Is it really cheaper to live in the Philippines? If you are like most expats wishing to retire in the Philippines and are hoping for a cheaper life style, consider this: In order to sustain the same level of living standard you have been accustomed to in the USA, you will need a rental house renting for from at least 30,000 to 50,000 Pesos or $681 to $1,136 per month. These homes have central Air, full kitchens several bedrooms, and all the comforts you have been accustomed to back in the USA. And most are in semi secure gated subdivisions. However since Electricity is expensive in the Philippines keeping that air conditioner going 24/7 with all the lights on, refrigerator running and so on, you will end up paying just about the same amount overall as you would to live in some areas of the USA. In order to cut costs and live a lot cheaper you will have take a hit on your personal living standard. Eliminate that costly central air and maybe add only one window air conditioner in the bedroom thats what most do here. Rent a much cheaper apartment which are everywhere here, with mainly only 2 bedrooms, a kitchenette. No oven or refrigerator a two burner gas stove and an electric water cooler/ heater. Renting from 5,000 to 12,000 Pesos or $113 - $272. Even with this my little air conditioner running 24/7 was costing me 7,000 Pesos $159 a month. The apartment is always hot and I practically lived in my cool bedroom. I lived like this for 3 years we had no refrigerator, oven and only the one Air-Con (Air conditioner) we did have the water cooler with a heater for hot water. Food was purchased daily so no need to store anything. Leftovers feeds the pet dog or cat. Thats life for most expats maybe 90% of us here. If you are lucky enough to have lots of money in the bank, then I suggest you building your own home here. Notice I said build not buy, too many problems related to buying homes here. Better to buy the land in your wifes name as Americans and foreigners cannot own land, then have a team of builders do the work. One thing to remember here watch them like a hawk and always insist on river sand for your concrete not ocean salty sand. Corrosion will destroy your home in a couple of years if you use the wrong sand. Hope this helps some of you considering a retirement here. Article on food next time...
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 23:20:03 +0000
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