I'm from the Philippines. Regarding fruits, vegetables, and meat, they are generally more expensive at SM compared to the local market, also known as the "palengke." However, since you're a foreigner, some vendors at the palengke might try to trick you with the weights or pricing, so it might be safer to stick with SM. As for the juice and the other meat you mentioned, they are indeed considered expensive and aren't really in high demand here in the Philippines. Regarding security guards, yes, all malls in the Philippines have guards. Their main role is to check receipts rather than provide strict security, to be honest. This is one of the biggest advantages for foreigners living in the Philippines. With a budget of 70,000 to 100,000 pesos (around 1,500 to 2,000 USD), you can definitely live a comfortable life here. And just imagine, if you’re living in Makati or BGC, you’re actually on the more expensive side of the Philippines. Condos in Makati or BGC can start at 25,000 pesos and up. If you use that same 25,000 pesos in provinces like Bulacan, Pampanga, etc., you can get a much bigger house or condo. Living in the province can lower your expenses by around 30% to 40%. That’s why it’s very common for people in the Philippines to work in Makati or BGC for the higher salary and then commute back to their province every day - even if it means a 2-3 hour one-way trip.
Truer words have never been spoken. Subbed. I'm an expat, two months in Manila. You're spot on about grocery costs. I think foreigners are misled by vloggers who portray the Philippines as a flawless paradise. It's not. $1000 monthly is possible, but most westerners won't like it. I say shoot for $1800 to $2000 per month.
@@justforkndoit Only two months in, so I won't prejudge just yet. I will say that the quality and selection of groceries is lacking. I prefer cooking at home over dining out.
So, if 2k will allow a confirtable life? , then im figuring $3600 USD a month will be more than enough? Im figuring to get $3610 in S.S. + $840 a month from my retirement savings.
@@bhinbayoucity5691 That's definitely doable. Just remember, you want to create a monthly budget that is lower than your income. And you must be disciplined enough to stick to that budget. You should always have leftover cash at the end of each month.
@@blackwonderBW Did you try going to an SM supermarket or Hypermarket and shop for their "SM Bonus" fruits, veggies and eggs...A lot of their prices are even lower than those at a wet market. "Hard" veggies such as potatoes, cabbage, carrots, turnips, eggplant etc tend to be cheaper at SM, while the prices for "soft" veggies such as Kang Kong (water spinach), lettuce, pechay (Chinese or Napa cabbage), tend to be cheaper at the wet market. Good luck!
Broccoli and lettuce is grown around Bagiou which makes the cost more expensive since it needs a cooler environment. If you have a reliable helper they can shop in the wet markets and save you 50%. We would still buy our own meat at South Market, S&R and Landers.
Rent is by far your biggest cost. To get the lowest rent you will need to sign a long term lease...6 months to 1 year. But don't rush into it. Live 2 weeks at a time in different places, even within the same city, you need to get a feel of the individual local neighborhoods. Once you get that figured out, the rest is at a very reasonable to low cost. You can enjoy the favorable exchange rate. $2,000 x 57 = 114,000 Php per month. That would be considered a huge salary in the Philippines! To put that in context, that's a doctor's salary, so upper middle class. If you're single, and not living very comfortably on 114,000 pesos per month, you're doing something wrong!
I don't think you need $2,000 a month, they are people living there with $1,000 a month as a single person, and if you have no vices, you can live with $1000 a month, that will cover, $300 a month 2 bedroom apartment, food, visa and medical easily!
Ive since managed to locate a small vedge stall where things are cheaper but tbh its easier and cost the same to eat out most of the time here for a couple hundred pesos
I am from Seychelles the market price here is more expensive than shopping malls in the Philippines. The Philippines is ok for me if I have the same budget as here.
i just laugh at all of these foreigners who complain about prices, if u did not plan your future and have money to move to the PI. Then stay home, prices for rent are crazy low, local fruit and veggie stands are cheap. If u go to a local market u always have a filipina buy your stuff. She can negotiate the price and u will not pay a foreigner price, use grab, i would never buy any real estate. Most of these new vloggers will be gone, they are just going to the PI for sex with teenage girls. No other reason, i have been going to the PI for 30 years with my filipino friends. Almost all of these vloggers go back to their country within a few months or years. Most have no money saved for medical emergencies, and u have to pay upfront anyways. You do not know if u are getting 100% the medication u need, and the hospitals will run up your bill with unnecessary tests. Been there done that, most foreigners do not go outside much. You have the heat and mosquitos, i just stayed at Solinea condos and they had many mosquitos in the lobby. I got bit a few times, but i use off lotion when needed. You can make your own food, so not too expensive. I also do not drink or smoke, most of the foreigners who cause problems are the drunks, and the dummies who keep talking politics,,,,etc etc
I just laugh at all these old grumpy foreigners who feel threatened by younger more switched on rookies simply sharing their experiences and observations who probably learn more in 3 months than you have in 30yrs. Thankyou for watching!
@@justforkndoityou and them have no clue. I could care less if they are young, they stay short time and spread non factual info. They sugar coat everything for viewers like u. I grew up with Filipinos in the usa
@ i laugh at all these young vloggers with no money. Filipinas want someone who has income and mature. Anybody at any age can find someone, as long as u have money. When i go shopping the young guys are alone, trying to make content to survive. You will be like the hundreds i have seen over the years, u will go back home. You are vlogging what everyone has been doing. Same content and no clue in the long run
@@dsrrellgriffith1161 This rookie retired last year at the age of 50 and is more than welll capitalised. This is my channel I am etitled to share my observations in anyway I damn well please. What filipinas really want is a younger smarter financially stable guy who they are actually genuinely attracted to. I will return home occassionally to check on my investments. Again thankyou for visiting my channel, youve become a regular! Now take your meds and settle down ..Sana all.
I'm from the Philippines. Regarding fruits, vegetables, and meat, they are generally more expensive at SM compared to the local market, also known as the "palengke." However, since you're a foreigner, some vendors at the palengke might try to trick you with the weights or pricing, so it might be safer to stick with SM.
As for the juice and the other meat you mentioned, they are indeed considered expensive and aren't really in high demand here in the Philippines.
Regarding security guards, yes, all malls in the Philippines have guards. Their main role is to check receipts rather than provide strict security, to be honest.
This is one of the biggest advantages for foreigners living in the Philippines. With a budget of 70,000 to 100,000 pesos (around 1,500 to 2,000 USD), you can definitely live a comfortable life here.
And just imagine, if you’re living in Makati or BGC, you’re actually on the more expensive side of the Philippines. Condos in Makati or BGC can start at 25,000 pesos and up. If you use that same 25,000 pesos in provinces like Bulacan, Pampanga, etc., you can get a much bigger house or condo. Living in the province can lower your expenses by around 30% to 40%. That’s why it’s very common for people in the Philippines to work in Makati or BGC for the higher salary and then commute back to their province every day - even if it means a 2-3 hour one-way trip.
Thankyou for your input.Totally agree with everything youve said. Sometimes the guards are nice and will have a chat and joke with you!
Truer words have never been spoken. Subbed. I'm an expat, two months in Manila. You're spot on about grocery costs. I think foreigners are misled by vloggers who portray the Philippines as a flawless paradise. It's not. $1000 monthly is possible, but most westerners won't like it. I say shoot for $1800 to $2000 per month.
Absolutely agree, get close to 2k and youve cracked it out here. Thanks for subbing, btw how are finding Manila?
@@justforkndoit Only two months in, so I won't prejudge just yet. I will say that the quality and selection of groceries is lacking. I prefer cooking at home over dining out.
So, if 2k will allow a confirtable life? , then im figuring $3600 USD a month will be more than enough? Im figuring to get $3610 in S.S. + $840 a month from my retirement savings.
@@bhinbayoucity5691 That's definitely doable. Just remember, you want to create a monthly budget that is lower than your income. And you must be disciplined enough to stick to that budget. You should always have leftover cash at the end of each month.
@@blackwonderBW Did you try going to an SM supermarket or Hypermarket and shop for their "SM Bonus" fruits, veggies and eggs...A lot of their prices are even lower than those at a wet market. "Hard" veggies such as potatoes, cabbage, carrots, turnips, eggplant etc tend to be cheaper at SM, while the prices for "soft" veggies such as Kang Kong (water spinach), lettuce, pechay (Chinese or Napa cabbage), tend to be cheaper at the wet market. Good luck!
Broccoli and lettuce is grown around Bagiou which makes the cost more expensive since it needs a cooler environment. If you have a reliable helper they can shop in the wet markets and save you 50%. We would still buy our own meat at South Market, S&R and Landers.
Perhaps I should visit Bagiou with it being cooler . Totally agree with buying meat in supermarkets to be safe.
Rent is by far your biggest cost. To get the lowest rent you will need to sign a long term lease...6 months to 1 year. But don't rush into it. Live 2 weeks at a time in different places, even within the same city, you need to get a feel of the individual local neighborhoods. Once you get that figured out, the rest is at a very reasonable to low cost. You can enjoy the favorable exchange rate. $2,000 x 57 = 114,000 Php per month. That would be considered a huge salary in the Philippines! To put that in context, that's a doctor's salary, so upper middle class. If you're single, and not living very comfortably on 114,000 pesos per month, you're doing something wrong!
Absolutely agree. Airbnb for 1 to 3 months in differents places to get a feel, then put your roots down once your happy.
Almost no taxes on drinks and low VAT does allot.
Oh yes lol Instead I payfor it in the form of a hangover lol
I don't think you need $2,000 a month, they are people living there with $1,000 a month as a single person, and if you have no vices, you can live with $1000 a month, that will cover, $300 a month 2 bedroom apartment, food, visa and medical easily!
Yes absolutely, although I personally prefere just a little more of a comfort zone just in case. Thnkyou for watching!
I really enjoyed your vlog, good job.
Thankyou very much, I appreciate your comments!
Cool video mate makes me think about leaving too
Thanks for watching, there'll be many following you if you do lol
The local open air markets are the best places for cheap local veggies and fruits i heard, ever go to one?
Ive since managed to locate a small vedge stall where things are cheaper but tbh its easier and cost the same to eat out most of the time here for a couple hundred pesos
Ha coffee at starbucks 7 to 10 dollars
Does that include a meal? lol
@@justforkndoit god no thats just for coffee
I am from Seychelles the market price here is more expensive than shopping malls in the Philippines. The Philippines is ok for me if I have the same budget as here.
The Seychelles very nice. Just out of interest where do you prefere?
i just laugh at all of these foreigners who complain about prices, if u did not plan your future and have money to move to the PI. Then stay home, prices for rent are crazy low, local fruit and veggie stands are cheap. If u go to a local market u always have a filipina buy your stuff. She can negotiate the price and u will not pay a foreigner price, use grab, i would never buy any real estate. Most of these new vloggers will be gone, they are just going to the PI for sex with teenage girls. No other reason, i have been going to the PI for 30 years with my filipino friends. Almost all of these vloggers go back to their country within a few months or years. Most have no money saved for medical emergencies, and u have to pay upfront anyways. You do not know if u are getting 100% the medication u need, and the hospitals will run up your bill with unnecessary tests. Been there done that, most foreigners do not go outside much. You have the heat and mosquitos, i just stayed at Solinea condos and they had many mosquitos in the lobby. I got bit a few times, but i use off lotion when needed. You can make your own food, so not too expensive. I also do not drink or smoke, most of the foreigners who cause problems are the drunks, and the dummies who keep talking politics,,,,etc etc
I just laugh at all these old grumpy foreigners who feel threatened by younger more switched on rookies simply sharing their experiences and observations who probably learn more in 3 months than you have in 30yrs. Thankyou for watching!
@@justforkndoityou and them have no clue. I could care less if they are young, they stay short time and spread non factual info. They sugar coat everything for viewers like u. I grew up with Filipinos in the usa
@@justforkndoitMost of my friends in cebu are Filipino, they all just laugh at your content and the other newbies. You have no clue at all
@ i laugh at all these young vloggers with no money. Filipinas want someone who has income and mature. Anybody at any age can find someone, as long as u have money. When i go shopping the young guys are alone, trying to make content to survive. You will be like the hundreds i have seen over the years, u will go back home. You are vlogging what everyone has been doing. Same content and no clue in the long run
@@dsrrellgriffith1161 This rookie retired last year at the age of 50 and is more than welll capitalised. This is my channel I am etitled to share my observations in anyway I damn well please. What filipinas really want is a younger smarter financially stable guy who they are actually genuinely attracted to. I will return home occassionally to check on my investments. Again thankyou for visiting my channel, youve become a regular! Now take your meds and settle down ..Sana all.
Bag off potatoes in market at Ac 1150 last month 550 plus looked small I did not buy .
Haha lol, you know thats the one thing you cant get over here....even Macdonalds serves rice instead of fries..
I wouldn't go anywhere near the Phils without $10k per month. Anything less and you are slumming it.
Noooo!!. 2k your comfortable, 3k you live like an emperor over here. Just stay in the expat bubble where its all nice..
Yeah, please stop spreading misinformation
@@justforkndoitexactly 😂💯 right
he uses pound and USD back and forth.. i hate having to guess what he is talking about
Thanks for watching, appologies for the confusion.