What to expect with $1000 monthly budget in the Philippines | Retire in the Philippines 

$1,000 a month lol.... give me a break 🤣🤣🤣🤣 maybe out in a remote province living in a bamboo hut without electricity or running water. Nothing more than click baiting.

*We live in a nice 2 bedroom condo in Taguig Metro Manila, rent, food, utilities and transportation for LESS than $900 a month.*

I'm single, own a house just outside Metro Manila, spend $1,000 per month, and have a highly-satisfying life.

Hi, i retired 4 months ago and I'm living in a small province town close to beaches in a nice 3bdrm 2 bathroom house with large secure yard for 10k. I shop mainly at the open markets and a small local supermarket and I'm eating healthier than I ever have with fresh veg and beautiful seafood and free range chicken and love making filipino dishes. I'd like to say your budget is pretty much spot on. I've got air con but don't use it, I did for the first month in the bdrm at night and the bill was 3k but switched to fan only 24/7 and nowv the bill is 1600p. I'm loving my stress free retirement and bought a German Shepard pup for companionship, exercise and security and I'm loving my life here, no regrets.

What people fail to take into account is that a person that can afford to live on $5,000 USD are not going to live on only $1,000. The $1,000 is for those on social security or pension that is that low and they HAVE to live on $1,000. And no matter what their living conditions will be better in the Philippines than North America or Western Europe. I live in a city in the Philippines that is between 15th and 20th population for less than $1,000 a month. A 2 bedroom house in a middle class neighborhood (no squatters) for under 125 per month, electric about 180, and food, water, medicine, clothing, and tuition for 3 kids takes up much of the rest but we have enough left to go on vacations, rent a villa with a pool for birthdays, and eat out a couple of times a month. I could more than double my budget, but I like saving and just paid cash for a SUV. So yes, all the guys that say it's impossible are correct for themselves. But if you're careful with money and know how to be disciplined you certainly can on 1,000 a month.

We are in a small town in Bohol. It is Peaceful and beautiful, with white sand beaches close at hand. We leased a two bedroom, two bath house for $145 a month. A full time housekeeper is about $92 a month. You can live very cheaply in ways that do not make you short of anything.

If your budget is limited, you can do alternating monk mode and splurge mode. I've done some belt tightening in between jobs, and it can result in some unexpected outcomes -- like my health for example, when I'm not eating and drinking too much, I actually ended up with better BMI. From low obese to low overweight to almost normal. From 2 meals a day to 1 meal a day (intermittent fasting to OMAD), then back again to eating 3 meals a day. Every day doesn't have to be the same, every week doesn't have to be the same. Two birds with one stone, you save money for the fun times and your health gets better at the same time.

Thank you. This was really useful! Better than most of the expat versions on the same subject. The problem with us guys from the west is that we don't know much about living without things we are used to in the West and so we would tend to buy a lot of imported stuff which, of course, is more expensive. Also, I noticed, many want to live in a permanent kind of holiday mode - and that is more expensive than normal life even in our own countries! So we need to learn more about the common ordinary existence. I don't like how some of the expats assume that eating like a local is "slumming it." Wow - how insulting! I have lived abroad in several countries already and the quickest way to lower your budget is first to find what you really need, and then learn how to supply that the same way as the locals The price instantly drops often to less than half what you initially thought it would be. That then - as you mentioned towards the end - gives the possibility for saving money for travel, treats, and so on. And some expats seem to have forgot that they save up for these things back home, expecting the luxuries and treats to be in the budget. Well, if they're not in the budget back home, why expect it in the Philippines? Just because the economy of the country implies a cheaper life? There's more to it! You began to touch on insurance, and I would be interested to learn more on what is available to the expats, especially those who never use anything other than the extended tourist visa. Also, a Part 2 to this would be nice, on learning how to live frugally with a Filipina partner. Would the Filipina turn up her nose at this or help her partner live well frugally? And how much more would it be than the batchelor experience you seem to be describing in this video? Thanks again! Great work!

She seems to be the most educated Filipina vlogger. Great reports.

A single expat can live well on $1000 a month with savings in the Philippines living a simple life. Having medical/life insurance is very important to have for added security. Some people can live on less money but I don't recommend it. The majority will fail trying to live like a local on a smaller budget. If you want all the comforts back home or go on holidays regularly you will need a much bigger budget. Note Rubeauti did not mention relationships within that $1000 budget which will usually cost you more. Your lifestyle choices will determine how much you spend on a monthly basis. Your expectations need to be realistic according to monthly budget. If you keep trying to live beyond your means you can create serious problems for yourself in the future. Be smart and stay safe while living happily overseas. 🙂

Thanks for the detailed video! It seems like a minimum of $1,300 would be solid!

Living like a local is the key. Try to live like you did in America and it will be expensive, live simply and enjoy the little things of life instead of fancy toys and you will save money and stress. Enjoy relaxed life with the nicest people I've ever met, come to the Philippines.

Out of all the videos I have seen about being an expat in Phil, I have to say this is one of the most useful. Thank you for sharing!

Looking forward to visiting the Philippines, it's a place I'm very seriously considering retirement in. Myself personally I don't like living in the city or even small towns, I've spent most of my life living in a countryside setting and prefer that life style. Even now I'm about 10 miles from a smaller town In the state of Virginia, USA. And the place I grew up in my closest neighbor was 6.5 miles away by dirt and gravel road. I spend most of my time alone except for work, and that's OK with me. But I do enjoy company at times. I enjoy your presentation of the Philippines 🇵🇭 and looking forward to more of your videos. Thanks 😊

$1000/mo. USD is definitely doable for the budget minded or minimalist types. However, the feedback I've seen from many expats/foreign retirees seems that roughly $1500/mo. USD is needed to be sufficiently comfortable and $2000/mo. to be really spoiled or if you're cohabitating with a partner. Obviously you'll want to budget a bit more if you insist on living in BGC or Makati. Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, Iloilo, etc. will be more affordable locations.

Well put together, informative and presented. I have seen tons of these & this was one of , if not the best. Thanx Ru !!

Great advice, though having lived there a wile back, things have gone up a lot! I recently looked at Santa Rosa as it’s near enough to Manila to make day trips viable, but also close enough to Tagaytay for some cool nature experiences. $1500 is probably the sweet spot for hybrid living.

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Great info!! Thank you for sharing this. I know as a single person I could live for $1000 a month by being practical and not extravagant.

Rubeauti thanks for being there. You are very easy on the eyes and easy to listen to. Vlogs such as yours are lifelines to me as I study for my trip to the Philippines later this year.

I found a 1 bedroom apartment with a big living room and kitchen for $200 dollars a month and it came with an aircon. And this is a 10 minute motorbike ride to the ocean. This is in a province, but everything is available nearby. I get my grocery in the Palenke, which is cheaper the meat and fish, shrimp is way cheaper. I cook most of my food, i go out sometimes on the weekend and eat in the carinderia which are small family run restaurants and are very affordable. I get a pension from the US for $4k dollars a month and i spend roughly about $1,500 a month living in the Philippines that including everything, rent, electricity, internet and i bought a washer and dryer including some for spending money. The place i am at is called Zambalez.

Thanks for your video. I find your explanation much more pleasant than other vloggers who try to scare expats. If we know what our budgets are, we must do the necessary calculations before moving to the Philippines. I've been to the Philippines and enjoy local cuisine. I definitely can give up the western style cuisine for cheaper and better grown foods. Looking forward to part 2 addressing health insurance and also visa renewals.

Realize what she is showing you, folks. This is "Living", not "living it up!" like you see in some other video subs. You have to be smart to pull this off; not picking up golddiggers, party weekends, hitting resorts or suffering chronic medical issues. You live simply, keep a nest egg of money for emergencies and don't spend outside your means. Follow that and she is right that this is easily accomplished. Right now the rate of exchange is getting better with the dollar

Wow! Onions and cereal are expensive. Remind me never to put onions in my cereal

If you live in a home with everything you need, buy local and use local transportation, you can do very well on $1000 a month.

Enjoy your videos! I'm just now finding you. I will go back and watch some of your earlier videos to learn more about you but your Englsh is outstanding! Have you ever been to the States. You not only speak English but your expression is very much like American. Thanks again! Take care. I'm sure I will become a fan!

One of the guys from our channel lived there for several years. He said it's something you can do but definitely alot more feasible outside or Manila or Central Cebu.

The prices on meats are slightly more expensive than my grocer in Canada, but some of the fish are completely unavailable here like milkfish. the electricity prices are higher than Canada, but rent and the cost of a maid are so much cheaper. I recommend taking advantage of the cost of labour in PI and hiring someone to help with tasks. Are there laundry people who wash, sun dry, iron and fold your clothes like Thailand?

1:51 The concrete jungle - Actually one of the best things about living in the Philippines for me is getting away from the concrete jungle. Less expensive places to rent in the provinces will be quiet and restful. Roosters make a little bit of noise but if it isn't RIGHT next door it really isn't that bad and you get used to it. I think that lot of American guys like me move to the Philippines to get away from city life for a more peaceful life.

Excellent video. Thank you for doing it. I think you were very clear about what the $1,000 per month would cover and what kind of lifestyle it would support. Good job and God bless you.

After arriving in Marikina I had a gallbladder rupture and had gangrene infection. I spent 10 days in the Marikina hospital and spent 400,000.00 pesos.

Thank You for the useful info. Shows what is needed if people want to live different styles of Life there. I'm looking forward to living in the Philippines with my soon to be wife when I retire! This info was educational!

I was truly amazed this past September how moderate the temperature was in Leyte. I ran aircon periodically but not all the time. Market food was much cheaper then Robinsons grocery stores.

I Like Your Realistic Look At Costs I also Like That Before Doing this Video, You Went to the Extra Trouble to Research What The Average Expat Might Normally Eat. Bravo 👏. Always Well Informed when we Visit Your Site

as for hospital & healthcare its a smart idea to get full comprehensive annual travel insurance prior to departure to philippines expencive upfront but hey its cheaper than paying s bucketload at prvt hospitals in philippines :) peace of mind :)

Thanks! Good lesson . i think i could do it when i get settled in .

Good video...I live in the PI and really enjoy it. I stayed in Thailand for 6 months and just about everything is cheaper but they drive on the wrong side of the road....

Thanks for the very well explained expenses Rubeauti. We are 2 adults and 4 children. All 4 children are at a private schoole. We have a car and a small moto. We rent a nice place in a secured area. we spend avarage 105000PHP every month. That include schoole for 2 other kids that we pay for some freinds. There is one thing you need to take into the budget, and that is the fee for bank wire to the Phils. I use BDO bank and they charge 7% in fee. So 105000 is 7350PHP in bank fee. This fee is not included in the 105000.

Of the many cost of living budgets I've seen in the previous 2 years on RU-vid for possible places to retire in, this one, yours, seems to be the most useful and well defined. Showing prices for routine daily foods is greatly appreciated for allowing me to construct my own COL budget realistically. Thank you.😀

Fantastically well done Video!! 👏 Especially helpful with money exchange !! And I basically live a local lifestyle here in the USA !!! So not much change or adjustment that needed!! You can just can me a simple man !! 😇 !!!👍 !! And will lean a little bit towards Province !!

Great job explaining. I think what I should do is just get there and explore a bit to get a good feel for it. Thank you!

Nice job, but if you decide to do another video on this, please list an expense chart onsccreen adding up all expenses together. Also most of the locals don't live on 1k a month so we wont be living like the locals for the most part.

Beautiful country. Taking a 1 to 2 month vacation to Davao wouldn't even put a dent in my budget. I know what I'm doing on my next vacation. 🥰

salamat, I enjoy your videos, Telling-it-like-it-is in PH; I agree with Andris completely :-) and please make a part2 for this series 🙏🏽

Ok. I am a foreigner living in the province and I don't consider myself a person that spends a lot of money on eating out etc and then have expensive meals. But coming from Netherlands I find the daily food that I like almost more expensive than in my own country. And I do go to markets for my daily veggies and buy my chicken in the supermarket. But I mostly eat the "highland" veggies like broccoli curly flower etc. Meat is mostly chicken of some kind. Overall my foodbill is high. My other take on these 1000$ budget videos is that there is a difference to live short time on that versus rest of your life. You touch on it at the end of the video. If you have no money to spend for vacation or trips to ur home country or "things" even like a computer or new TV or mobile or improvements on ur house or hobbies of whatever kind then life will get bored. Even transportation....you want to use jeepney's and tricycles? Not for me. I love my motor for bayan trips and car for longer journeys. I consider for a westerner 1000$ possible but it is survival in my opinion. Having some kind of life you need $2000 at least. PS. I live with a frugal woman. No kids responsibilities anymore. Just me and her and the occasional "borrow".

I used to think I would like to retire to the PI, but it’s just too hot and the cards are stacked against the foreign guy. But still a great place to visit.

I do camote,bitter melon , rice, moringa. Native chicken,kambing,and buko almost every day.

With inflation running around 8% the last few months in the Philippines, it would be interesting to see an update in 6 months from now. BtW, instant noodle is really unhealthy and in the long run cause higher medical care costs.

Very informative, thank you! A video idea: Looking for trustworthy short and long term rentals. I've been looking online and some of them seem way too good to be true😅

I live in the west with less than a 1000 euros per month. It's all about your priorities in life (no alcohol, no smoking and no unnecessary gadgets to meke you happy)​. That said, I've been in Thailand many times and I know for a fact that you can live like a local or easily spend 3 times more😂 I guess Philippines are similar and I can't wait to visit and check for myself

Nice to see your channel dear I’m moving there in august of this year I have two step daughters there I lost there mother to cancer so now it’s my place to move there and take care of them as a father should I will keep watching you good luck on your channel

I'm living in a nice 1BR with all housing expenses including utilities and fiber optic internet for about $100 a month in Tagum City, population about 300,000. Food is abut $300 and that includes my imported coffee, Smuckers, Progresso, US beef et cetera. I buy brand name clothing, Jack Daniels, Skippy et cetera! I eat at McDonalds, Burger King, KFC and most other US fast food chains. I have about $300 left over at the end of the month out of less than $900. There are 3 shopping malls within walking distance.

A couple of days ago I noted that a few PH vloggers were upping their recommended budgets🤭 I’m thrilled to see that you’re going in the opposite direction and not following the pack! 🤭😊💪🏻

GREAT INFORMATION MISS THANK YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY.

Ive never been to the Philippines but I’ve been watching a lot of videos lately. I think 3000 to 5000 is enough to live a rich lifestyle in the Philippines.

.... I've watched hundreds of expat videos on budgeting in the Philippines.... Yours is by far the prettiest....

Nice break down of the cost of living, i could handle that no worries even though my Australian currency is a little bit weaker. You forgot the decimal point at 5:15 with the onions per kilo. P350/ = $652 Leave it that price, i could live there just growing onions.

My wife and i live in Baler Aurora in north eastern seaside of Luzon in a big 2 br house on half a hector with coconut trees and beautiful roses and flowers below 50k php and includes our electric, dining in town 3 times a week..our groceries every month, plus have the gas on our Suzuki 125cc motor scooter which we travel around touring going to the beaches etc 1000 klm average milage per month having the best time of our life. The weather is nice 24 to 26 sunny and always a cool breeze. The scenery is Awesome and the people here are so friendly and helpful...no crime also.😊❤❤yes we kinda feel like we are living like a king and Queen on 50k php per month,but be smart and thrifty with your money..spend within your budgets you have set for yourselves...our budget set is 50k and still can save money if we ever need it for a rainy day. 😊❤❤

Well said! I agree with your analyzation 100%. Great info!

Some people dont wont to like like a king. Just want to like happy.

Thank you for a much better style of video :)

Rubeauti, Thanks for the guidance. It backs up what I have seen on my previous trip to the Philippines.

Thanks, my Beauty! Always learn something from your videos. THIS YEAR...I'm returning! "It's more fun...in The Philippines~!"

Maraming Slamat po. Really informative 👏 👌 👍🏼 😀

Thanks for the video, my monthly budget is $1500 and I live in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City plus don't rely living pension to pension, you need extra savings and emergency funds. I'm very happy enough not paying any mortgage or rent. I know 5 farangs living there and all military veterans.

great job. It was very informative and you explained everything so well. You have an amazing command of the English language.

Thanks Rubeauti for the costs. It's very helpful especially for us living in colder areas of the world. What we save on heating we may have to spend on air conditioning. Would it be cheaper to live somewhere like Baguio where temperatures are cooler?

Thanks for the info. I don't agree with the commenter who said living on usd 1k is click bait. I know people who live on less and my filipina wife says if you own your own house you can actually live on less than usd 1k. Sure, you have to live like a local. Those who can't budget will overspend. Both my wife and I are minimalists so our mindset differs from the mainstream.

Love your videos! Great job! The first videos I came across were foreigners and some of them do a very bad job and seem to be kind of invasive and rude with their cameras in peoples neighborhoods ending up in their backyards although all the Filipinos seems to be welcoming and nice. But those videos are not teaching anyone anything. TBH why pass by all kinds of interesting subjects that I wish they would stop and explain like certain trees growing and why those trees are important to the area whether it provides shade or food and so on. I see the cool cargo work bicycles but no one ever explains them, how they are made and what the purpose of them are. I think it would be more interesting if they got down to the details.

Thank you for this great information. I plan on retiring in about 3 years and currently looking at Olongapo to live. Most likely outside the city where hopefully I can rent a small 1 bedroom apartment.

Informative. Thanks!

❤I really like your videos I was in the Philippines in December 2023 l loved it I would like to spend 4 months there, and I’m a friendly person. Thanks

Great video as always Rubeauti. Very similar to my budget. For an expat or foreigner don’t forget to budget around $40/month for visa fees and $40-$50/month for high speed internet if you work online like myself. Also investigate places that don’t have a lot of brownouts. That’s why I could never live in Dumaguete even though that is my preference.

Rubeauti! I am finally making the move! June or July ill be in PI. Selling all my belongings now, making some final arrangements back in the states. I will try to keep my budget between $2500-$3500/mo, where should I go!? I am only 39 so I need somewhere not full of old people!

I live in America for less than $700 a month and need to lose weight! So I could easily live there on less than $500. I don't need or want extravagant things. So I already live like the locals do there. I am going to love it! Great video! Thank you! - Kevin Venture 🤘

Good video with good information 🙂

Very helpful, enjoyed from Toronto Canada

Good information Rubeauti. I enjoy your videos. Thanks!

Thank you. I enjoy watching your channel. Please give some advices on education in the Philippines, universities, cost for international students, programs, etc.. Thank you.

Workout....fruits and vegetables garden....DVD....books....boardgames....fresh air....The provence life for me 🥰

Its expensive for foreigners because our normal food is not easily available. Cheese is expensive, so is beef, more expensive than the US. Also, transportation costs can add up. I would say 1500 for a single guy, 2000 if you want a girlfriend.

Very helpful video. Thanks so much. I have been thinking about retiring early and Philippines is at the top of my list. If my pension budget is $1500-$2000 Canadian dollars and plan to rent a 1-bedroom condo in BGC (I'm a city person), do you think this is doable? I just plan to eat out at a carenderia most of the time since I hate to cook. I'm not much into nightlife or parties but I do love to travel every now and then. I hate driving so I plan to just walk, take public transit, or Grab to get around the city. Do you think I'll be able to live comfortably with that budget range?

Yours is for me the most helpful channel. Thank you. Where in the suburbs is there good fishing nearby?

Maraming Salamat Rubeauti po.

Very informative! Thank you!

I’d love to see a video about health insurance. Hopefully a few different levels of insurance

Hello Rubeauti , I think the main point is how you want to live and how was your life in your foreign nation ? I am a German tradional I cook nearly ervery day at home and go out for eating maximum 2 - 3 times in a month ! Onetime a week I go shopping in a discount supermarket to buy all my groceries what I need for 60 - 80 € , for my small apartment I pay only 500 € all inclusive , the salary in Germany is not as high like in the US or Skandinavia many people earn only 1500 - 1800 € quit for a fulltime job for example production helper or in construction buisness in case they have to hold there money together . I read so many times you need 1500 - 2500 Dollars to life in the Philippines in my meaning it`s like living like a tourist , a cup of coffee 4 Dollars by starbucks or wherever I never spend in my life so what is the reason to do it in the Philis ? Also you read or listen with 1000 dollars you only exist but not live in the Philippines so stupid , how much is a good salary in the Phils 30 - 40 thousand Pesos ? I want to find it out in a couple of month if I am only existing or living with only 1000 quit ! Regards from Germany take care and god bless you

I live on less than that in Thailand. Did in Mexico as well.

Pompano is one of my favorites also!!

Thanks for the video and information. Looking forward to my visit and possible stay in July Yay 🎉

Great info Thank you Rubeauti!

Ur the best 😊😊 so much incredible information , awesome. Research by you thank you 🙏

I’ve lived here in Beautiful Bicolandia for 17 years. I live quite nicely on around $1,500 a month, but it depends on your lifestyle.

Love the tone of your voice.

Thank you for these wonderful, very informative videos, Rubeauti.

Thanks Rubeauti, very informative. Hopefully your keeping well ☺️

That was So Informative!!! So Well Done!!! Thank You ReBEAUTI.... ✌🌏🌎✌❤🧡💛💚💙

I just love you!! Thank's for the info.

Food is expensive there in Canada we can buy for same price when on sale.

I've been eying a 2 month long vacation in the Philippines, to swim in that GORGEOUS water, and chop wood for locals (and exercise) in the evenings. My ideal would be wake up around Sunrise, breakfast and bathroom for a couple hours, beach until the evening, whack wood and do other heavy labor until dinner, pass out. 5 days a week, take two days off to rest and recover, then repeat. I want to come back to the states tanned, sunbleached, and cut like diamonds, lol. Know anyplace half-rural or so, where I could rent a room for fairly cheap? Someplace within easy walking distance of a west-facing beach would be ideal.