My friend lives like a king in Cebu City - Large 2 bedroom condo in one of the nicest condos in the city, Toyota SUV, travels both regionally and internationally, has a supermodel looking gf, eats out regularly, has a great health plan, shops quite a bit, and partakes in his fare share of entertainment. He budgets 4.2M PHP per year or $72k USD. It works out to about 350k PHP or $6k USD per month. His pension + retirement investments generate $10k USD per month so he saves $4k USD per month.
Great video Dave, nice to see someone who realises, that to live like a king all you need is the love of special person and the necessities to live. Happy Christmas to you all 🎅🎄
The phrase "living like a king" often evokes images of opulence and excess, but for me, it holds a different meaning. True contentment comes not from extravagance, but from having the means to cover my essential needs comfortably. As long as I can afford all my basic necessities-such as housing, food, and healthcare-and have the opportunity to explore new places, both within my country and abroad at least once a year, I would find profound happiness. It's the balance of financial security and the freedom to experience the world that truly enriches my life.
Dave, I discovered your channel through this video. While one of the commenters made the point that this topic has been covered many times by other RUclipsr's, I found yours relatable as an American exploring where I might retire. Assuming Social Security is still solvent when I become eligible, I am expecting about $1800 USD per month from it. If it is insolvent, I have other retirement savings and am expecting a pension that should cover a comfortable cushion above that. Seeing videos such as these gives me hope that I can live more comfortably in a place like the Philippines than America in my golden years. Thanks for sharing your experience and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Many want to live like a King whether in the 🇵🇭 or else where however their financial situation won’t allow them to. People need to stay within their budget in order to cover their first basic expenses. Thanks for sharing a great subject matter 👏🏾👌🏾!
Nice! I agree… I work in USA…my wife and daughter are in CDO…our apartment is only 7500 peso, 2 bedroom but not fancy. We have parents staying they can easily live on under 2k, comfortably.
Outstanding. It’s hard to get the western mindset to think outside the box on costs. Philippines 🇵🇭 is a great country, live where you are comfortable. Live within your means and have a great life. Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄 Take care
My contribution to the monthly income issue. I receive $1350/month SSI - (80,000 peso) - and live in a guarded high rise condo with the best swimming pool in the PH - (22,500) - and utilities are less than 10,000 combined - I (we) budget 6,000/week for groceries - and with misc expenses we spend every penny - every month. In exchange - I'm living the best version of my life that I could ever imagine - and still root for my sports teams - as I watch the games live and recorded. I send my kids presents via Amazon - and maintain healthy relationships with them in between the time I see them in the US.
Great video. This looks like a very nice way to live. My recurring bills and monthly expenses in the U.S. are less than $2000 a month with a paid off mortgage, so it's nice to see real-world numbers in the Philippines showing I could probably cut that by 40 or 50 percent while putting plenty away for savings. Thank you for sharing your budget with us.
For those seniors considering retiring to Thailand or the Philippines always factor in $400 - $700/mo for FULL healthcare coverage vs. your home country's plan. (e.g. MediCare in the USA $185/mo).
@@steveng8727 There are plenty of insurance plans that are way lower than you have stated. That’ll be another video. Thanks for your comment. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care
I’ll be in Calbayog on the 24th-28th. I was surprised that the population(189k) there is about the same, maybe a little less than my home in the US, Spokane Washington. My Girlfriends parents live there so I’ll be meeting with them for the first time.
@@papadougpapadougsadventures Well, welcome to Calbayog in advance. Safe travels Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 If you have time stop in at Mango’s lounge & estates , best western food around. You’ll enjoy the food.
Good job, your always going to have the haters and doubters from people who haven’t been to the PI or failed when they tried. It’s all about where you live and lifestyle when it comes to how much money you’re going to spend. Keep the vids coming
A tip for other expats, even if you take a metered white cab, either ask your Filipina to tell the taxi driver to "flag down," that means turn on the meter because sometimes they don't and you get charged incl. white skin tax. Another way is for you to stay out of sight, and get your Filipina to get a cab, agree the price, and then she can wave or call you to when it's safe to come into view and get in, safe in the knowledge that you won't be ripped off
@ I understand, I was working and living in Palm Springs California, my electric in August was $1200. I sold everything and moved to the Philippines. Exhausting how much everything costs now. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care
I'm jealous. I live on $1350/month - and wish I could travel more than a couple of times a year. One thing is equal though - my 33yo GF is equally good looking and could run a marathon if she wanted.
Most of the guys saying you need $3500 a month are grandstanding. They want people to think they have plenty of money. Like you said, living like a king is a relative term. I don’t need expensive things . I buy what makes me happy. I don’t care about what everyone else has.
Since I am not American USD means little to me. Having lived in the Philippines for 15 years I think only in pesos. The only time I revert to my old currency is when I am transferring money. With an income of 110k peso a month and the biggest expense food for a household of 5 quite comfortable living.
@@johncalder-gx4bf I also think in pesos, explaining to individuals that have never been here is what I’m trying to accomplish. Congratulations on 15 years in the Philippines 🇵🇭. Appreciate your input. Take care
Great video, great advice. One thing I keep harping on, make your personal safety a PRIORITY. Don't try and live in the cheapest place that you can find. You will not like the end result. You wouldn't do it in the US, I don't understand why so many "expats" do it here. Filipinos are raised much differently than we from the US were. What's acceptable to them may not be acceptable in the US.
All I need to live like a King is Air Con 😂... whatever the cost! Actually, we can live in comfort for $2,000 or less (we have no house pymt!). We manage to put a good chunk monthly into savings. Merry Christmas to your family! 🌴 😎
King of ? Some folks would be fine, living in a nepa hut near the sea! I went with a Bajaj 3 wheeler for transportation… I am 5-0, vs motorcycles! Plus, it seems like every week, there’s a crippled or worse expat injured on a two wheeler
King of your own happiness. King of your own finances. Doing what makes you happy. I hope it answers your question. Be safe on the roads, Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Take care
@ merry Christmas 🎄🎁 to you and yours! Unfortunately, I am stuck at my place in freezing cold wet Washington state, waiting on back surgery, and SSA/Work comp to take care of their business! I’m usually on Mindanao this time of year, avoiding the effects of cold, damp weather on my knees and back!
@@michaeltakayama8415 I’m actually looking at the bill, and it’s a very complicated bill to read. If I take the total bill 6645 php divide it by 600 kWh it would equal 11.08 php per kwh. Hope that helps. Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Take care
@@maudave Thanks! I'm working on my own projected budget, so this definitely helps. FYI, at your usage level, the cost per kWh here in central California is currently about 2.5x of what you are paying in the Philippines.
@@michaeltakayama8415 My place in Palm Springs was brutal in July and August. It’s very manageable with the costs of everything else being so low. Take care Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
I don't think that western culture dictates that people pay $130-$140 per month for cell phone service. It's a choice. I pay $50 for unlimited everything
@@Matt_T__ I think no matter what you pay it’s obvious that it’s 2 much in the western world compared to multiple countries I have been thru. Just saying Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Matt Take care
exactly,,,,if u want basic service in America u can pay around $35, in cebu i paid around $8 a month through Smart giga plan. Its not the greatest service and it does now work well throughout the philippines.
The real question is not, "What does it take for you to live in the Philippines?" but "Who the hell would want to live in the Philippines?" Most people in the Philippines would give anything to live anywhere else, and do, serving as domestics and gardeners all over the globe. It's a crap, near Third World culture. If you can handle that, then you can start talking finances.
I got news for you people you're not going to live like a king in the Philippines unless you're a multi- millionaire so you can afford things that are imported from other countries and it's costly
@@robertcrowder3606 Robert! “You people” you’ll be ✅ ok. It’s a pun on words-RELAX. Who wants to live or even knows what a king lives like. Life’s to short to be so upset. I live a very good life in the Philippines. Merry Christmas Robert Take care
Ah, well I’ll tell you. The thumbnail to any video is important. It’s a catchy phrase, and creates views. It’s entertainment and creates revenue. I have “No” idea how a king lives and really don’t want 2. lol Have a blessed Christmas 🎄 Take care
My friend lives like a king in Cebu City - Large 2 bedroom condo in one of the nicest condos in the city, Toyota SUV, travels both regionally and internationally, has a supermodel looking gf, eats out regularly, has a great health plan, shops quite a bit, and partakes in his fare share of entertainment. He budgets 4.2M PHP per year or $72k USD. It works out to about 350k PHP or $6k USD per month.
His pension + retirement investments generate $10k USD per month so he saves $4k USD per month.
Great info! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas.
@@ThereIsSoulInArt
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Thanks for the comment.
Take care
Great video Dave, nice to see someone who realises, that to live like a king all you need is the love of special person and the necessities to live. Happy Christmas to you all 🎅🎄
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
The phrase "living like a king" often evokes images of opulence and excess, but for me, it holds a different meaning. True contentment comes not from extravagance, but from having the means to cover my essential needs comfortably. As long as I can afford all my basic necessities-such as housing, food, and healthcare-and have the opportunity to explore new places, both within my country and abroad at least once a year, I would find profound happiness. It's the balance of financial security and the freedom to experience the world that truly enriches my life.
@@dannynicart2389
Well said,
Thank you for you comment.
Have a wonderful Christmas 🎄
Take care
Good video. Thanks Dave.
Dave, I discovered your channel through this video. While one of the commenters made the point that this topic has been covered many times by other RUclipsr's, I found yours relatable as an American exploring where I might retire. Assuming Social Security is still solvent when I become eligible, I am expecting about $1800 USD per month from it. If it is insolvent, I have other retirement savings and am expecting a pension that should cover a comfortable cushion above that. Seeing videos such as these gives me hope that I can live more comfortably in a place like the Philippines than America in my golden years. Thanks for sharing your experience and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Appreciate your comment, your social security will be fine, I wouldn’t worry 2much about it.
Take care
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Thanks brother, I plan on moving there around march.
@@Thebilliondollarhustler10
Safe travels.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Take care
Many want to live like a King whether in the 🇵🇭 or else where however their financial situation won’t allow them to. People need to stay within their budget in order to cover their first basic expenses. Thanks for sharing a great subject matter 👏🏾👌🏾!
Appreciate your thoughts.
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Take care
Nice! I agree… I work in USA…my wife and daughter are in CDO…our apartment is only 7500 peso, 2 bedroom but not fancy. We have parents staying they can easily live on under 2k, comfortably.
Outstanding.
It’s hard to get the western mindset to think outside the box on costs.
Philippines 🇵🇭 is a
great country, live where you are comfortable.
Live within your means and have a great life.
Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄
Take care
Simply peaceful life 🎉❤
@@Loigis
Yes indeed.
Take care
My contribution to the monthly income issue. I receive $1350/month SSI - (80,000 peso) - and live in a guarded high rise condo with the best swimming pool in the PH - (22,500) - and utilities are less than 10,000 combined - I (we) budget 6,000/week for groceries - and with misc expenses we spend every penny - every month. In exchange - I'm living the best version of my life that I could ever imagine - and still root for my sports teams - as I watch the games live and recorded. I send my kids presents via Amazon - and maintain healthy relationships with them in between the time I see them in the US.
@@MactanMurray
Outstanding, living life to the fullest. Blessings for sure.
Take care
MactanMurray. What is the square meter of your condo?
Thanks Dave, good breakdown of monthly cost. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
@@j-man7021
Thanks j-man
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Take care
Great video. This looks like a very nice way to live.
My recurring bills and monthly expenses in the U.S. are less than $2000 a month with a paid off mortgage, so it's nice to see real-world numbers in the Philippines showing I could probably cut that by 40 or 50 percent while putting plenty away for savings. Thank you for sharing your budget with us.
@@ericg9092
No problem Eric.
Have a Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Take care
For those seniors considering retiring to Thailand or the Philippines always factor in $400 - $700/mo for FULL healthcare coverage vs. your home country's plan. (e.g. MediCare in the USA $185/mo).
@@steveng8727
There are plenty of insurance plans that are way lower than you have stated.
That’ll be another video.
Thanks for your comment.
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Take care
I’ll be in Calbayog on the 24th-28th. I was surprised that the population(189k) there is about the same, maybe a little less than my home in the US, Spokane Washington. My Girlfriends parents live there so I’ll be meeting with them for the first time.
@@papadougpapadougsadventures Well, welcome to Calbayog in advance.
Safe travels
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
If you have time stop in at Mango’s lounge & estates , best western food around.
You’ll enjoy the food.
We often eat korean barbecue, in my city at our favorite place $11 per person, I was in the US last April and paid $140 for 2 same korean barbecue.
It’s crazy how expensive it has become in the states.
Thanks for your comment.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Take care
100% agree.
Good job, your always going to have the haters and doubters from people who haven’t been to the PI or failed when they tried. It’s all about where you live and lifestyle when it comes to how much money you’re going to spend. Keep the vids coming
@@stanleytappen9821
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Thanks for the comment.
Take care
A tip for other expats, even if you take a metered white cab, either ask your Filipina to tell the taxi driver to "flag down," that means turn on the meter because sometimes they don't and you get charged incl. white skin tax. Another way is for you to stay out of sight, and get your Filipina to get a cab, agree the price, and then she can wave or call you to when it's safe to come into view and get in, safe in the knowledge that you won't be ripped off
I'm at about $3500-$4000 per month living in Cebu City walking distance to Ayala Mall. Me & my Wife take 2 trips per month Boracay / Bohol. 🏝🏖😎
Bohol is one of my favorite places to visit.
Thanks for your input-enjoy your travels.
Merry Christmas Ryan
Take care
Wow
I am in California and that’s what I spend per month.
My mortgage is 1450$
@
I understand, I was working and living in Palm Springs California, my electric in August was $1200. I sold everything and moved to the Philippines.
Exhausting how much everything costs now.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Take care
I'm jealous. I live on $1350/month - and wish I could travel more than a couple of times a year. One thing is equal though - my 33yo GF is equally good looking and could run a marathon if she wanted.
@
As long as you’re happy, that’s all that counts.
Take care
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Most of the guys saying you need $3500 a month are grandstanding. They want people to think they have plenty of money.
Like you said, living like a king is a relative term. I don’t need expensive things . I buy what makes me happy. I don’t care about what everyone else has.
@@jefflay8515
Exactly,
Always live your own life.
Thanks for the comment.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Take care
Since I am not American USD means little to me. Having lived in the Philippines for 15 years I think only in pesos. The only time I revert to my old currency is when I am transferring money. With an income of 110k peso a month and the biggest expense food for a household of 5 quite comfortable living.
@@johncalder-gx4bf
I also think in pesos, explaining to individuals that have never been here is what I’m trying to accomplish.
Congratulations on 15 years in the Philippines 🇵🇭.
Appreciate your input.
Take care
3k a month your rich, I live a great life 2k a month,
Great video, great advice. One thing I keep harping on, make your personal safety a PRIORITY. Don't try and live in the cheapest place that you can find. You will not like the end result. You wouldn't do it in the US, I don't understand why so many "expats" do it here. Filipinos are raised much differently than we from the US were. What's acceptable to them may not be acceptable in the US.
@@vgwalldecals
Appreciate your comment
Take care
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
All I need to live like a King is Air Con 😂... whatever the cost! Actually, we can live in comfort for $2,000 or less (we have no house pymt!). We manage to put a good chunk monthly into savings. Merry Christmas to your family! 🌴 😎
@@tropicshade
😂 😆 lol
Climatizing is easy, just need to put some effort into it. More healthy for ya.
Lol
@@maudaveWould you please speak to acclimating to the weather there? I'm concerned about how things feel after you've lived there a while. Thank you.
King of ?
Some folks would be fine, living in a nepa hut near the sea!
I went with a Bajaj 3 wheeler for transportation… I am 5-0, vs motorcycles! Plus, it seems like every week, there’s a crippled or worse expat injured on a two wheeler
King of your own happiness.
King of your own finances.
Doing what makes you happy.
I hope it answers your question.
Be safe on the roads,
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Take care
@ merry Christmas 🎄🎁 to you and yours!
Unfortunately, I am stuck at my place in freezing cold wet Washington state, waiting on back surgery, and SSA/Work comp to take care of their business! I’m usually on Mindanao this time of year, avoiding the effects of cold, damp weather on my knees and back!
@@altriplett9099
Speedy recovery, I’m sure that weather is wearing on you.
Stay warm
Take care
@ thanks! 😊
@ did you hear Mark Thornton, “Every man has a story “, is gone?
Very useful... thanks for sharing your numbers!
One question: for your electricity bill, what is the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
Merry Christmas! :)
@@michaeltakayama8415
I’m actually looking at the bill, and it’s a very complicated bill to read.
If I take the total bill
6645 php divide it by 600 kWh it would equal 11.08 php per kwh.
Hope that helps.
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Take care
@@maudave Thanks! I'm working on my own projected budget, so this definitely helps.
FYI, at your usage level, the cost per kWh here in central California is currently about 2.5x of what you are paying in the Philippines.
@@michaeltakayama8415
My place in Palm Springs was brutal in July and August. It’s very manageable with the costs of everything else being so low.
Take care
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
I don't think that western culture dictates that people pay $130-$140 per month for cell phone service. It's a choice. I pay $50 for unlimited everything
@@Matt_T__
I think no matter what you pay it’s obvious that it’s 2 much in the western world compared to multiple countries I have been thru.
Just saying
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Matt
Take care
exactly,,,,if u want basic service in America u can pay around $35, in cebu i paid around $8 a month through Smart giga plan. Its not the greatest service and it does now work well throughout the philippines.
How old did you retire at?
@@scottbaird5674
55
Another budget video?
lol, Yep.
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Take care
The real question is not, "What does it take for you to live in the Philippines?" but "Who the hell would want to live in the Philippines?" Most people in the Philippines would give anything to live anywhere else, and do, serving as domestics and gardeners all over the globe. It's a crap, near Third World culture. If you can handle that, then you can start talking finances.
@@dantruitt1138
You should do a video on your perspective.
Merry 🎄 Christmas Dan
I got news for you people you're not going to live like a king in the Philippines unless you're a multi- millionaire so you can afford things that are imported from other countries and it's costly
@@robertcrowder3606
Robert!
“You people” you’ll be ✅ ok.
It’s a pun on words-RELAX.
Who wants to live or even knows what a king lives like.
Life’s to short to be so upset.
I live a very good life in the Philippines.
Merry Christmas Robert
Take care
So good 15 hundred got apt air con all cat name seven elevin and good gf eat good got beer good cebu city so good
Why. dose everyone keep saying living like a king lol
Ah, well I’ll tell you. The thumbnail to any video is important. It’s a catchy phrase, and creates views. It’s entertainment and creates revenue.
I have “No” idea how a king lives and really don’t want 2. lol
Have a blessed Christmas 🎄
Take care