Cost Of Living in the Philippines

[wassim]

This Question is always being asked: What is the cost of living in the Philippines or how much money do I need to survive? Before I give you a detailed list on the monthly cost in the Philippines, I will try to set up some global rules but I made this for my German website in Euros, so I have to convert the numbers into US$ for this:
With about 750,-US$, or 30,000 Peso, you can easily survive in the Philippines, if you find a reasonable cheap house in the province (not in the city of course) and live an easy live style. If you stay near a tourist place, you must see that you do not dive too deep into the nightlife, otherwise you will easily overshoot that amount.

With about 1500,- US$ or 50 to 60,000 Peso, you may already live like a king in the Philippines, you can rent a decent flat or a small house for around 10,000 Peso and still have enough money left for some fun. If you have more than that, well, there is nothing you have to worry about.

I have met some expats however, who manage to live on even less than 750,- US$ but that may only be possible in the deepest province and not near a tourist place or any big city in the Philippines.

So here is a list of the typical monthly cost in the Philippines, converted by a Euro/Dollar rate of 1,-€ = 1.45 US$:

Rent for a simple house outside the city: 60 - 150,- US$ 2500 - 6000 Peso
Electricity w/o air con
25 -35,-US$ 1000 - 1500 Peso

Electricity with air con 75 US$ 3000 Peso
Tap water) 2 US$ 100 Peso
Garbage (is free in most areas
-
Telephone & DSL Combo (Globe) 16 US$ 995 Peso
Drinking water (1 Unit every 2 days) 12 US$ 450 Peso
Food for two people
130 US$ 5000 Peso
Transport (Gasoline for Motor Bike or public Jeepney) 10 US$ ca. 600 Peso
Cable TV or Satellite TV 10 or 20 US$ 350 or 750 Peso
Summery cheapest: 265 US$ 11050 Peso
Summery deluxe approx.: 400 US$
16950 Peso

This costs can rise greatly, when you stay in an expensive Condo or Apartment in any bigger city in the Philippines, since the monthly rent might be from 15,000 Peso upwards (no limit)
This list does not cover some other monthly cost you might have like Life Insurance, Health Insurance or anything else like that. The longer you stay in the Philippines, the cheaper it will be as you get used to the local goods, which are usually much cheaper than imported ones.

[esembrano]

maybe you should try staying in provinces to lessen the cost

[purpleaf]

This is one of the reasons why there are a lot of OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers. They work incredibly hard day and night in order to provide a better life for their families back home.

In the province, it's much easier since it's a little laid-back. That's why most foreigners I know decided to retire in the country chose the outskirts and established a business to sustain a simple life.

[Subsistence]

I think we should also add medical fees, we don't know when something bad happens, just a precaution.

Our monthly Bill is around P3k without aircon, it's because of the computer turned on 24/7

[asprv]

Truth be told, money is so hot these days but Filipinos still take things easy. It is because we are very omptimistic people.

[zeeroigh]

No wonder more pinoys dream of living in other country because of this issue:(

[dyna]

The cost of living in the Philippines (or any other country) is dependent on your lifestyle. I believe that the good spender would always overcome whatever high cost there may be.

[ines]

Wow, this thread looks interesting.
Living in the Philippines is of course cheaper than living in developed countries. The first post of this thread didn't mention health costs/emergency costs. I also think that prices now are higher than last year.

[Adamson Beecham]

These are all the great information and knowledge about the Cost of living in Philippines. These estimates do help any traveler to estimate a proper cost of traveling and all the other accommodation and food expenses with an ease.
One can also get and judge out an idea of an overall trip cost as well.

[todaytourism.com]

Cost of living in the Philippines is really low, you can get good rates and stuffs with quality..