I don't lie or bs for views, that's not how we do things around here. There's enough of that on social media already, we don't need more of that haha The dude commenting on that last video though most likely realized they were getting ripped off in terms of rent, then got mad in the comment section. He shouldn't be mad at me though, I'm helping him out with the info. He should be mad at his agent for charging him the American tax we like to call it lol
For some reason, Condos, especially NEW condos, are very expensive in the Philippines, and in my opinion, not worth the money if you are not single. In many cases, can rent a large 3-5 bedroom house for much less than a 1 bedroom condo. You have to be here with boots on the ground to find these places, and I had to hire JR Visa Consultancy and Immigration Service to find one for me. It took them a week where it took me 2 months. Got a large 3-4 bedroom two story house for $550 to 600 a month depending on exchange rate in Cebu City.
You’re definitely right, we lived in Eastwood for a few years before we decided to build a house down south and Lipa. A studio was anywhere from 15 to 20,000 pesos and when we moved into a one bedroom it was from 20 to 25,000 depending on which building we were in we stayed in four different buildings. The newest building was the most expensive but it was also the nicest and it was 25,000 and then the parking for our car was 4800 a month Which is standard and Eastwood area. Our power was around 8 to 12,000 depending of the time of year because we always would run both our air conditioners all the time. We would live on a 2000 a month budget just fine. In the city. We live on the same budget now, but our house is paid off in cash and it gives us lots of extra money for good food. We like to shop at SNR. My wife and I are custom to the stuff that we had in America and we like to have it here in the Philippines. Every month we shop at Robinsons and SNR. SNR is like a Costco or Sam’s Club for the people that don’t know. Will spend about 30,000 pesos on groceries or more every month. Your video is right on the money thank you for keeping it real. You’re the man.
That was a Great Video! Great discussion. After 10-years of visiting the Philippines and single, I moved there from the U.S. in Feb 2022 to retire and start a new family which I did. I do not feel that I downgraded, but many times upgraded from the U.S., especially considering the U.S. economy in 2024. In the U.S. (Virginia), I dined out maybe 5-6 times a month at the most, and that includes fast food. This month alone, at excellent Western and Philippine restaurants (most not fast food), I dined out 23 times for breakfast and/or lunch and sometimes dinner, and more other months, some with my wife, and other times with my entire family for $402.00 for the entire month. So if you don't feel like cooking, there's an easy solution. They will also deliver food to your house. I don't think I could afford to do that in the U.S. Second, I live in a major city, so I don't need a car for anything. There is much and diverse transportation. So for May 2024, my taxi/transportation cost has been $191.00, and I'm driven everywhere. My two daughters take a taxi to private school 5-days a week round trip for 3,000 pesos or less ($54.00 for entire week). I have more, larger, more modern, and more diverse malls to buy anything I need than in the U.S. My two-story stormproof house has a strong and tall security fence, 360 degree Cameras, garage, large kitchen, dining room, living room, and upstairs a large den and outdoor Terrace, a master bedroom much bigger than the studio condo I lived in, two other bedrooms, an office, a maids room or storage room, A/C, and three full bathrooms with hot water for $545.00 a month. The culture is much better, real freedom of religion here. The Christmas holiday season here starts September 1st, and ends 31 December. Lots of sales every month. The kids are the best in the world - smart, respectful of parents and all, very hard working, disciplined, responsible, and funny as heck. They do much of the cooking and house cleaning. I rarely have to tell my daughters to do anything, they are usually a step or two ahead. They keep me laughing all the time. School can last from 7:30am to 9:00pm, I never know how long with special projects, etc. Kids never complain. The tropical resorts/beaches are beautiful and world-class. My international airport in Cebu City is beautiful and much nicer than many American Airports. A doctors visit cost me $10.00, and sometimes he does not charge at all. Very good Internal Medicine doctor. Nationwide, the police almost NEVER hassle citizens. I rarely see them, crime is low, but the police station around the corner from me has a BIG sign out front -- "Home of The God-Fearing Cops! " The Universities are often much better than in the U.S. No Woke propaganda or Critical Racial Indoctrination theories here. They are also much much more affordable. Also, many large and medium sized and well equipped hospitals are here.
@@SoldCentralFlorida2023 Regarding options, all depends where you are going in the Philippines, city or province, large city or small city, and what's your budget. That all depends on each individual. There are deals everywhere. The Philippines is more expensive than Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam, but much less than the U.S. American and Philippine culture are integrated here, but they truly have their own.
Your right close to the 1/3 or 30% - recommended max in a budget ($320) for rent. --- It fits in the experts historic numbers - Mike ! --- Some others perhaps are not as 'thrifty' as you ? You don't waste a lot like some people do either + you have a wife & baby !!! --- I'm impressed with 'how' you do what you do - and - wish you continued success. You obviously have a system which works for you ?!? - - - Just keep up the good work. All the best !
Thank you and yea I definitely like to haggle, it's an art form in nyc lol but yea you can find rent for those prices I mentioned even at asking prices if you just look around. And thank you, no need to be impressed and don't really have a system either, I'm just doing the best I can do, because at the end of the day that's all we can do. I've been through a lot of hardships back home and when you've been through a lot, you learn to be adaptable, which helps when you're moving to another county. Thank you for watching and the nice comment, always appreciated over here on the channel
I just subscribed to your channel, I like your content very informative, I’m planning my great exit strategy now from Atlanta Georgia to the Philippines 🇵🇭💯
Thank you bro, follow along and I'll be trying to make the best videos I can for helping people like yourself who are looking to make the move over here
Yeah, your numbers are good! Spot on with rent, utilities, food options, etc. My wife is from Manila will be moving over to retire in October. We live in beautiful New England little roadie. And man is an expensive here, brother. Good to see your family and channel growing.✌🏻
Yea my family is from NJ and it's also getting too expensive there so I understand. Thank you man! Hopefully the channel will continue to do good, trying my best to put out good videos haha
@@TheNYCexpat Haha, sounds good, it's always surprising to see how even when you're totally open and honest about the reality there's gonna be some people there to say t's not true or not accurate, but you really told em how it is this tiime. 😆
@@amazonseller-yf8vv some people just want to argue, that's okay though. When I start getting those sort of comments, I know the video is doing good lol
@@TheNYCexpat i hear that, they say if everyone likes you, you're doing something wrong becasue in order to be great you have to be willing to be a bit pollarizing at times, so if you got a few critics it probably means you're on the right track!!!
Crazy how expensive PH has become for the high end stuff that didn't exist 20 years ago. Yes a lot of videos of People paying $1300 a month for a studio and saying that's cheap. Just because NYC is $5k a month doesn't mean you should overpay when in PH. $300 sounds like a good deal though! Nice video! =)
Also, they prob don’t know how to negotiate and simply just are happy with $20 off included trash and parking for one vehicle. I’ve seen tons of videos where people are more than willing to consider offers and although it may be a back and forth things can be agreed upon. If you aren’t ready to walk they can see it and will hardly budge. Remember, every day a unit is vacant, there is money gone that can’t be made back.
the house we live in was rented out for 3000 USD 5 years ago, when things were still cheaper. Why do people always try to show off how cheap they can survive when they fully know they need more in case of health issues, busted car etc?
That’s what it cost me to live in the Philippines I have an estate put away for medical emergencies so that’s spot on what it cost me and it was a beautiful condo hard to believe you’re spending 3000 USD to live in the Philippines for rent unless you talk about renting out your house in the US not sure everyone’s quality life is differentiated. I lived in a brand new condo when first moved there.its cheep but if you have medical problems don’t move there! I have a nest egg in case of accident or medical emergency. I have a pension Social Security and I own real estate in the US that I rent out so financially I’m good I live in the Philippines pretty cheap come and go as I please do what I want. I don’t have to worry about what I spend and I never spend over 800.00 a month eating out three or four times a day traveling with my Gf at the time . Sometimes bring her Gf with us. I love the Philippines and love the USA . You really paid 3000 a month for rent in the Philippines? Keep in mind I’m single no kids
@@papabear007 in his other comment he said 3000-10,000 usd lol For 10,000 usd you can build a house in the province and this dude is saying his rent cost that much a month Even in Bonifacio global city you can rent a nice executive studio for $650 so not sure why he's spending so much money on rent
Bro I'm 57yo been coming to south East Asia for years Philippines 🇵🇭 is my second Home from 🇺🇸 America. Your absolutely 💯 on the rent Don't worry about these clowns most of them only been the main cities and yes rent is high but not $800 US. not even in Makati or BGC far as I know. I Rent cebu my Rent is $235 a month and I rent a beach house bagalow in siquor Island for $135 I wish I can show receipts thru the comments only thing I noticed is that Electricity is a little higher then normal and inflation but Remember the pesos is dam near 58 php to the Dollor no matter what we winning Great video bro.
Thank you bro and yea the people paying that much should be thanking me, not getting mad because I'm letting them know that their property agent is playing them lol God bless!
@@hansreynders6853 idk if you're asking me or the original poster, but we did. You can easily spend $800 on rent there, but there are also executive studios there for around $450 if you're living by yourself and don't need something bigger. Nice area, but we ultimately decided to rent in Eastwood because we found a much nicer apartment for less money. We figured we could just take a grab there with the extra savings when we wanted to go hang out there
Yup, that's the right price. The people getting mad saying that price is for views or whatever need to be mad at whoever is their property agent, not at the video haha
Pretty accurate - Condo 15k - 25k studio or 1 bedroom unit it all depends which part you live, I live in Mandaluyong - Food and Gorceries 7k to 10k monthly but of course if you have visitors you tend to buy more - Water bill 300-400 monthly - Electricity 1500 to 1700 (Electric fan) if Aircon 8hr - 12hr per day = 2500k - 3500k monthly - Condo dues if not included in the rent is (2000-2500) monthly - 1000 to 1500 weekly when for takeouts or eating out at the mall - Transport, he was accurate. I take the train most of the time and then taxi or Angkas/Joyride (motor bike taxi) but still affordable compare to other countries
Yeah, the classic jeepney seems problematic for many expats, certainly when you're a giant as most of us are, but the modern variants fit us better and it's still the cheapest you can get.
@@telcslightingdesign2215 if you think that all locals have a salary of around 60k php(1k usd), you're delusional. That's considered a GOOD salary in phillipines. Many locals are working in call centers and earn around 18-25k php(300-450usd). Condos can be around 8000-16000php even in Manila. You are not living like the average local if you spend 1000$ a month. When you think of "locals", you're probably looking at people living in bgc or makati. Those are considered well off.
I'm living out in a province near Baliuag, Bulacan. My rent, electric, wifi, phone, water, & food is around 12000 pesos total which is around $210 Us dollars. I have a 1 bedroom, livingroom/kitchen combo, balcony, & flush toilet with shower. The only thing I didn't add is transportation. It's about 1000 pesos a month which brings my budget to around 13-15000 pesos or 225 to 260 us dollars a month. The apartment is brand new.
Been in Thailand 15.7 months and it's the same. Super cheap. My studio on the 27h floor in my condo, with an ocean view with every amenity, market, food and fun you can imagine is only $220 per month. My one bedroom prior to this one was a first floor villa style with private balcony pool access into the lazy river that lead to the main pool area. I was paying $280 per month there. Coming to Phillipines next. I cap myself at $2K per month cuz honestly you don't need anything more unless you're trying to be wasteful on purpose. By the sound of it $2k USD will be more than enough for myself there. Awesome! Great video!
Yea Thailand has some nice apartments for great prices! 2k should be plenty for you here too, you seem like a savy guy so you already know just look around like I said don't overpay for rentals like a lot of expats will do. What part of Thailand did you stay in? Thank you for sharing your story
@@TheNYCexpat Yeah, thanks. I've been all over, but mainly Bangkok, Pattaya, and Jomtien. Doing a Bali trip, followed by Vietnam, and then I'll end up in the Phillipines.
Hey man, good video! I was born and raised in Connecticut but now I live in Massachusetts. Funny thing, I was at JFK Airport this morning! Anyway, I’m just getting started with TH-cam. Trying to enjoy the adventure. I like your style you have good skills. I hope you go far.
What's up man. First off, thank you. Hearing people say positive things is a nice change of pace of the internet haha. Secondly, are you also considering a move? Or just browsing around and watching videos? Anyway, thank you and again and jfk is a crazy airport haha
@@TheNYCexpat I was there already in February for two weeks and I’ve created some videos but I have more videos to make. Eventually, I’m gonna live there forever.
I agree with you 100% on being able to live decently for fairly cheap. I’ll look in a minute but if you don’t have an apartment tour could you please do one. Also, what about alternate sources of income, tips, what you do? Bless you and your family bro. Ty!
Hey, yea I already have some apartment tours in the world, just waiting for my friend who's a property agent here to get back from vacation so we can look at some apartments for the videos
@@TheNYCexpat ok nice! Hopefully you can give us a tour I’m some vacant spots that around the price you’re paying so me and my lady can get an understanding of price paid vs what you get! Thank you!
Man!!.. I work a modest job here in the UK, get around £2'200-2'300 a month (GBP).. Working class average life here in England.. Just checked the exchange, an that would put me on around $170'000 pesos (PHP) a month.. And from a living cost search i just did, thats apparently big baller money there!?.. I'm amazed!.. If you read my other comment, i would love to start a new life there like yesterday!.. But I'm a full time parent to my 12yr old son here in the UK.. Like the amazing average Filipinas there, unfortunately i was taught that to value family above all too.. So i wouldn't even consider moving until i was sure he was grown and fully stable in his life.. But one day.. I hope.. Before I'm too much older too, so I'm a young-ish catch and not just an 'old rich guy'.. This is becoming my retirement dream right here!.. 😎🤞🤞🤞
@@jewelrunner7756 yea 170,000 a month is a lot considering rent for a nice studio or one bedroom can be had for around ₱20,000-25,000 that's 150,000 left over to cover your other things. Also it's okay if youre older, people here actually treat there elders with respect it's how they're bought up here and if you're single it doesn't matter either, there's lots of older and younger couples. If you ever need any advice I offer one on ones too for people moving here just email me! Thank you for watching
@TheNYCexpat Hey bro.. Thanks loads for the reply.. For the positivity, offer of advice too!.. Like i say, i don't know how long it'll take until the stars align and i have a bit more freedom again.. Parenting duties completed etc!.. This potential move tho, my growing love and interest for the Philippines.. It's grown over a fair time now.. It's not going anywhere!.. I know myself well, and just know it's a good call and the life would suit me etc.. With a bit of time and patience, i just know i could piece together and build something good for myself there!.. I hope that time when i can start to live for myself more again more comes around soon.. But fate decided it was gonna be just me an him, I'm all he has etc.. Is good job i love him and was taught well to put family above everything.. Kids!.. Grrrr!.. Lol Until then... I'll defo enjoy keeping up with ppl like yourself, living what i hope to pull together myself one day.. Learn as much as i can, and be inspired that bit more!.. Best wishes.. You take care friend.. 😎👍
Hey brother, just came across your channel. Love your no nonsense and super informative style. Up in Vancouver , Canada, working with a bunch of amazing Philipinos for years. Looking to travel with my wife to find a retirement bliss. I appreciate your help. Now subscribed and checkin out the rest of the channel. Cheers
Thank you bro. I feel like social media got so covered in bs since it launched that we need to do better as content creators. So many people and things are fake these days, I’m trying to bring that New York attitude to the channel and give people the real reviews and talk about some of the important stuff. Thank you for kind words and the sub
No prob Gary, thank you for watching all the videos! Yes, skype, it's like $6 a month for an international number to receive calls. I would suggest using whichever virtual phone number service of your choosing before you come though just to make sure it's working for you. Also if you have a close friend or relative you trust, that's another option. Shout out to my mom haha
Well, if you know what you're doing and have connections, some Westerners build their own house (some contract out or some have the Filipina family do it, or they even build it themselves) for much less rather than purchasing a house off the market. This is especially true in the Provinces, not the big cities. However, you need land to put the house on, and you can't own land in the Philippines (one of the drawbacks). So you build your house on someone else's land -- now what? You Definitely need a good attorney to explain this out with legal options prior to doing that. Even if you marry a Filipina, and put the house on her land if she has any, you need an attorney to legally protect you and your house. If married, she is probably entitled to half of it if you sell it, etc. To protect your Ass and your Assets in the Philippines, get a good attorney and hammer out an ironclad formal legal agreement of who owns what, in in what percentage, what happens to the house if it is sold, and who has authority to LEGALLY sell it (never only one party unless the other is dead). Married or not, there have been cases of married Americans going to the US for 30 days or so, and when they return, their house is sold with someone else living in it, and the wife is "gone" -- probably with her boyfriend. Also before you get married, get a Pre-Nuptial Agreement, and there is a good attorney in Dumaguete who can help with that. I normally write my own, and send it to an attorney to review and approve it. If the woman doesn't agree to a Pre-Nup, whether in the U.S. or Philippines, I tell her to hit the road, the relationship is over. PERIOD.
This New Yorker is really honest, l kinda like him!! Living in New York today under uncle Joe B is nothing to be proud of NY now is a shit hole i think, pardon the word@
retired military and disabled vet here which seals the deal over Thailand for me ... I'm going to have to take the tourist visa route since they upped the age on the ssrv visa but its worth it when i hit 50 looking at making the move spring 2025 after i finish welding school and save up some cash , also avid outdoor adventure guy ... looking at starting content creation too ... photo background.... would love to pick your brain about spending 6-8 MThs at a time around Manilla and using it as a SE Asia base camp ...
I just made a video on this topic, idk if you watched it, but I used the same term basically home base and launch pad for cebu because it's in the middle of the Philippines and close to a lot of islands, it also had an international airport and closer proximity to nature. Manila airport had more direct international flights though. And while I like manila. I believe they both have a va clinic of sorts check out the video it's my most recent, I went into detail about both
If you go with "needs" only, the Philliphines can be cheap. But then many of us add all the "wants" and it's suddenly not that cheap anymore. Then to a lot of people it's the "wants" part that makes life worth living. I think you are totally right when you say the budget most of all depend on the person who will live with it. Sound like you have found a good balance, good luck to you and your family.
I understand what you mean, but as someone making a video that thousands of people are going to watch, it's hard to get into specifics like that. I can lay out the prices of the important stuff though so they can have a starting point to work with Thank you for watching po!
@@hvaisto hey man! Was nice meeting you too and yea lets link up soon if you ever wanna just hang out and chat or do something like karaoke that’s what my wife likes to do haha
Something to know about anywhere is that if you can work from home or are retired? Single? Okay health like you don't need anything big? You can live in these places for a little less then $300 a month flat out or MUCH LESS depending if you want to ruff a few things for a few years. The Key is to get out of the cities and to the countryside. There are a TON of people who have rooms to rent you if you ask with homes that have all the basic amenities of the west including Aircon. Those that don't? Just bring your own and pay the electric bill or install Solar Panels on the roof if your an electrician in your previous life before you had to retire. Doing this investment will get you darn near free rent if your install can pay for the electricity alone. Chances are you are going to be having alot of other things you bring, so often? If your just a handy kind of guy? Living even rent free for just helping around a house works out fine. If your skilled at any trade , it might be useful and easy to transfer anywhere else in the world, so make sure to travel around and see where you fit in best. The Philippines has been good for Vets like me, but remember that you can go anywhere, and anywhere that is cheap is a good deal if your a single guy. And don't forget about MAC Flights. Those are free flights to most Veterans going anywhere there is a Military base. And there are PLENTY to choose from. The big idea? Take whatever you make and invest & save. You could with a western salary put away close to 80k a year if you work double on the jobs and gig work etc. Set up a Bed and Breakfast? A small hotel you happen to live at to manage? Your life is set & secure. No worries, and you can een set it up to be run remotely without to much effort on your part being physically there. The goal is to set yourself up to retire, so you have money to travel on a whim, and live your life healthy and at ease. Get out there Gentleman, A world awaits.
@@billyjohnson9262 that place isn’t as city living, but prices for condos are probably around the same because there are a lot of expats there too. As long as you like the place and the price is right for you, go for it. Anything around the $350 price and less is fair for a condo rental around here
Hi Mike,..I just became a new subscriber to your channel. Thanks for a great 👍 video with good information on costs in the Philippines and doing it in real life and straight forward. Take care and keep up the great work.
As for me i like to show off a bit by gettng a big bag of tacos and burritos from Taco Bell and going to the beach once a month. Then i take lots of selfies wiith tacos and make it look like it's my daiily routine when actually it's my monthly routine, but that's just me, that's how i do it. Haha, but in all seririousness it looks like Mike and his family are really out there doing it right and making the best of the situation, best wish and keep up the good work.
No lie that sounds amazing. Taco bell is the best lmao I'll hit up some crunch wraps on the beach thank you man, were just doing our best, that's all anyone can do right. God bless you and your fam too
@@TheNYCexpat Haha, fiinally a TH-camr who's got his priorities straight!! Yes, you're right indeed, but your best in Manila seems to yeild much better results than your best in NYC these days. HAha, anyway sounds like you really found the right balance for you and your family and you're out there making the best of it. i plan to be over there in late July or early August so i'm looking forward to it and it's inspiring to see how you're doing it. Keep it real and keep up the good work!!! God bless you and your family as well.
@@amazonseller-yf8vv still love nyc I'll always have a special place for it, but don't love the rent prices haha and okay man if you ever need anything in regards to asking stuff about your move or whatever, just holla, my email should be on my contact info on here or just comment
@@TheNYCexpat Yeah i hear that, no hate to NYC but it's getting difficult there, i got plenty of friends who moved there after college and unfortunately a lot of em seem to be strugglnig and a bit depressed, so sometimes you really need to face the realiity of the situatiion and change the evironment like you've done. Thanks a lot, i really apprecaite it. i'm pretty independent as I've lived and worked in many parts of the world already, so I won't be bothering you with a bunch of trivial stuff but incase there's something small and specific i'm glad to know i can reach out, thanks again.
@@MikeLimTravel Makati is cool and yea man just message me when you're around! Good luck on your channel, checked it out. That chicken parm was huge! Looked good though, good job on your videos too!
Shout out from Cali. Grew up in the province, studied in Manila and finished school in the US where I’ve been living since 1980. You’re keeping it real bro! My house is almost finished in Angeles City. I’m thinking I’ll spend a few months there every year or even retire there entirely. I know many Americans who are enjoying life in the islands, living a better quality of life than here in the US, for the money. All’s good!
Grab and Uber competed heavily in Southeast Asia for about five years until March 2018 when Grab acquired Uber's regional business in exchange for Grab shares.
Thank you for the info. Grab had been good here, I think the app and service have been better than Uber. The customer service on the other hand is not that good though
@@TheNYCexpat Yeah, I live in Capiz and last couple weeks I went to Iloilo. I installed the Grab app, but I never had a chance to use it. I had trouble using it. May it was my data connection. The passing taxis were faster anyway. I first used grab app way bank in 2017 when I went to manila and instantly it was a breeze. I don't know what went wrong.😅
I have lived in makati for up to 3 months at a time, and I can tell you, it is cheaper to live in Tokyo Japan, the cost of food in the philippines is extremely high any western style restaurant cost more than the same meal in the US. You can get a cheap condo but it depends usually if they see a westerner the price goes up. Shopping in the mall is extremely expensive.
@@craigmcivor3034 US passport holder does not need a visa, automatic 3 months entry, Filipino needs a visa but Japan has relaxed the requirements when they travel with an american : )
I rent 2 studio apartments in Bohol for $200 per month my electric bill can be as much 4 years ago when I got here we could live on one thousand dollars per month NOW $1500 per month dose it for a family of 3
Yea, i had some people trying to tell me in my last video we were lying about the rent prices lol I guess they just went to Bonifacio global city and paid the first agent they found without learning about the market because you can find lots of good rent prices here like you said. $200 is a great price you got. Thank you for watching. I was checking out your videos too
@@TheNYCexpat I'm paying per COVID-19 reatial rental prices $200 per month is really not that good of a deal also I'd like to thank you for the tip on the per paid medical cards maxicare my wife bought 3 tonight from SHOPEE
Thanks for the info man . I’m from Florida and been living 6 months in Brazil and Colombia for the past 5 years and the Philippines have been calling me I see way cheaper options with great amenities also being on the beach is nice . I do speak Spanish but how easy is it getting around speaking English? So far I see a lot of Filipinas speaking good English
Thank you for watching and mostly everyone I've met here speaks English ranging from they can understand you, to they speak better English than some Americans lol
@@TheNYCexpat thanks for the reply man ! That just makes me even more excited to come . I’ll definitely stay in contact with you and your videos man . I’ll be there in April with a one way ticket- New Sub here bro keep the vids coming bro 🤘🏻
Another great video brother. Charlie from Boston mass USA. That place looks excellent. I’ve been to Vietnam a few couple of times this year, but I’ve been living in Mexico mostly the past almost 3 years. My daughters are meeting me in Boston for Christmas, but after the new year I’m going back to Southeast Asia. I’m flip-flopping on where to begin. I got a friend going back to Cebu I think he said the place was called Mactan island he invited me mid January he got a new young bride. I got a girl in Vietnam I would like to see while I’m in Asia and I got a wedding in Cambodia where I can stay for one month starting March 1. No hurry to get back to America. I just gotta figure out where I wanna go first. If I start in Cebu, I will reach out for some suggestions. Thanks for another great informative video. Beautiful family. You did a good move getting out of the big apple brother. It ain’t what it used to be. My daughter is in Brooklyn and all hell broke loose there. I hemorrhage money every time I come back here to the US. And to be honest, I’m just happier abroad. It’s about noon time here and it’s warmed up to about 40°F. The warmest it has been all week. I’m heading out to the gym momentarily . I’m a widower and my kids live in different states. but I’m too young to be sitting in front of the fire for the next five months In the cold northeast.. That’ll make a man an old. I escaped the reapers clutch many times. When he Catches up to me, I’ll be riding a motorcycle in the mountains or along the coast maybe somewhere or I’ll be living boldly some adventure overseas and I’m a slide into the grave sideways and say thanks what a fucking ride. Keep doing what you do we appreciate you.
@@charliemulligan1988 thank you man, appreciate the love. Yea mactan is near the airport in cebu which is actually just south of cebu in lapu lapu. It's a good central location if you want to sight see in The Philippines and my wife is from cebu and we've lived there also so if you need anything just message me. Im read emails and comments when I can and also do paid consults for those who are looking. Do your thing man, The Philippines is an easy place to travel because of the English language being spoken widely and the people are mostly very nice and helpful Thank you for watching the video and glad it helped you a little! That's why I do it
Hey NewYorkExpat, thanks for another solid video that was cool and informative. I was wondering if you knew anything about how expensive mental health prescriptions over in manila as I could only find info from Watson's pharmacy online. Weird question I know. Thanks again for everything and wishing you and your family the best, peace.
Depends what you take. If it's a benzo or something similar, it's a controlled substance, so you'll need to see a certified psychiatrist that will probably be $20-$30 and then the medicine itself maybe another $30-$40 I got it filled here once for anxiety, wasn't cheap, but wasn't that expensive either
@@TheNYCexpat Cool thx man, yea i take like risperidone and depakote mainly with trazodone. I was checking out the Watson's Pharmacy pricing and I guess my meds alone would cost me $300 a month there but if its only like 40-60 per med thats more doable. Ill be single and living on 1500 usd. Anyways bro, thx for the quick response, u do u sir. Peace.
I have friends who easily live on 1000 a month down there when you budget the money wisely and dont try and live a luxury life, I will have around 1300 dollars a month to live on.
Thailand offers a whole lot more "bang for your buck" than the philippines does. 320$ in eastwood is a good price, but I'm also curious what the inside is like. I'm happy for you. But for those that want the cheapest option, thailand is better on that front. Electricity is cheaper in Thailand(By a lot! Philippines has really expensive electric like you said. And its not reliable in most places.), and the same for internet. Food quality is subjective...but generally thailand is cheaper. The philippines is great and I highly recommend it, but its definitely not as cheap as other options out there and it's not as cheap as people think it is. Good video overall and I think you're giving a pretty realistic look on it all without sugar coating it like a lot of people do.
Thailand definitely has some great value especially with properties and rentals but my wife is here so I’m here haha But in all seriousness, I think people should explore all of south east Asia, like you said there’s value in a lot of the countries and they all offer their own individual things to see! One thing that’s nice about The Philippines though is the visa process is a lot more lenient than in some other countries, as you can just renew in country without having to do visa runs, that also saves you some money
@@mrallan8063 Hard to put a number on those things because it depends on the individual more than a set price like the things I spoke about. I did an entire video on health insurance though if you’re looking for info on it
I ate out breakfast lunch and dinner at restaurants like .. costly places and yeah it got expensive fast. I stopped doing that so much. Two medium pizzas were good prices delivered.. manila was like $6 bucks each whole pizza. I got one for me and one for her.
@@truth6242 yea the food isn't much cheaper in my experience unless you're eating local. A lot of brands from back home will be the same price or more because import tax Did you get the pizza you're talking about at Shakey's by any chance? That's my favorite of the local branches lol
i get 1k ssdi but i have to pay for meds too, about $100 a month is how much they cost over there. pretty sure i could make it over there especially if i buy a condo or something.
Im in canada bc. Ive spent summers just backpacking or sledpimg iny hammock saving remt money. What if i was getting $1000 a month CAD and jist slept in my hammock ebery night and used the miney to eat good ttavel around and enjoy the experience? Or will they not let people do that out there ?
How far cheaper the cost to live in the philippines is than Japan.Allmost all rental houses are equipped with stuffs.I think that's why many foreigner visit there.
The condos in capital commons were expensive, even more than Bonifacio Global city on average, maybe because there were only a few of them and they’re trying to appeal to a target market, but they were overpriced. If you like that area I would suggest looking in the surrounding pasig city area including ortigas center which is a nice business district with condos and malls and stuff for better prices
I bought a condo in Cebu well actually two because they so small I had them combine them. It still small even after that. But total price is 7,500,000 peso. I don’t pay the full amount till 2026. So hoping that the peso exchange rate keeps being favorable. My condo size is 56 sq meters and it is located across the bridge from airport in manduae. It just a vacation condo for my family. I still have 6 years before I move
@@rayrdelle Sure if I don't have money, but I'm not a broke expat that moved to the Philippines on just social security. The condo is just a vacation home. I have a paid off house in Florida and my wife built a small house in the province. If the condo was to burn to the ground it would have zero impact on me financially.
They will be comparable. Both have a mix of cities and provinces, universities, working professionals, night life, etc. Just go with whichever place you like better because one isn't really going to be better than the other for meeting girls
Both are the same , in my experience the more you go in to the province the more curious the girls will get , to get to know you , but been to shy will hold most back from talking to you , but you will notice that people will stare at you a lot , so most of the time you will need to be the one to make the first move to brake the ice...
Thank you for the update. I'm born and raised in the Bronx, still living here. Where in NYC are you from?? God willing I will be there within the next year. So it's safe to assume I can live there for 1500 dollars per month?? I don't drink so I think it will be doable. Looking at your area , bgc, or cebu.
Grew up in NJ, moved to queens after. And yea $1,500 can get by, but you know your costs more than me. Just consider what I said in the video. There are some things that will vary in prices like food, travel, personal stuff while others like rent, internet, phone should be around the same price. If you wanna live near Bonifacio global city and save some money you can check out Makati or McKinley they're both right next door and have cheaper rent. Eastwood city, even cheaper rent, but about 30 min drive to Bonifacio global city, although Eastwood had most stuff you would want in its own
I am from the Bronx, been going to the Philippines for quite a number of years. Just came back in March.I can honestly say, that Mike is on point with everything he said.I'm located North of Manila, Bulacan to be exact.If you live 50/50 or less, your money will go a long way. 2 more years with the City of NY, and I'll be there permanently. Good luck my friend, don't wait too much longer😎
@@ANDY-gl7dn yes, it's called Eastwood city. I did a video on it if you want to check it out. Also if you're looking for a modern city like this one in manila you can check out Eastwood city, Bonifacio global city, Makati, Alabang, ortigas, pasig city to name a few
I’m an expat living in Makati, You need to be realistic. There’s a difference between living and surviving. The sweet spot is $2500-2800 that include a very good health insurance.
That's what's up. We spend like $1200 or less usually so not sure what to tell you. I think it's pretty obvious that people have different lifestyles and spending habits, but if you want to be ignorant of that idea then there's no point in debating with you. I gave numbers in the video so not sure what else to say about it
They're there, just have to look around. Some condos like fifth avenue place have a bunch of them for around $450 or ₱25,000, but when we visited the rooms were outdated, especially the air cons
How much would I have to save up to have a comfortable living there? Also I heard the weather there can be harsh/dangerous what with the typhoons and earthquakes and such
I lay out the prices in the video, but hard to answer a specific number for someone I don't know. I would say if you're not blowing your money then $2,000 a month is more than enough. Some people use more, some less. And yea those are things to consider when choosing where to live. It's nice to be next to the beach, but not when a typhoon happens
How do you do it at your age? I would love to retire early but I’m not sure how to financially swing it. I wish that I would have stayed in the military long enough to retire.
I saved up before moving over here more than a few years worth of rent, then I did teaching online, now I'm working on TH-cam. Its a financial risk, but I wasn't working a 9 to 5 career back home like most people, so it was a little different. As long as you can save up a little and have some ideas for remote work or a possible business idea here, then go for it. If it doesn't work out, you can go back, at least you tried right
@@TheNYCexpat That’s awesome. I think that I will give the stock market about a year and just start selling my belongings. I may just look into the English tutoring and possibly look for voiceover work. Thank you, and I wish you the absolute best.
@@streetracingmiscreant8589 thank you, you too. Sell the belongings you don't ever, but don't sell the stuff you use or care a lot about back home until you're sure. You can always come to The Phillipines for a few months and treat it like a vacation, if you like it you can just stay
Questions? How your are able to get your money from America 🇺🇸 like social security utilizing areas like using America teller cards in the Philippines 🇵🇭 has been money as most people are not able to figure that out, thank you.
Thank you for your video, I especially liked your wife and child cameo and your unvarnished "truth". In 1.5 years I'll retire and move to the Philippines. Without touching considerable savings I plan to to live wholly within my $3,700. SS. I'm also a Veteran and the PI honors that. I can't wait.
@@Tsavo1 thank you man. With $3,700 a month ss, you’ll live like a king. Find a place you like and dont be afraid to talk to the locals, Filipino people are some of what make the country great
@@TheNYCexpat Thanks, I appreciate that. My career has taken me to more than 70 countries around the world. For me the most important thing is to forget who you are and try to understand the people and culture of your host country. You're absolutely correct, don't be afraid to talk to and understand the locals. Again, I can't wait!
@rfen56 oh wow so you're a seasoned veteran as far as travel goes haha, but yea I agree with that mindset. There are a lot of foreigners that travel to Asia and act very entitled or like they're better and it's really annoying to see. It's good to just be a good person and be yourself, but also remember you're a guest in their country and to treat it with respect
Are your estimates for food for one person or all three of you? I think your $500 estimate for BGC is a bit low. Makati maybe but BGC probably starts at $700 for a half decent place.
Food for one person yea and I hear you, but there are definitely condos for 500 and less in bonifacio, its an area we looked into and keep up with. You can check out 5th avenue place on rentpad, i know for sure they will have a few executive studios which are like one bedrooms without the door for 25k php which is about $450 That said yea, you can also easily spend $700 too, but the point of the video was budgeting so i wanted to highlight the fact there are cheaper condos there too, but still expensive compared to the rest of The Philippines
It's hard to answer that because it depends on the person. Obviously the first way would be to find a remote job or see if your current job offers any remote positions. There are a lot of remote jobs, but it depends on the person's skill set. It's always good to save up there in usa before you come here too, that way you have some savings while you figure it out. A lot of other people moving here are on social security or pensions that are older. There's really no secret tips for money, you just have to save up and then find a way to make some from your computer basically Teaching, coding, tech support, virtual assistant, TH-cam, editor, copywriter, etc just have to look online and see what you think you can do. Also passive income is good too. Maybe I should make a video on this?
@thenycexpat that’s true! Really would depend on the individual is 💯 but I think you hit a good spot there mentioning remote work from the computer and such. ✅
Hey Mike . My wife and I will be moving next spring to Taygaytay. She’s originally from Manila and I’m originally from NYC. Your numbers seem right on according to my wife. I would guess this budget would roughly be the same down in Taygaytay. Can you think of any downside to living in Taygaytay? Thanks my NYC brother.☮️
Tell her I said I appreciate the stamp of approval haha you know how we do no bs in the videos, well maybe some when it comes to joking around, but not when it comes to information! Tagaytay is a nice area. Lots of people go there for vacation because it has nice mountain landscapes and is cooler than the concrete of the cities. The only downside I can think of would be lack of big hospitals if that's something that's important to you, your nearest big one would probably be an hour away in Alabang at Asian hospital. They do have smaller local ones, but if youre new here to the Philippines, do watch my other videos about health care because like I said the hospital quality drops off when in the province, that's just part of it. Besides that I think you'll have fun and nothing bad to say about Tagaytay, only heard good things. Thank you for watching!
I kept an eye on Albania ... but for one reason I will no more keep an eye on it! Italy will place thousands of refugees in Albania ... of course they will be pay the Albanian Government. If you see what problems many countries, esp. Germany and France, they have with many of this refugees you could imagine how a small country like Albania will be affected.
a question about tourist visa when u dont know how long u will stay can u just a get a one way ticket or do you always need a return ticket? and the visa can u just extend when u go there or should u get a extended tourist visa before u go
@@leonk6149 when you fly in you always need an outbound ticket. It doesn't necessarily need to be a return ticket so you can get an outbound ticket to a nearby country if you're staying here to save money. You'll renew the visa once youre here, can't do it before
@@leonk6149 yea can be to wherever, just have to have s ticket showing you're leaving The Philippines within the time frame you're supposed to, even though they let you stay anyway lol
People overpaying are probably booking via Airbnb. I'm sure, and maybe you should have specified, the price is always much better when you find a condo with boots on the ground. Word of mouth is far superior to getting a better price.
I looked up the pricing of available Condos and rental houses. And I can confirm you ain’t lying. Stuff is cheap but it ain’t free
I don't lie or bs for views, that's not how we do things around here. There's enough of that on social media already, we don't need more of that haha
The dude commenting on that last video though most likely realized they were getting ripped off in terms of rent, then got mad in the comment section. He shouldn't be mad at me though, I'm helping him out with the info. He should be mad at his agent for charging him the American tax we like to call it lol
@@TheNYCexpat 😂😂😂
Exactly 💯 Thank you .
For some reason, Condos, especially NEW condos, are very expensive in the Philippines, and in my opinion, not worth the money if you are not single. In many cases, can rent a large 3-5 bedroom house for much less than a 1 bedroom condo. You have to be here with boots on the ground to find these places, and I had to hire JR Visa Consultancy and Immigration Service to find one for me. It took them a week where it took me 2 months. Got a large 3-4 bedroom two story house for $550 to 600 a month depending on exchange rate in Cebu City.
@@user-DrJoe-Future yea I found the rental prices to be cheap, but the buying sales prices to be more than america sometimes
You’re definitely right, we lived in Eastwood for a few years before we decided to build a house down south and Lipa. A studio was anywhere from 15 to 20,000 pesos and when we moved into a one bedroom it was from 20 to 25,000 depending on which building we were in we stayed in four different buildings. The newest building was the most expensive but it was also the nicest and it was 25,000 and then the parking for our car was 4800 a month Which is standard and Eastwood area.
Our power was around 8 to 12,000 depending of the time of year because we always would run both our air conditioners all the time. We would live on a 2000 a month budget just fine. In the city. We live on the same budget now, but our house is paid off in cash and it gives us lots of extra money for good food. We like to shop at SNR. My wife and I are custom to the stuff that we had in America and we like to have it here in the Philippines. Every month we shop at Robinsons and SNR. SNR is like a Costco or Sam’s Club for the people that don’t know.
Will spend about 30,000 pesos on groceries or more every month.
Your video is right on the money thank you for keeping it real. You’re the man.
Thank you bro, appreciated!
That was a Great Video! Great discussion. After 10-years of visiting the Philippines and single, I moved there from the U.S. in Feb 2022 to retire and start a new family which I did. I do not feel that I downgraded, but many times upgraded from the U.S., especially considering the U.S. economy in 2024. In the U.S. (Virginia), I dined out maybe 5-6 times a month at the most, and that includes fast food. This month alone, at excellent Western and Philippine restaurants (most not fast food), I dined out 23 times for breakfast and/or lunch and sometimes dinner, and more other months, some with my wife, and other times with my entire family for $402.00 for the entire month. So if you don't feel like cooking, there's an easy solution. They will also deliver food to your house. I don't think I could afford to do that in the U.S. Second, I live in a major city, so I don't need a car for anything. There is much and diverse transportation. So for May 2024, my taxi/transportation cost has been $191.00, and I'm driven everywhere. My two daughters take a taxi to private school 5-days a week round trip for 3,000 pesos or less ($54.00 for entire week). I have more, larger, more modern, and more diverse malls to buy anything I need than in the U.S. My two-story stormproof house has a strong and tall security fence, 360 degree Cameras, garage, large kitchen, dining room, living room, and upstairs a large den and outdoor Terrace, a master bedroom much bigger than the studio condo I lived in, two other bedrooms, an office, a maids room or storage room, A/C, and three full bathrooms with hot water for $545.00 a month. The culture is much better, real freedom of religion here. The Christmas holiday season here starts September 1st, and ends 31 December. Lots of sales every month. The kids are the best in the world - smart, respectful of parents and all, very hard working, disciplined, responsible, and funny as heck. They do much of the cooking and house cleaning. I rarely have to tell my daughters to do anything, they are usually a step or two ahead. They keep me laughing all the time. School can last from 7:30am to 9:00pm, I never know how long with special projects, etc. Kids never complain. The tropical resorts/beaches are beautiful and world-class. My international airport in Cebu City is beautiful and much nicer than many American Airports. A doctors visit cost me $10.00, and sometimes he does not charge at all. Very good Internal Medicine doctor. Nationwide, the police almost NEVER hassle citizens. I rarely see them, crime is low, but the police station around the corner from me has a BIG sign out front -- "Home of The God-Fearing Cops! " The Universities are often much better than in the U.S. No Woke propaganda or Critical Racial Indoctrination theories here. They are also much much more affordable. Also, many large and medium sized and well equipped hospitals are here.
Thank you for sharing your valuable insight. Will help other viewers reading it too, pinned your comment
Thanks for the additional information. I'm a 73 Male & looking @ options for a month or so or longer.
I love people who have a positive outlook on life and circumstances, but for people without any knowledge, exaggerating can be seriously misleading.
@@SoldCentralFlorida2023 Regarding options, all depends where you are going in the Philippines, city or province, large city or small city, and what's your budget. That all depends on each individual. There are deals everywhere. The Philippines is more expensive than Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam, but much less than the U.S. American and Philippine culture are integrated here, but they truly have their own.
Thanks Dr. Joe I have traveled some. I worked for Marriott & took advantage of many perks.
Your right close to the 1/3 or 30% - recommended max in a budget ($320) for rent. --- It fits in the experts historic numbers - Mike ! --- Some others perhaps are not as 'thrifty' as you ? You don't waste a lot like some people do either + you have a wife & baby !!! --- I'm impressed with 'how' you do what you do - and - wish you continued success. You obviously have a system which works for you ?!? - - - Just keep up the good work. All the best !
Thank you and yea I definitely like to haggle, it's an art form in nyc lol but yea you can find rent for those prices I mentioned even at asking prices if you just look around.
And thank you, no need to be impressed and don't really have a system either, I'm just doing the best I can do, because at the end of the day that's all we can do. I've been through a lot of hardships back home and when you've been through a lot, you learn to be adaptable, which helps when you're moving to another county.
Thank you for watching and the nice comment, always appreciated over here on the channel
I just subscribed to your channel, I like your content very informative, I’m planning my great exit strategy now from Atlanta Georgia to the Philippines 🇵🇭💯
Thank you bro, follow along and I'll be trying to make the best videos I can for helping people like yourself who are looking to make the move over here
@@mizraw9200 i left USA 3 years ago. I cant go back lol. Its like I was blind now I see.
Yeah, your numbers are good! Spot on with rent, utilities, food options, etc. My wife is from Manila will be moving over to retire in October. We live in beautiful New England little roadie. And man is an expensive here, brother. Good to see your family and channel growing.✌🏻
Yea my family is from NJ and it's also getting too expensive there so I understand.
Thank you man! Hopefully the channel will continue to do good, trying my best to put out good videos haha
Wow, it's our boy Mike coming at us live and shootng the straight facts of the realty of the situation!!!
Im feisty in this video, gotta come back at some of the comments from last video hahaha therapeutic
@@TheNYCexpat Haha, sounds good, it's always surprising to see how even when you're totally open and honest about the reality there's gonna be some people there to say t's not true or not accurate, but you really told em how it is this tiime. 😆
@@amazonseller-yf8vv some people just want to argue, that's okay though. When I start getting those sort of comments, I know the video is doing good lol
@@TheNYCexpat i hear that, they say if everyone likes you, you're doing something wrong becasue in order to be great you have to be willing to be a bit pollarizing at times, so if you got a few critics it probably means you're on the right track!!!
Mac Miller that you?
Crazy how expensive PH has become for the high end stuff that didn't exist 20 years ago. Yes a lot of videos of People paying $1300 a month for a studio and saying that's cheap. Just because NYC is $5k a month doesn't mean you should overpay when in PH. $300 sounds like a good deal though! Nice video! =)
$1300 for a studio in The Philippines? Lol those people have more money than sense
Also, they prob don’t know how to negotiate and simply just are happy with $20 off included trash and parking for one vehicle. I’ve seen tons of videos where people are more than willing to consider offers and although it may be a back and forth things can be agreed upon. If you aren’t ready to walk they can see it and will hardly budge. Remember, every day a unit is vacant, there is money gone that can’t be made back.
sorry to disappoint you, 3,000 -10,000 USD for a reasonable nice house in Ayala Alabang is the norm
I live in Iloilo I pay 340 month 3 pools 10 minutes to malls walking restaurant every where so your right on!
Nice!
the house we live in was rented out for 3000 USD 5 years ago, when things were still cheaper. Why do people always try to show off how cheap they can survive when they fully know they need more in case of health issues, busted car etc?
That’s what it cost me to live in the Philippines I have an estate put away for medical emergencies so that’s spot on what it cost me and it was a beautiful condo hard to believe you’re spending 3000 USD to live in the Philippines for rent unless you talk about renting out your house in the US not sure everyone’s quality life is differentiated. I lived in a brand new condo when first moved there.its cheep but if you have medical problems don’t move there! I have a nest egg in case of accident or medical emergency. I have a pension Social Security and I own real estate in the US that I rent out so financially I’m good I live in the Philippines pretty cheap come and go as I please do what I want. I don’t have to worry about what I spend and I never spend over 800.00 a month eating out three or four times a day traveling with my Gf at the time . Sometimes bring her Gf with us. I love the Philippines and love the USA . You really paid 3000 a month for rent in the Philippines? Keep in mind I’m single no kids
@@telcslightingdesign2215 I made an entire video on healthcare here and don't underplay the importance of that
@@papabear007 in his other comment he said 3000-10,000 usd lol
For 10,000 usd you can build a house in the province and this dude is saying his rent cost that much a month
Even in Bonifacio global city you can rent a nice executive studio for $650 so not sure why he's spending so much money on rent
Bro I'm 57yo been coming to south East Asia for years Philippines 🇵🇭 is my second Home from 🇺🇸 America. Your absolutely 💯 on the rent Don't worry about these clowns most of them only been the main cities and yes rent is high but not $800 US. not even in Makati or BGC far as I know. I Rent cebu my Rent is $235 a month and I rent a beach house bagalow in siquor Island for $135 I wish I can show receipts thru the comments only thing I noticed is that Electricity is a little higher then normal and inflation but Remember the pesos is dam near 58 php to the Dollor no matter what we winning Great video bro.
Thank you bro and yea the people paying that much should be thanking me, not getting mad because I'm letting them know that their property agent is playing them lol
God bless!
@@TheNYCexpat lol 😆 I never thought about that.
Oh, you guys didn't go around BGC for rentals? 800 US for a town house is pretty standard. What about 1200 US? You'll easily find it.
@@hansreynders6853 idk if you're asking me or the original poster, but we did. You can easily spend $800 on rent there, but there are also executive studios there for around $450 if you're living by yourself and don't need something bigger.
Nice area, but we ultimately decided to rent in Eastwood because we found a much nicer apartment for less money. We figured we could just take a grab there with the extra savings when we wanted to go hang out there
nice video and that's true about the rent for a studio.
Thank you love
Indeed, I am also paying around 18,000 php here in makati for my studio unit
Facts 💯
Yup, that's the right price. The people getting mad saying that price is for views or whatever need to be mad at whoever is their property agent, not at the video haha
Good honest video thanks my man
Got you bro, thank you for watching
He's woke!
@@newworld3263 I'm actually not. Not everyone from new york is woke, don't let the news brainwash you lol
Pretty accurate
- Condo 15k - 25k studio or 1 bedroom unit it all depends which part you live, I live in Mandaluyong
- Food and Gorceries 7k to 10k monthly but of course if you have visitors you tend to buy more
- Water bill 300-400 monthly
- Electricity 1500 to 1700 (Electric fan) if Aircon 8hr - 12hr per day = 2500k - 3500k monthly
- Condo dues if not included in the rent is (2000-2500) monthly
- 1000 to 1500 weekly when for takeouts or eating out at the mall
- Transport, he was accurate. I take the train most of the time and then taxi or Angkas/Joyride (motor bike taxi) but still affordable compare to other countries
Yeah, the classic jeepney seems problematic for many expats, certainly when you're a giant as most of us are, but the modern variants fit us better and it's still the cheapest you can get.
your numbers are right only if you want to live like locals. But why would I move from my home country if I live on a much lower standard ?
@@telcslightingdesign2215 if you think that all locals have a salary of around 60k php(1k usd), you're delusional. That's considered a GOOD salary in phillipines. Many locals are working in call centers and earn around 18-25k php(300-450usd). Condos can be around 8000-16000php even in Manila. You are not living like the average local if you spend 1000$ a month. When you think of "locals", you're probably looking at people living in bgc or makati. Those are considered well off.
I'm renting a nice, two-story house in a nice subdivision for P18k (about $306). And I'm not very far from Metro Manila.
I'm living out in a province near Baliuag, Bulacan. My rent, electric, wifi, phone, water, & food is around 12000 pesos total which is around $210 Us dollars. I have a 1 bedroom, livingroom/kitchen combo, balcony, & flush toilet with shower. The only thing I didn't add is transportation. It's about 1000 pesos a month which brings my budget to around 13-15000 pesos or 225 to 260 us dollars a month. The apartment is brand new.
So 1000 USD a month should be really enough for a decent life, even close to Manila?
Been in Thailand 15.7 months and it's the same. Super cheap. My studio on the 27h floor in my condo, with an ocean view with every amenity, market, food and fun you can imagine is only $220 per month. My one bedroom prior to this one was a first floor villa style with private balcony pool access into the lazy river that lead to the main pool area. I was paying $280 per month there. Coming to Phillipines next. I cap myself at $2K per month cuz honestly you don't need anything more unless you're trying to be wasteful on purpose. By the sound of it $2k USD will be more than enough for myself there. Awesome! Great video!
Yea Thailand has some nice apartments for great prices! 2k should be plenty for you here too, you seem like a savy guy so you already know just look around like I said don't overpay for rentals like a lot of expats will do.
What part of Thailand did you stay in?
Thank you for sharing your story
@@TheNYCexpat Yeah, thanks. I've been all over, but mainly Bangkok, Pattaya, and Jomtien. Doing a Bali trip, followed by Vietnam, and then I'll end up in the Phillipines.
Wow I’d like some information on this please!
Hey man, good video! I was born and raised in Connecticut but now I live in Massachusetts. Funny thing, I was at JFK Airport this morning! Anyway, I’m just getting started with TH-cam. Trying to enjoy the adventure. I like your style you have good skills. I hope you go far.
What's up man. First off, thank you. Hearing people say positive things is a nice change of pace of the internet haha. Secondly, are you also considering a move? Or just browsing around and watching videos?
Anyway, thank you and again and jfk is a crazy airport haha
@@TheNYCexpat I was there already in February for two weeks and I’ve created some videos but I have more videos to make. Eventually, I’m gonna live there forever.
Seems like VALID info so i subscribed. Going to watch more of your vids. Keep it up!
Thank you good sir. Appreciate the sub
I agree with you 100% on being able to live decently for fairly cheap. I’ll look in a minute but if you don’t have an apartment tour could you please do one. Also, what about alternate sources of income, tips, what you do? Bless you and your family bro. Ty!
Hey, yea I already have some apartment tours in the world, just waiting for my friend who's a property agent here to get back from vacation so we can look at some apartments for the videos
@@TheNYCexpat ok nice! Hopefully you can give us a tour I’m some vacant spots that around the price you’re paying so me and my lady can get an understanding of price paid vs what you get! Thank you!
@@MstrB0ss yea I'm waiting for my friend who's a property agent over here to get back from vacation so we can do some videos on rentals
Man!!..
I work a modest job here in the UK, get around £2'200-2'300 a month (GBP)..
Working class average life here in England..
Just checked the exchange, an that would put me on around $170'000 pesos (PHP) a month..
And from a living cost search i just did, thats apparently big baller money there!?..
I'm amazed!..
If you read my other comment, i would love to start a new life there like yesterday!..
But I'm a full time parent to my 12yr old son here in the UK..
Like the amazing average Filipinas there, unfortunately i was taught that to value family above all too..
So i wouldn't even consider moving until i was sure he was grown and fully stable in his life..
But one day.. I hope..
Before I'm too much older too, so I'm a young-ish catch and not just an 'old rich guy'..
This is becoming my retirement dream right here!..
😎🤞🤞🤞
@@jewelrunner7756 yea 170,000 a month is a lot considering rent for a nice studio or one bedroom can be had for around ₱20,000-25,000 that's 150,000 left over to cover your other things. Also it's okay if youre older, people here actually treat there elders with respect it's how they're bought up here and if you're single it doesn't matter either, there's lots of older and younger couples.
If you ever need any advice I offer one on ones too for people moving here just email me!
Thank you for watching
@TheNYCexpat
Hey bro..
Thanks loads for the reply..
For the positivity, offer of advice too!..
Like i say, i don't know how long it'll take until the stars align and i have a bit more freedom again..
Parenting duties completed etc!..
This potential move tho, my growing love and interest for the Philippines..
It's grown over a fair time now..
It's not going anywhere!..
I know myself well, and just know it's a good call and the life would suit me etc..
With a bit of time and patience, i just know i could piece together and build something good for myself there!..
I hope that time when i can start to live for myself more again more comes around soon..
But fate decided it was gonna be just me an him, I'm all he has etc..
Is good job i love him and was taught well to put family above everything..
Kids!.. Grrrr!.. Lol
Until then...
I'll defo enjoy keeping up with ppl like yourself, living what i hope to pull together myself one day..
Learn as much as i can, and be inspired that bit more!..
Best wishes..
You take care friend.. 😎👍
I appreciate the info❤
Got you bro!
Hey brother, just came across your channel. Love your no nonsense and super informative style. Up in Vancouver , Canada, working with a bunch of amazing Philipinos for years. Looking to travel with my wife to find a retirement bliss.
I appreciate your help. Now subscribed and checkin out the rest of the channel.
Cheers
Thank you bro. I feel like social media got so covered in bs since it launched that we need to do better as content creators. So many people and things are fake these days, I’m trying to bring that New York attitude to the channel and give people the real reviews and talk about some of the important stuff. Thank you for kind words and the sub
How is it finding work out there? Can we work with a tourist thing?
@@Itsjustmaria43 you can't work here, but you can work remotely online
Thanks for sharing.. Watching from my night shift job.. I might have to spend a month in the Philippines.
You've got a great way of explaining things Mike. Thanks for the boots on the ground info. Do you keep a US phone plan for your banking codes, etc.
No prob Gary, thank you for watching all the videos!
Yes, skype, it's like $6 a month for an international number to receive calls. I would suggest using whichever virtual phone number service of your choosing before you come though just to make sure it's working for you. Also if you have a close friend or relative you trust, that's another option. Shout out to my mom haha
A US phone plan for banking codes, seriously? We are 21st century, but not in USA?
Well, if you know what you're doing and have connections, some Westerners build their own house (some contract out or some have the Filipina family do it, or they even build it themselves) for much less rather than purchasing a house off the market. This is especially true in the Provinces, not the big cities. However, you need land to put the house on, and you can't own land in the Philippines (one of the drawbacks). So you build your house on someone else's land -- now what? You Definitely need a good attorney to explain this out with legal options prior to doing that. Even if you marry a Filipina, and put the house on her land if she has any, you need an attorney to legally protect you and your house. If married, she is probably entitled to half of it if you sell it, etc. To protect your Ass and your Assets in the Philippines, get a good attorney and hammer out an ironclad formal legal agreement of who owns what, in in what percentage, what happens to the house if it is sold, and who has authority to LEGALLY sell it (never only one party unless the other is dead). Married or not, there have been cases of married Americans going to the US for 30 days or so, and when they return, their house is sold with someone else living in it, and the wife is "gone" -- probably with her boyfriend. Also before you get married, get a Pre-Nuptial Agreement, and there is a good attorney in Dumaguete who can help with that. I normally write my own, and send it to an attorney to review and approve it. If the woman doesn't agree to a Pre-Nup, whether in the U.S. or Philippines, I tell her to hit the road, the relationship is over. PERIOD.
Nice video, very truthful and informational, thanks ❤
@@yaboypetehowwedoit thank you
This New Yorker is really honest, l kinda like him!!
Living in New York today under uncle Joe B is nothing to be proud of
NY now is a shit hole i think, pardon the word@
Lol it's okay and yea I heard
retired military and disabled vet here which seals the deal over Thailand for me ... I'm going to have to take the tourist visa route since they upped the age on the ssrv visa but its worth it when i hit 50 looking at making the move spring 2025 after i finish welding school and save up some cash , also avid outdoor adventure guy ... looking at starting content creation too ... photo background.... would love to pick your brain about spending 6-8 MThs at a time around Manilla and using it as a SE Asia base camp ...
I just made a video on this topic, idk if you watched it, but I used the same term basically home base and launch pad for cebu because it's in the middle of the Philippines and close to a lot of islands, it also had an international airport and closer proximity to nature.
Manila airport had more direct international flights though. And while I like manila. I believe they both have a va clinic of sorts
check out the video it's my most recent, I went into detail about both
If you go with "needs" only, the Philliphines can be cheap. But then many of us add all the "wants" and it's suddenly not that cheap anymore. Then to a lot of people it's the "wants" part that makes life worth living.
I think you are totally right when you say the budget most of all depend on the person who will live with it. Sound like you have found a good balance, good luck to you and your family.
I understand what you mean, but as someone making a video that thousands of people are going to watch, it's hard to get into specifics like that. I can lay out the prices of the important stuff though so they can have a starting point to work with
Thank you for watching po!
I'm your neighbor in the same skyscraper. It was nice chatting and meet your family! I hope we see each other more often.
@@hvaisto hey man! Was nice meeting you too and yea lets link up soon if you ever wanna just hang out and chat or do something like karaoke that’s what my wife likes to do haha
Mike, Thanks for the information. I am still a couple of years away from moving to the Philippines 🇵🇭.
No prob Larry
Fellow New Yorker here from Bayside, Queens.
What up!
Something to know about anywhere is that if you can work from home or are retired? Single? Okay health like you don't need anything big?
You can live in these places for a little less then $300 a month flat out or MUCH LESS depending if you want to ruff a few things for a few years.
The Key is to get out of the cities and to the countryside.
There are a TON of people who have rooms to rent you if you ask with homes that have all the basic amenities of the west including Aircon.
Those that don't? Just bring your own and pay the electric bill or install Solar Panels on the roof if your an electrician in your previous life before you had to retire.
Doing this investment will get you darn near free rent if your install can pay for the electricity alone.
Chances are you are going to be having alot of other things you bring, so often?
If your just a handy kind of guy? Living even rent free for just helping around a house works out fine.
If your skilled at any trade , it might be useful and easy to transfer anywhere else in the world, so make sure to travel around and see where you fit in best.
The Philippines has been good for Vets like me, but remember that you can go anywhere, and anywhere that is cheap is a good deal if your a single guy.
And don't forget about MAC Flights. Those are free flights to most Veterans going anywhere there is a Military base. And there are PLENTY to choose from.
The big idea? Take whatever you make and invest & save.
You could with a western salary put away close to 80k a year if you work double on the jobs and gig work etc.
Set up a Bed and Breakfast?
A small hotel you happen to live at to manage?
Your life is set & secure. No worries, and you can een set it up to be run remotely without to much effort on your part being physically there.
The goal is to set yourself up to retire, so you have money to travel on a whim, and live your life healthy and at ease.
Get out there Gentleman,
A world awaits.
@@MickeyMishra good advice for others, thank you for taking the time to write it out!
I was looking for condos in Dumaghetti, and the one I liked was $360 US. It wasn’t Manila, but it looked really nice.
@@billyjohnson9262 that place isn’t as city living, but prices for condos are probably around the same because there are a lot of expats there too. As long as you like the place and the price is right for you, go for it. Anything around the $350 price and less is fair for a condo rental around here
Hi Mike,..I just became a new subscriber to your channel.
Thanks for a great 👍 video with good information on costs in the Philippines and doing it in real life and straight forward.
Take care and keep up the great work.
Thank you!
As for me i like to show off a bit by gettng a big bag of tacos and burritos from Taco Bell and going to the beach once a month. Then i take lots of selfies wiith tacos and make it look like it's my daiily routine when actually it's my monthly routine, but that's just me, that's how i do it. Haha, but in all seririousness it looks like Mike and his family are really out there doing it right and making the best of the situation, best wish and keep up the good work.
No lie that sounds amazing. Taco bell is the best lmao I'll hit up some crunch wraps on the beach
thank you man, were just doing our best, that's all anyone can do right. God bless you and your fam too
@@TheNYCexpat Haha, fiinally a TH-camr who's got his priorities straight!!
Yes, you're right indeed, but your best in Manila seems to yeild much better results than your best in NYC these days.
HAha, anyway sounds like you really found the right balance for you and your family and you're out there making the best of it. i plan to be over there in late July or early August so i'm looking forward to it and it's inspiring to see how you're doing it. Keep it real and keep up the good work!!!
God bless you and your family as well.
@@amazonseller-yf8vv still love nyc I'll always have a special place for it, but don't love the rent prices haha
and okay man if you ever need anything in regards to asking stuff about your move or whatever, just holla, my email should be on my contact info on here or just comment
@@TheNYCexpat Yeah i hear that, no hate to NYC but it's getting difficult there, i got plenty of friends who moved there after college and unfortunately a lot of em seem to be strugglnig and a bit depressed, so sometimes you really need to face the realiity of the situatiion and change the evironment like you've done.
Thanks a lot, i really apprecaite it. i'm pretty independent as I've lived and worked in many parts of the world already, so I won't be bothering you with a bunch of trivial stuff but incase there's something small and specific i'm glad to know i can reach out, thanks again.
Very informative video bro. I’m gonna come out to scope out Manila soon to live
@@MikeLimTravel thank you man and nice, what part? If you need any suggestions just comment!
@ , I’m thinking I will be staying in Makati. I just started my TH-cam channel and plan to make some videos out there. Maybe we can meet up one day.
@@MikeLimTravel Makati is cool and yea man just message me when you're around! Good luck on your channel, checked it out. That chicken parm was huge! Looked good though, good job on your videos too!
Nice video. Everything you said was pretty much spot on.
Thank you bro. I want to put out good info for people
Don’t forget about medical bills. It’s cheap but you have to set aside a portion of your budget for it.
Yea i made a entire video on that if you want to check it out
Shout out from Cali. Grew up in the province, studied in Manila and finished school in the US where I’ve been living since 1980. You’re keeping it real bro! My house is almost finished in Angeles City. I’m thinking I’ll spend a few months there every year or even retire there entirely. I know many Americans who are enjoying life in the islands, living a better quality of life than here in the US, for the money. All’s good!
Appreciate the love. Yea, theres lots to like about The Philippines and lots of value too. Grats on the house
Grab and Uber competed heavily in Southeast Asia for about five years until March 2018 when Grab acquired Uber's regional business in exchange for Grab shares.
Thank you for the info. Grab had been good here, I think the app and service have been better than Uber. The customer service on the other hand is not that good though
@@TheNYCexpat Yeah, I live in Capiz and last couple weeks I went to Iloilo. I installed the Grab app, but I never had a chance to use it. I had trouble using it. May it was my data connection. The passing taxis were faster anyway. I first used grab app way bank in 2017 when I went to manila and instantly it was a breeze. I don't know what went wrong.😅
Perfect !!!
Thank you….
Thank you for watching!
I have lived in makati for up to 3 months at a time, and I can tell you, it is cheaper to live in Tokyo Japan, the cost of food in the philippines is extremely high any western style restaurant cost more than the same meal in the US. You can get a cheap condo but it depends usually if they see a westerner the price goes up. Shopping in the mall is extremely expensive.
What are the visa options for Japan ?
@@craigmcivor3034 US passport holder does not need a visa, automatic 3 months entry, Filipino needs a visa but Japan has relaxed the requirements when they travel with an american : )
@@craigmcivor3034 would be good to make a video showing a emnu from TGIF's or similar US restaurant, to show how expensive it is.
I rent 2 studio apartments in Bohol for $200 per month my electric bill can be as much 4 years ago when I got here we could live on one thousand dollars per month NOW $1500 per month dose it for a family of 3
Yea, i had some people trying to tell me in my last video we were lying about the rent prices lol I guess they just went to Bonifacio global city and paid the first agent they found without learning about the market because you can find lots of good rent prices here like you said. $200 is a great price you got.
Thank you for watching. I was checking out your videos too
@@TheNYCexpat I'm paying per COVID-19 reatial rental prices $200 per month is really not that good of a deal also I'd like to thank you for the tip on the per paid medical cards maxicare my wife bought 3 tonight from SHOPEE
@@stewartfamily2612 no prob man, glad the video could help. Those cards are a good value
Nice info and style, I like the NYC vibe here in uk.❤..subscribed
@@paulcoates3860 Thank you my dude, appreciate the sub
All the best
Thanks for the info man . I’m from Florida and been living 6 months in Brazil and Colombia for the past 5 years and the Philippines have been calling me I see way cheaper options with great amenities also being on the beach is nice . I do speak Spanish but how easy is it getting around speaking English? So far I see a lot of Filipinas speaking good English
Thank you for watching and mostly everyone I've met here speaks English ranging from they can understand you, to they speak better English than some Americans lol
@@TheNYCexpat thanks for the reply man ! That just makes me even more excited to come . I’ll definitely stay in contact with you and your videos man . I’ll be there in April with a one way ticket- New Sub here bro keep the vids coming bro 🤘🏻
Another great video Mike.
Another great video brother. Charlie from Boston mass USA. That place looks excellent. I’ve been to Vietnam a few couple of times this year, but I’ve been living in Mexico mostly the past almost 3 years. My daughters are meeting me in Boston for Christmas, but after the new year I’m going back to Southeast Asia. I’m flip-flopping on where to begin. I got a friend going back to Cebu I think he said the place was called Mactan island he invited me mid January he got a new young bride. I got a girl in Vietnam I would like to see while I’m in Asia and I got a wedding in Cambodia where I can stay for one month starting March 1. No hurry to get back to America. I just gotta figure out where I wanna go first. If I start in Cebu, I will reach out for some suggestions. Thanks for another great informative video. Beautiful family. You did a good move getting out of the big apple brother. It ain’t what it used to be. My daughter is in Brooklyn and all hell broke loose there. I hemorrhage money every time I come back here to the US. And to be honest, I’m just happier abroad. It’s about noon time here and it’s warmed up to about 40°F. The warmest it has been all week. I’m heading out to the gym momentarily . I’m a widower and my kids live in different states. but I’m too young to be sitting in front of the fire for the next five months In the cold northeast.. That’ll make a man an old. I escaped the reapers clutch many times. When he Catches up to me, I’ll be riding a motorcycle in the mountains or along the coast maybe somewhere or I’ll be living boldly some adventure overseas and I’m a slide into the grave sideways and say thanks what a fucking ride. Keep doing what you do we appreciate you.
@@charliemulligan1988 thank you man, appreciate the love. Yea mactan is near the airport in cebu which is actually just south of cebu in lapu lapu. It's a good central location if you want to sight see in The Philippines and my wife is from cebu and we've lived there also so if you need anything just message me. Im read emails and comments when I can and also do paid consults for those who are looking.
Do your thing man, The Philippines is an easy place to travel because of the English language being spoken widely and the people are mostly very nice and helpful
Thank you for watching the video and glad it helped you a little! That's why I do it
im living here on 2k a month and im big chilling in manila!
Yea 2k is a good budget bro. God bless
@@TheNYCexpat thanks i got lucky i found a filipina that splits living expenses together makes it easier to stretch out the moneys
nnice video brother im also from new york in cebu city enjoyed your perspective!
Thank you bro
Hey NewYorkExpat, thanks for another solid video that was cool and informative. I was wondering if you knew anything about how expensive mental health prescriptions over in manila as I could only find info from Watson's pharmacy online. Weird question I know. Thanks again for everything and wishing you and your family the best, peace.
Depends what you take. If it's a benzo or something similar, it's a controlled substance, so you'll need to see a certified psychiatrist that will probably be $20-$30 and then the medicine itself maybe another $30-$40
I got it filled here once for anxiety, wasn't cheap, but wasn't that expensive either
@@TheNYCexpat Cool thx man, yea i take like risperidone and depakote mainly with trazodone. I was checking out the Watson's Pharmacy pricing and I guess my meds alone would cost me $300 a month there but if its only like 40-60 per med thats more doable. Ill be single and living on 1500 usd. Anyways bro, thx for the quick response, u do u sir. Peace.
I have friends who easily live on 1000 a month down there when you budget the money wisely and dont try and live a luxury life, I will have around 1300 dollars a month to live on.
Thailand offers a whole lot more "bang for your buck" than the philippines does. 320$ in eastwood is a good price, but I'm also curious what the inside is like. I'm happy for you. But for those that want the cheapest option, thailand is better on that front. Electricity is cheaper in Thailand(By a lot! Philippines has really expensive electric like you said. And its not reliable in most places.), and the same for internet. Food quality is subjective...but generally thailand is cheaper. The philippines is great and I highly recommend it, but its definitely not as cheap as other options out there and it's not as cheap as people think it is. Good video overall and I think you're giving a pretty realistic look on it all without sugar coating it like a lot of people do.
Thailand definitely has some great value especially with properties and rentals but my wife is here so I’m here haha
But in all seriousness, I think people should explore all of south east Asia, like you said there’s value in a lot of the countries and they all offer their own individual things to see! One thing that’s nice about The Philippines though is the visa process is a lot more lenient than in some other countries, as you can just renew in country without having to do visa runs, that also saves you some money
you paid million pesos in Thailand to stay there the price there skyrocketing philipine is more humanity price
Transportation? Heath insurance? Entertainment? Incidentals (toiletries, laundry, cleaning supplies)?
@@mrallan8063 Hard to put a number on those things because it depends on the individual more than a set price like the things I spoke about. I did an entire video on health insurance though if you’re looking for info on it
Awesome video Mike, and lovely wife and a very cute li'l baby of yours. More blessings to come 👍💖🙏💐🌿🌾🌴🎉
Haha that's funny because her name is actually Lovely! Thank you for watching and the nice comment, you're appreciated
@@TheNYCexpat Wow that's great. You're welcome my friend. God bless always 👍💖🙏💐🎉😇😇😇
@@InfiniteGoodness God bless
@@TheNYCexpat Thanks Mike ✨💖🙏💐🎉😇😇😇
@InfinteGoodness: Agree. I found it too cute when she said from off camera, “What’s a sugar Mama?” 🤭😆💰🪙🤰🏻
You will struggle to find places for these prices in bgc or Rockwell, but other places it’s totally doable
@@WhiskersAndWords yea studios in bonifacio start at around 25k php and up
Good honest review..i appriciate it
@@cordovawilliam2 doing my best, thank you for watching
Good video. It would be nice to find one like this, but with info on a family of four.
Thank you and add a thousand for every kid of course lol jk, maybe
I ate out breakfast lunch and dinner at restaurants like .. costly places and yeah it got expensive fast. I stopped doing that so much. Two medium pizzas were good prices delivered.. manila was like $6 bucks each whole pizza. I got one for me and one for her.
@@truth6242 yea the food isn't much cheaper in my experience unless you're eating local. A lot of brands from back home will be the same price or more because import tax
Did you get the pizza you're talking about at Shakey's by any chance? That's my favorite of the local branches lol
How does Cebu compare Im thinking of getting a condo to rent there
I have a video all about that in detail, check it out, its on my page
10:12 ha! Awww cute baby. That’s lovely. 😍😀
@@a.d.clarke4990 thank you, that's teddy
I can’t believe it took an American to get me that much closer to deciding to move back to my native country. 🤣 Good job, dude. 👍👍😁
Lol
what are you gay?
@@GordonKistler-ns2df weird comment
i get 1k ssdi but i have to pay for meds too, about $100 a month is how much they cost over there. pretty sure i could make it over there especially if i buy a condo or something.
@@PaulIsTheBestest you can get by on 1k, but you'll want to make sure you have an emergency savings. 1k without savings wouldn't be advisable
Im in canada bc. Ive spent summers just backpacking or sledpimg iny hammock saving remt money. What if i was getting $1000 a month CAD and jist slept in my hammock ebery night and used the miney to eat good ttavel around and enjoy the experience? Or will they not let people do that out there ?
Not sure, but you can probably find an actual place if you're outside of the city in the province and get by on $1000 if you wanted to
So great even in Manila apartments prices, thank 😊 you for Philippines 🇵🇭 💖 information 😄
Good video . Thanks
@@carlTis thank you carl
We use Grab everywhere when in Manila.
How far cheaper the cost to live in
the philippines is than Japan.Allmost all rental houses are equipped with stuffs.I think
that's why many foreigner visit there.
I saw your video on Capitol Commons, are condo's cheaper in Eastwood , are condo's in Capitol Commons cheaper than BGC ? Good video !
The condos in capital commons were expensive, even more than Bonifacio Global city on average, maybe because there were only a few of them and they’re trying to appeal to a target market, but they were overpriced. If you like that area I would suggest looking in the surrounding pasig city area including ortigas center which is a nice business district with condos and malls and stuff for better prices
@@TheNYCexpat Thanks
I bought a condo in Cebu well actually two because they so small I had them combine them. It still small even after that. But total price is 7,500,000 peso. I don’t pay the full amount till 2026. So hoping that the peso exchange rate keeps being favorable. My condo size is 56 sq meters and it is located across the bridge from airport in manduae. It just a vacation condo for my family. I still have 6 years before I move
@@rayrdelle Sure if I don't have money, but I'm not a broke expat that moved to the Philippines on just social security. The condo is just a vacation home. I have a paid off house in Florida and my wife built a small house in the province. If the condo was to burn to the ground it would have zero impact on me financially.
Bro you talking and acting like a Filipino ❤. Congrats my boy!
Which city is better for dating? Cebu or Manila?
They will be comparable. Both have a mix of cities and provinces, universities, working professionals, night life, etc.
Just go with whichever place you like better because one isn't really going to be better than the other for meeting girls
Both are the same , in my experience the more you go in to the province the more curious the girls will get , to get to know you , but been to shy will hold most back from talking to you , but you will notice that people will stare at you a lot , so most of the time you will need to be the one to make the first move to brake the ice...
Thank you for the update. I'm born and raised in the Bronx, still living here. Where in NYC are you from?? God willing I will be there within the next year. So it's safe to assume I can live there for 1500 dollars per month?? I don't drink so I think it will be doable. Looking at your area , bgc, or cebu.
Grew up in NJ, moved to queens after.
And yea $1,500 can get by, but you know your costs more than me. Just consider what I said in the video. There are some things that will vary in prices like food, travel, personal stuff while others like rent, internet, phone should be around the same price.
If you wanna live near Bonifacio global city and save some money you can check out Makati or McKinley they're both right next door and have cheaper rent. Eastwood city, even cheaper rent, but about 30 min drive to Bonifacio global city, although Eastwood had most stuff you would want in its own
Thank you Mike, I really appreciate it.
I am from the Bronx, been going to the Philippines for quite a number of years. Just came back in March.I can honestly say, that Mike is on point with everything he said.I'm located North of Manila, Bulacan to be exact.If you live 50/50 or less, your money will go a long way. 2 more years with the City of NY, and I'll be there permanently. Good luck my friend, don't wait too much longer😎
@@isreeramotar3868 salamat bro
@@TheNYCexpat Walang Anuman 😎
Hi.I watch your video today and I like it. Could I ask you what the name of the area where is it. look beautiful and clean.Thanks
@@ANDY-gl7dn yes, it's called Eastwood city. I did a video on it if you want to check it out.
Also if you're looking for a modern city like this one in manila you can check out Eastwood city, Bonifacio global city, Makati, Alabang, ortigas, pasig city to name a few
Solid content, well done...and subbed. Barely have my head above water on 60k in Michigan. Not complaining.....Oh wait, yes I am :)
Lol I know what you mean and thank you. Maybe consider trying out south east Asia if you have any kind of remote work options
Hwlo sir. I have another question again. How about if theres a typhone and floodbthis area is safe? Thnx
@@filipinoromanianrelationsh9235 there have been a couple typhoons already this year and Eastwood has been good as far as flooding goes thankfully
Great honest take.
Thank you bert
I’m an expat living in Makati, You need to be realistic. There’s a difference between living and surviving. The sweet spot is $2500-2800 that include a very good health insurance.
That's what's up. We spend like $1200 or less usually so not sure what to tell you. I think it's pretty obvious that people have different lifestyles and spending habits, but if you want to be ignorant of that idea then there's no point in debating with you.
I gave numbers in the video so not sure what else to say about it
you'll be lucky to get a $500 studio unit in BGC, most are in the 35-60k range.
They're there, just have to look around. Some condos like fifth avenue place have a bunch of them for around $450 or ₱25,000, but when we visited the rooms were outdated, especially the air cons
@@TheNYCexpat yup and very small like 25sqm lol. 500 in eastwood or even makati would be decent
I have a small spot for $111 a month plus water and electric right now in Cebu, Province. I paid $13 last month for water and electric. Dirt cheap.
@@truth6242 tell that to the people saying you need $3000 plus for rent haha
I think your right on the mark
Thanks bro 😎
How much would I have to save up to have a comfortable living there? Also I heard the weather there can be harsh/dangerous what with the typhoons and earthquakes and such
I lay out the prices in the video, but hard to answer a specific number for someone I don't know. I would say if you're not blowing your money then $2,000 a month is more than enough. Some people use more, some less. And yea those are things to consider when choosing where to live. It's nice to be next to the beach, but not when a typhoon happens
typhoon cannot affect building here these is not china a tofu building they build it in five years in china only a month
How do you do it at your age? I would love to retire early but I’m not sure how to financially swing it. I wish that I would have stayed in the military long enough to retire.
I saved up before moving over here more than a few years worth of rent, then I did teaching online, now I'm working on TH-cam. Its a financial risk, but I wasn't working a 9 to 5 career back home like most people, so it was a little different. As long as you can save up a little and have some ideas for remote work or a possible business idea here, then go for it. If it doesn't work out, you can go back, at least you tried right
@@TheNYCexpat That’s awesome. I think that I will give the stock market about a year and just start selling my belongings. I may just look into the English tutoring and possibly look for voiceover work. Thank you, and I wish you the absolute best.
@@streetracingmiscreant8589 thank you, you too. Sell the belongings you don't ever, but don't sell the stuff you use or care a lot about back home until you're sure. You can always come to The Phillipines for a few months and treat it like a vacation, if you like it you can just stay
Questions? How your are able to get your money from America 🇺🇸 like social security utilizing areas like using America teller cards in the Philippines 🇵🇭 has been money as most people are not able to figure that out, thank you.
Like how do I transfer usd to php you mean?
Good info my bro, Salamat
Thank you bro
Thanks for this, brother. Some vloggers make the PH
look shockingly overpriced.
No worries man, thank you for watching!
@@TheNYCexpat What (general) part of Manila are you in?
@@daredevilforlife Eastwood city. Have another video on the area if you want to check it out it's on my channel
@@TheNYCexpat Outstanding! Thanks!
Thank you for your video, I especially liked your wife and child cameo and your unvarnished "truth". In 1.5 years I'll retire and move to the Philippines. Without touching considerable savings I plan to to live wholly within my $3,700. SS. I'm also a Veteran and the PI honors that. I can't wait.
@@Tsavo1 thank you man. With $3,700 a month ss, you’ll live like a king. Find a place you like and dont be afraid to talk to the locals, Filipino people are some of what make the country great
@@TheNYCexpat Thanks, I appreciate that. My career has taken me to more than 70 countries around the world. For me the most important thing is to forget who you are and try to understand the people and culture of your host country. You're absolutely correct, don't be afraid to talk to and understand the locals. Again, I can't wait!
@rfen56 oh wow so you're a seasoned veteran as far as travel goes haha, but yea I agree with that mindset. There are a lot of foreigners that travel to Asia and act very entitled or like they're better and it's really annoying to see. It's good to just be a good person and be yourself, but also remember you're a guest in their country and to treat it with respect
Are your estimates for food for one person or all three of you? I think your $500 estimate for BGC is a bit low. Makati maybe but BGC probably starts at $700 for a half decent place.
Food for one person yea and I hear you, but there are definitely condos for 500 and less in bonifacio, its an area we looked into and keep up with. You can check out 5th avenue place on rentpad, i know for sure they will have a few executive studios which are like one bedrooms without the door for 25k php which is about $450
That said yea, you can also easily spend $700 too, but the point of the video was budgeting so i wanted to highlight the fact there are cheaper condos there too, but still expensive compared to the rest of The Philippines
How does one earn income? Asking as a potential future xPAT looking to leave NYC too. 😮
It's hard to answer that because it depends on the person. Obviously the first way would be to find a remote job or see if your current job offers any remote positions. There are a lot of remote jobs, but it depends on the person's skill set. It's always good to save up there in usa before you come here too, that way you have some savings while you figure it out.
A lot of other people moving here are on social security or pensions that are older.
There's really no secret tips for money, you just have to save up and then find a way to make some from your computer basically
Teaching, coding, tech support, virtual assistant, TH-cam, editor, copywriter, etc just have to look online and see what you think you can do.
Also passive income is good too.
Maybe I should make a video on this?
@thenycexpat that’s true! Really would depend on the individual is 💯 but I think you hit a good spot there mentioning remote work from the computer and such. ✅
I move there in a week to makati
grats dude, Makati is a nice city
Hey Mike . My wife and I will be moving next spring to Taygaytay. She’s originally from Manila and I’m originally from NYC. Your numbers seem right on according to my wife. I would guess this budget would roughly be the same down in Taygaytay. Can you think of any downside to living in Taygaytay? Thanks my NYC brother.☮️
Tell her I said I appreciate the stamp of approval haha you know how we do no bs in the videos, well maybe some when it comes to joking around, but not when it comes to information!
Tagaytay is a nice area. Lots of people go there for vacation because it has nice mountain landscapes and is cooler than the concrete of the cities. The only downside I can think of would be lack of big hospitals if that's something that's important to you, your nearest big one would probably be an hour away in Alabang at Asian hospital. They do have smaller local ones, but if youre new here to the Philippines, do watch my other videos about health care because like I said the hospital quality drops off when in the province, that's just part of it.
Besides that I think you'll have fun and nothing bad to say about Tagaytay, only heard good things. Thank you for watching!
Just a tad under NYC prices 🙃
Yea add a digit for nyc prices lol
Thanks!! man keep an eye on Albania (:
I kept an eye on Albania ... but for one reason I will no more keep an eye on it! Italy will place thousands of refugees in Albania ... of course they will be pay the Albanian Government. If you see what problems many countries, esp. Germany and France, they have with many of this refugees you could imagine how a small country like Albania will be affected.
@@cherrychelle Bro, u got that right!
Blessings you and Beautiful family…..🙏🇺🇸
@@henryweaver-g9b thank you my friend, appreciate it and same to you, God bless
a question about tourist visa when u dont know how long u will stay can u just a get a one way ticket or do you always need a return ticket? and the visa can u just extend when u go there or should u get a extended tourist visa before u go
@@leonk6149 when you fly in you always need an outbound ticket. It doesn't necessarily need to be a return ticket so you can get an outbound ticket to a nearby country if you're staying here to save money. You'll renew the visa once youre here, can't do it before
@@TheNYCexpat thank you so basically a ticket to philippines and and onward ticket to indonesia for example
@@leonk6149 yea can be to wherever, just have to have s ticket showing you're leaving The Philippines within the time frame you're supposed to, even though they let you stay anyway lol
Can you keep your same American phone number if you get a Philippines phone plan?
@@rcardoosuna6491 not if your swapping carriers here. Some American carriers have international plans though
People overpaying are probably booking via Airbnb. I'm sure, and maybe you should have specified, the price is always much better when you find a condo with boots on the ground. Word of mouth is far superior to getting a better price.
I think people just like to argue on the internet is more likely the reason lol
Do they have Thai restaurants and Vietnamese restaurants there?
Of course