Cost of Living in Philippines

"That's a difficult question. It all depends on the retiree's needs and his ability to live within his means. I believe that one can make it work at almost any income level if they are willing to make the appropriate sacrifices," remarked one expat in Angeles City.

"For Air conditioning, internet, phone, cable TV, water, tax, transportation, pharmacy, food and hardware, and all extras cost me $1200 Canadian dollars a month," explained one expat living in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

"The cost of living in the Philippines can vary depending on the city and lifestyle of each individual, but in general prices are considered to be generally low. Groceries and everyday items can be found at very reasonable prices compared to other countries in the region. Many foreigners find that they can easily afford basic necessities, such as housing, transportation, and food, while still having money left over to explore the many attractions and recreational activities that the Philippines has to offer," said one expat in Philippines.

"Living in the Philippines compared to the United States can potentially be very cost effective, as basic day-to-day expenses such as housing, food, transportation and clothing tend to be significantly lower in the Philippines. Additionally, entertainment, leisure activities and recreational sports are generally cheaper in the Philippines as well and provide a greater variety of choices due to the growing population and culture. In general, the cost of living in the Philippines tends to be much lower than in the United States," said one expat in Philippines.

"With the local currency weakening over the past year, it has exceeded my plans. I have good spending power here, but try to economize when possible," remarked one in Cebu City.

"The cost to build or purchase a home here in the Philippines overlooking the South China Sea is a small fraction of what the cost would have been in the San Diego area where we used to live. The lot is one half acre and we paid $1,800 USD. The same size lot on the ocean in San Diego, California would cost over one million USD," explained one expat.

"The price of a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Philippines can vary greatly depending on location, size, and amenities. On average, rental prices for a 1 bedroom apartment range from about $250 to up to $800 per month. A nice 2 bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $400 to up to $1800 per month, depending on the same criteria," said one expat living in Philippines.

"Rental properties in the Philippines often come with basic kitchen appliances, such as a refrigerator and a stove. Additionally, washing machines, microwave ovens, and water heaters may be included in some rental properties. Generally, air-conditioners and other electrical appliances are not provided in the rental properties and are the responsibility of the tenant," wrote one expat.