Expat Community > Philippines

Phatboy
Joined 2002
Posts: 1

need real answers / please help

21 years ago

I've been researching the Philippines for over a year now and I need some real answers. I know you all are tired of everyone wanting to know how much everything costs over there, and how much it costs to live there. So I'm not going to ask for specifics. First let me tell you my situation. I get $1400 U.S. Dollars a month as my income. I am considering living in Cebu. I have heard and read that I can live reasonably well on this amount of money. However, I still have doubts. Here are my questions:
Can I truly live on this amount? Also I have a question that may not usually be asked. I am an overweight person, I weigh about 390. Do you know of any problems that I might have there as a result? How do the people there react to overweight people?
You probably need more info on my living preference to determine if I can live on $1400 a month. I would like to rent a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, or bungalow. I dont mind living outside of town, as long as its safe. I would like air conditioning. This is a must for me. Because of my size I dont sleep well if no air conditioning. That may be a premium, but it's a must. I'd like to either bring my own or buy a small T.V.
A 13 or 19 inch T.V. would be fine. I'd like satellite and internet. I don't require high speed internet. Thats about it. I like cooking and cleaning for myself, but I understand a maid can be very beneficial for info, and shopping for the best prices on food.
My only other question concerns Cebu. I hear it's real nice. I'd seriously consider another location to live, if you know of a good cheap city, thats safe. I dont want to live anywhere near Manilla. Too many people, and crime for me. I'm moving from Chicago, and would like to leave large citys like it behind.
One more thing I just thought of. I'm only 27 years old, and I wonder if that will be a problem? Will the fact that I'm so young be a factor in getting permission to stay for a year or more there?
I don't know if it matters, but my income is from Social Security. If anyone can answer even one of my questions, I'd appreciate it. I do have some limited savings. I understand that some places want 6 months or a year of rent in advance. Is this true for Cebu? Thanks for any and all help.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Philippines

need real answers / please help

Login