukd reevaluate your budget options especially seasoned age people like us!
Absolutely-you will always need a savings and be able to save while you’re living abroad for the rainy days-health-emergency-travel. So many things to be worried about or just be prepared for situations that might happen.
Good comment
Thanks
Take care
I am a 60 year old gentleman living in Canada, and for 2000 dollars I barely have a roof over my head.
I understand-
So many options to live abroad and actually enjoy life-research and you might find that happy place to enjoy.
Take care
@@maudave Thanks for the advice. I’m just waiting for some back surgery before exploring my options on where to live abroad. I’m 61 years old and I hope to find my paradise by the age of 65. Luckily I am on no specific budget and I hope to have the opportunity to explore various countries before deciding where my happy place in the end will be.
@@roccohagedorn3110
Commend you on seeing your future.
Wishing you speedy recovery on your back.
Take care
Can you expand on the cost for your son’s private school? Is it an international school with an English curriculum or a Filipino private school? Is your son’s school on the low end or high end of the spectrum as far as expenses?
Our son attends Christ the King/grade school thru college. I don't know how it ranks other than its 100's better than public school, his learning has improved 100-fold.
you can google and see all the info.
Take care
@@maudavewhich city or island are you living in?
@@angelsantana3001
Samar, Calbayog city.
@@maudavethanks. I found a college in Samar on google maps but they don’t have a website link. I will check google. Thanks
@@maudaveis your son in elementary school or college? I forgot to ask.