Totally agree with what you've said. PH is an expensive country where the quality of everything is really bad. On top of that looking for a place to rent is a nightmare: overpriced sheds, idiotic agents and greedy/lazy owners. I'm getting out of it asap.
OMG, I'm glad someone is finally preaching the truth on the prices and costs to live in the Philippines. I've been here for 8 years and never spent under 3k during a month. We own our house, trucks, and motorcycles so no money going towards those expenses. Groceries, electric, house and property upkeep etc. It appears that if a vlogger can convince people it's super cheap they get more subscribers. It's not cheap! Next will come the responses from the guy who claims he lives on 50 cents a day😅
Given your penchant for luxuries: eating out, paying witch doctors instead of real doctors, driving without proper safety gear, large home, etc., you are still living dirt cheap compared to the US.
Juells shoots straight from the hip. He tells it like it is. Not like some Tubers, who tries to sale you bubba gum and ice cream. I noticed one thing about some of these expat tubers. When they depend on just that tuber money they will do anything to protect it. People please have more then 1 or 2 incomes when you take that leap to the Philippines. Just my 2 peso worth.
It all depends on where you live, what you eat and where you shop. If you want to order American type of food all the time instead of cooking your own then it may cost you more. The Philippines is way cheaper than living in the US and I'm living proof of that. And I don't have to compromise what I use to eat in the US either. In the US, I ate mostly chicken and fish and occasionally rice. I do the same here but eat rice only once a day. The chicken and fish I eat is fresh. In America it wasn't fresh. The eggs in the Philippines are better too. The yolk is a nice yellow. In America, the yolk is a pale yellow. My cholesterol level has gone down, too.
Last year I paid 6 usd for a tiny watermelon from a fruit vendor on a trike. That wasn't the Kano price, my wife did the deal and I was no where in sight. That's just one example of hundreds. It's pricey over there these days. I will say this...I can play pool and drink beer from 6pm until well after midnight for less than 20 bux... so I can deal with the other prices I guess.
@@JamesKay007i love the philippines for the dating and the women but the food quality is the lowest i've ever seen in my life this includes the grocery store and the wet markets. Most of the stuff is shipped in trucks and boats across several islands. Go to thailand and vietnam you'll see what fresh food looks and tastes like. Your cholesterol level one down because you're retired and you have more time to be active. Most countries in asia obesity and diabetes is virtually unheard of in people in their 50s and 60s, now look at the philippines even girls in their 20s are skinny fat.
True my friend. Everything is going up even here in the US. Exactly the reason why we stick to our usual stuff - never eat out or order delivery, we cook our own food, we plan our trip for the day so we don't have to drive around, avoid buying highly processed food, etc...-- the usual frugal lifestyle and we will continue doing that when we return to the Philippines in June where we will grow our own garden, raise chicken/goats/pigs, etc... Cheer up! With careful planning and sensible lifestyle it'll be okay, much better than if you are living here in the States, believe me.
True bro I love the Philippines living in PH over the past 14 years has been great we've been able to put back enough to purchase several acres in far northeast Texas me and my wife have SS we live on one put back the other, ppl don't realize how fast you can build a nest egg by just living some what responsible in the Philippines now we can come and go as we wish. 🙂
My friends live in Trang Thailand. Says Thailand is cheap with good food, infrastructure, beaches,cheap, language tough. He says many people moving to Thailand because phillipines is getting expensive
Budgets get tighter as time goes on! This is what I’m trying to teach my 14-year-old step-daughter! Reality is really going to give her a big wake-up in 3-4 months, when I come back permanently, and we have to live on my retirement income! No chance of snow here in central Luzon! 😂🤣 Getting my new motorcycle now, before prices continue to increase! Cash only 👍 Glad you’re still kicking and as ornery as ever, G-man! 👍❤️
I don't think anyone has ever mentioned or discussed it enough how you can hire a good cook to prepare food for you. They don't have to stay in house especially if you only want their service in different times. They would also know how to choose, and where to find the best quality and/or the cheapest but still good quality food and ingredients, BETTER than other locals. Or you could ask them to tour you around to where you can find all types of food and ingredients, like the supermarkets, and then the public markets or local shops that only sell fresh the farm food because it's hard to acquire a special kind of cold storage specially for leafy vegetables, and they're also more expensive than a regular fridge that cannot preserve most vegetables for more than a day. Also daily butcher or 2 for fresh meats because most locals prefer its taste than from a frozen meat. But some longer resident expats may know better, what and where to get exactly what you want. It's important to know the prices of food products, especially if you also might want the cook to do the shopping of the ingredients (and maybe other stuff) for you. The cook should, of course, know or be okay to learn and prepare many new and non-local types of dishes.
If you live a simple life in the Philippines, especially in the province, your dollar would go a long way. Inflation affects all economies around the world so, we just need to adjust our lifestyle.
Most other utubers are in ph to retire just enjoying golden years but you Bro are still living like corporate life so it will be more expensive and stressful so I think it’s fair to say that you can also live very cheap almost for pennies if you choose to do so thank you for your video
@@user-sw4ip7oq9c I have visited the country on 9 occasions I stayed for 6 months id have thought its fair to saying have some understanding off the place although I do understand cost of living has risen in the past 2 years but I honestly found it to be the cheapest country I’d ever been to
Very true and well clued in. With the right mindset, its possible to live here very happily on pennies. I rented a clean, 3 bedroom house in a subdivision for 5K pesos. Many will rent for 10K upwards of 20K a month for the same. Used 18/7 AC for 2K which reduced to 1K when I bought a large fan. Still very comfortable. Ate out maybe 3 or 4 times a week in calenderias and for 2 for 200pesos a meal. Pizza Master do Buy-1-Take-One for 320pesos for a treat. For other meals its home cooking. I neither drink nor smoke and dont bother with night clubs so I can save a bundle there. So it is possible to live a good life by minding the pennies. If you need to spend spend spend to enjoy life then of course things will be expensive.
For the value you get and compared to other developing Asian countries, the Philippines is overpriced now. You can still live comfortably here for what it costs compared to the US, but not like a wannabe jet setter. Two things that will really rock your budget: food and electricity prices. Perhaps the main reason to settle here is the lesser visa requirements, and that some English is spoken. Beyond that, not many advantages I can think of. Finally, since so many foreigners 'simp,' your partner will expect it from you--to out-simp THEM. Stay single, and you'll save a LOT!
Some things are as expensive as the United States, this is while dealing with the poor infrastructure and the highly likely hood of being the target of scams. It’s tough to say the Philippines is the right choice or even a logical one for guys on limited budgets / fixed incomes. Some things are actually cheaper in the USA. It can be tough selling property or homes, very limited amount of people can afford 7-15 million peso properties. Budget homes are 2-4 million.
@@thomasodetinape4180What are you laughing about? I was referring to Filipino families in terms of affordability, which limits the market for properties in a certain price point. In terms of Westerners, Who in their right mind would put 20-25,000 million pesos…400-500k USD into a home you don’t and can’t own in the Philippines as a foreigner? You of course can find any price of home…sky is the limit but why would you? Most are looking at 100-200K or less. 50-100K gets you a gated community. Most don’t move to the Philippines as their last home, most bail after their health starts to fail. For obvious reasons…
@@aboveitall9600 Korean ,, Chinese, and some Americans You're off your nut, I own multiple properties and houses. Stop verbal diarrhea on not being able to own property. Laws have changed and my wife's a realtor.
@@thomasodetinape4180laws haven’t changed. You have 3 basic options. Lease, 25 years extend for 25, A trust you can control, or dummy corporation 60% controlled by Filipinos, 40% foreigners. None of which puts your name on the deed. I could care less what your wife does bud, the law favors Filipinos..it always will. By the way the last time I trusted a Filipino Realtor was never. Highly unregulated industry in the Philippines.
Well get with the times. Her company is one of the highest quality and reputation in the city. I'm married to a, Filipina. We can own 10 lots/ houses ..
Thank you for speaking the truth !!! A few others I watched never mention about the high prices and other things you talk about. Your channel is a whole different take on the area there. Thank you for telling it like it is !!!! yes, do more and tell more of exactly how it is there cause the other channels is like they are wearing rose colored glasses & everything is great there. Really enjoyed your channel !!! 👍
A lot of stuff is more expensive here. Oil change on the car with good oil and filter $50. Back in the US, Walmart less than $30 I shoot for 100k php a month. That’s with no rent or payments. As a single I can live cheaper in the US. But a much better life here!
I always enjoy your videos Juells and I agree with you 100%, it's getting expensive here. I bought a new Suzuki 250 SX V-Stom late last August and it cost 229,000php, but at least it will last me a good 15- 20 more years. That is of course if I live that long at my age.
Maintain that thing meticulously and you’ll get the years out of it!! Almost all hardware stores sell the single wax for 100 pesos. Do that once a week at least.
I know things are going up there but I don’t anyone could survive in the USA on 2500-3000 dollars for a family of 5 . Renting a 3 bed 2 bath in most of the US is going to cost 2k on the low end. You would find it hard to rent a room in some area’s for 700 a month. We don’t go out to eat maybe on rare occasion. We splurge a pizza once a week . With a topping it ranges from 25-28 dollars. I don’t even want talk about the grocery store . All these corporations are price gouging us . They say it’s inflation I call BS when they all are making record profits. I’m fortunate I was able retire at 47 five years ago . Through working my day job and flipping and investing in real estate my hard paid off . Having rental property has really paid off these days . Living debt free also has been key . I’ve have thought about moving to south east Asia with my adult son .we could live for at least half the price. Plus we hate the politics on both sides here . My son as a good on line job and I have passive income that we could live very comfortably if we are comfortable now . I know we are very fortunate and thankful. I know a lot of people aren’t as fortunate as we are . I think there many reasons to live abroad besides the financial ones . We hoping to check things out this year .
It is all bullshit and gouging. Family friends are sheep farmers in Australia, they run a pretty large farm; maybe a 10,000 flock . They were telling me that the price on whole lambs went from $100 to $46 in the second half of 2023. I go to the supermarket and the meat price has gone up 25%. They are pure evil.
Guess what for the same style of apartments in BGC in Makati you can easily pay way over $3000. These are the same building qualities of what you have in US. You can rent cheap in US you need to look. Things like brand name clothing and food is very good price in US and cars as well
@@jacked6 Manila is the most expensive city in the Philippines. If you are ging to use Manila as the city you are comparing, then you have to compare to NYC or LA. Just like I would never live in NYC or LA, I don't live in Manila either.
You made a lot of good points about how it really is here and how it’s been changing over the years that you have been here . I have seen the changes here over the years to and the costs have gone up . One thing I can say if you’re planning on coming here listen to what people say that are here for awhile and take your time and don’t buy anything you can’t walk away from . 😊
Man you need to do more videos. Love your authenticity shooting straight from the hip. Wow. Inflation is so high there and real estate keeps going up. You would think there would be less foreigners moving to Duma due to the higher costs. The majority would seem to be living on SS or small pensions and the SS increases don’t keep up with the increased costs. I plan on looking at other countries like Thailand. Better infrastructure. Lower housing and food costs, better healthcare, etc.
You are correct everything has jumped up in cost. The Philippine people are struggling and I have heard more and more people complaining about the cost and unfortunately stealing has sky rocketed. There was always a problem with thieves but now I’m hearing more and more people complaining about the thieves
Dumaguette is getting expensive because lots of foreigners are moving there, I would guess. I live in the province in Samar on a small island. Dont ever eat at fast food restaurants and have a great med insurance policy. We use Solar and 2 wells and no cars anymore, just ATVs and speed boats to go to the main land. Prices are GREAT.
Imports like cereals are more expensive than in the USA and Canada...but if you stay out of the supermarkets and shop in local markets, you can live cheaper and probably also healthier....cheers🍷🇨🇦
Im currently in Makati Manila watching your video, you said Lasagna and I got hungry! haha I haven't had it in forever, and didn't even know it was an option out here, not sure if the prices are different in Dumaguete, but the smallest one starts at 339Php (about $6.50) and the Largest is 1200Php with delivery using the Grab App from Greenwich, so about $22-$23❤❤ Love your Videos btw! (still expensive but not as bad in the big city I guess)
Thanks for sharing that , very illuminating. Seems that the one area that’s cheaper is housing . Does seem that if you want to eat like in the west you have to be willing to pay up.
Hang in there brother😎.Just wanted to ask I bought a new small suv my wives family lives in northern Luzon and I wanted to ask is it possible to drive from Luzon to Dumagetti?
Cambodia 🇰🇭 is still cheap as chips 🍟 and less red tape you can do what you want to do a major + is the locals leave you alone not like other Asian countries where you get swarmed by people wanting something 😂 !
The quality of the prodects that you can get here in the Philippines isnt even close to the quality of the products that you can get in the US. The prices here in the Philippines has gotten out of control over the past two years and we have 5 people in our house also and we use about $3k USD a month also. We are actually looking to move back to the US becuase the prices have just gotten too high.
3k a month in the philipines ! dude how ? what is your breakdown? rent 500, electric 150, car fuel 100, water 10, food 150, grocery 100 ? how the .. you get to 3k? dude move to thailand much cheaper
@@gardeningtipsandmoreMy electric is around 300-400, and my food is around 400-500, but I still don't get to 3,000 USD. Location matters of course. Just like when people living in CA or another high cost location, will have higher cost than I had in Texas, someone living in the NCR will have a higher bills than I will in Angeles. And my costs are more than someone living in the province.
Prices have gone up sense we built our house in 2017 in Solano Nueva Vizcaya but the exchange rate was mid 40'S then and it's mid 50s now so it's about the same here because of the exchange rate .
I'm planning on living to 100 and my costs doubling every 10 to 20 years. My rent is already $1000/mo. I recommend that people don't retire early, rather than complaining.
Just arrived in Manila from Samar going to cavite fixer said 950 pesos to go bus terminal didn’t do it used a meter taxi cost 250 pesos there ya go skin tax mate
A friend retired in Ecuador from Phoenix went back home for a visit & did a video from his favorite brisket place to eat (in Phoenix) w/2 friends. Each had some & a side of potato salad & a beer. - - - 3 years ago it was $40 -- yesterday it was $96 !!! (3 people) yea ! ☹
The Philippines in general is not really cheaper especially if you want western style of living and live in large cities. I currently live in los angeles for three decades now, go home to the old country every now and then but dont feel Metro Manila is any lot cheaper. The only difference is maybe you can afford house help over there.
I am a Real Estate Appraiser in the US, and I can tell you that the houses I see on websites in SE Asia stay on the market for over a year. Better to rent. I am in the Philippines for the past 6 weeks and spent 3 weeks in Thailand. I like the Philippines better but will start my retirement in Thailand because it is seriously cheap to live. My advice don't buy anywhere. I know in the west we are conditioned to believe that owning is the way to go. That may be true in the US because homes typically increase in value and sell relatively quickly (when interest rates are low), but that's not the case in the Philippines. Better to rent and if anything happens just move. Good Luck.
Real-estate is sky high here in Arkansas half million dollars for a 3 bedroom two bedroom apartment is $1300 to $2400 a month. It's seems that prices are going up everywheres . I think it's a good idea your building smaller houses .😊
I doubt there's 2 expats in 10 that have $50,000 in savings. While I definitely agree with you that's just not going to be possible for a lot of pensioners
I bought a calzone in Florida before I went to the Philippines for 21 dollars. I returned 3 months later and went to the same place and it was 27 dollars and half the size. I'm moving to the Philippines in a few months because I can't afford to live in the USA anymore. I have a spot for no rent and I will obviously give some money to my inlaws but stuff is getting crazy
where do u go to eat calzone? hahaha,,,,not in my part of USA,,,haha,,,,$13,,,,,make your own, easy to make the dough,,,buy the sauce and cheese,,,,i do it all the time,,,,i even make a good pizza in my air fryer,,,,flour,,yeast, ,,,etc,,,You can google here how to make pizza at home from scratch....You can make enough dough to last awhile,,,,same with almost any food
I took just my daughter to a local Italian restaurant by the house in DFW. Just the 2 of us, no alcohol or desert was $100. Went to Red Lobster with my wife and daughter the next night and it was $135. It is ridiculous here in DFW.
Try doing some construction now........ triple what you think it will cost. If your budget was $100k for a project six yrs ago, plan on $250k now. Labor, delivery charges, food, fuel and the extra 15% on materials you need for broken or defective material.........just multiply what you think x2.5 and you will be ok. I've been doing construction in the PI for 7 yrs. The next part of my project I am looking at is a driveway and car port. I am planning it to cost about $35k USD. Get ready for a reality check.
With 5000 foreigners in Dumaguete, and thousands more in Valencia, Bacong, Duain etc etc...10,000 foreigners pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into Negros Oriental....so it's no surprise that the standard...and price of living has gone up. Use to be able to get a decent lot there for $1000usd (before foreigners raised the bar)...now all the locals want $50,000usd for a 1/4 acre in a cow pasture on a dirt road. Getting to be more expensive in many ways to live there than in the US.
it all depends on where you want to live, same as here in usa. The more foreigners that move into an area the higher it will drive up the prices. I know a family of 10 living decent on 1200 usd a month, but they are filipinos. the area I go to doesnt have many foreigners and the prices are very cheap, anything imported is the same price as in the usa. If you cant live simple and cheap in the usa you will not live cheap in the philippines. You cant go to philippines and live like you are in america without a good income coming in or a big nest egg.
This is why My wife and I have a house built in the phils. Dont have to worry about rent. Electric will be the most expensive utility here. I plan on a complete inverter A/C system for each room before we visit the next time. Were sending $200 a month to my brother inlaw who takes care of his mother who lives there as well. This is for food and utilities. I'm sure it will increase when we are staying there but I'msure we can budget and get by ok. No sense in living like we do here in America unless we have a job to support that kind of a lif style.
