Hi, how much would it cost to live a comfortable lifestyle in the Philippines?

Question

Am 62 and would like to get away from this multicultural, crime ridden, drug infested, politically correct, laughing stock of the world soon to be Islamic, ****hole they call the UK, I don't have too much money, thanks to all in advance for your valuabe answers.

Answer 1

To live a "comfortable" lifestyle, that is up to Western standards outside the major cities of Cebu or Manilla $1000 to $1800. It can be done on $600 a month, but your be living mostly like a native.

I would recommend a visit first, preferably for 2-3 months to see if you can adjust to the culture here. Although it is similar it is not the same as Western countries like the US or UK.

I would recommend the smaller cities in the western visayas like Iloilo or Bacolod. Both have all the advantages of a larger city and way cheaper living.

Answer 2

You can buy a good house [not in Manila but you wouldn't want to live there anyway] there for about $50,000US. but you need to be a citizen. If you own your house and receive a UK pension you could live like a king. I'm planning to live in Davao eventually myself.

Answer 3

For a comfortable lifestyle in the Philippines provided that you are only renting your house and you already own a car, I think that $1200 to $2000 is enough to start. I don't know how much it converts to UK pounds and I'm too lazy to research.. Anyways, just try a long vacation instead of moving in totally just because your mind might change. Try it for 6 months and then decide if you like it.

Answer 4

Please don't make any decision to move permanently to the Philippines without spending some time in the Philippines first.

The Philippines is a great place but it is not for everyone.

So long as you are debt free, no matter how much your pension is, you can live on it. It is just the level of comfort that will vary.

In Palompon Leyte, usd $500 to usd $600 per month is enough for me. On that amount, I can afford a live in housemaid, feed several other people, spend 2 hours a day at the internet cafe, have dream sattelite with all the channels, cooling by fans with occasional use of aircon, eat out several times per week and socialise with friends every day.

Palompon is a sea port. Everywhere within the town is close to the sea. Nice beaches are about 2 kilometres from the centre of the town. Small 1 bedroom apartments start at about P1,500 (about usd $35) per month. Small 2 bedroom apartments start at about P2,500 (about usd $55) per month.

In Cebu City, I used to live on usd $1,000 per month. For that, I could live permanently in a hotel, eat out for every meal and socialise with friends every day. I would probably want usd $1,200 to usd $1,500 for that now.

In holiday mode, it costs me about usd $2,000 per month. That is to say, living like a tourist and travelling around to different islands.

Some people reckon you need usd $3000 per month and more to live in the Philippines. I don't know about NEED but if I had it, I am sure I would find ways to spend it.

If you would like information specific to British citizens, try this yahoo discussion group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cebu_britc...

Let me know what other questions you have by writing to me at [e-mail]

I hope this helps!

Regards: Jim Sibbick

Answer 5

P15,000 / $333 -- rent for a nice house

P20,000 / $446 -- eating out

P10,000 / $222 -- gas for your car

P45,000 / $1,001 -- one month expense

if you want to live a comfortable life,

go to santa rosa laguna, and live at south forbes.

all you have to do is eat nice foods,

play golf all day long,

and watch the sunset.

but if you go there,

the expenses might go higher by $ 200.

if you really want to reside there,

it would be best to buy a house

(you cannot rent there --it's a prestigious place).

and you need to have a car.

Answer 6

Since i live in Baguio City now, $1600- $2 000/a month  is ok for you if you are an extravagant person, but if your a practical one,

then $500- $1 000 would be okay for you. =]

Answer 7

Most of the guys I know who live there full time are on regular pension.  ($1200-$1500USD)  Some make more.  Its a stretch on much less than that.  Some been there a while and have their own house and things, lead a very settled and relaxed life.  Some have business interests.  Based on your comments I think you'd like it there.  I recommend central Visayas area like Cebu, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Dumaguete.  Lots of English, Aussie, Kiwi, Americans and other Europeans live in Philippines already.  Get to know someone who's been there a while if you're going in blind.  

Answer 8

I am 60 married to a 30 year old Sri Lankan lady and living in Sri lanka since 2005. I left the Uk for precisely the same reasons you want to! We live very well here on 250 pounds a month. You can chat to us at [e-mail] Shamila and John.