Thinking about making the sunny Philippines your new home? đ´â¨ It's an exciting adventure, but it's essential to plan your finances carefully. Letâs see how much money you might need to start your new beginning!
Cost of Living in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of those countries where you can live as economically or as luxuriously as you want. Here's a breakdown of typical expenses:
Budget-Friendly Living đ đ°
Rent: $250 for a 2-bedroom house by the beach đ
Bills: $100 for utilities đĄđ§
Visa Extension: $40 every few months đ
Food/Groceries: $200 - $300 đĽđ
Travel/Entertainment: $200 - $300 âď¸đ
Total: Around $1000 per month for a comfortable lifestyle đ
Mid-Range Living đ˘đľ
Nicer Accommodation: $400 - $500 for a western-style house/apartment đĄ
Dining Out: More frequent dining out đ˝ď¸đš
Total: Around $1500 per month đ¸
Cost Comparison with Other Countries đđ˛
Country/City | 1 Bedroom Flat (City Centre) đď¸ | Meal for 2 (Mid-Range Restaurant) đ˝ď¸ | Transportation (Monthly Pass) đđ |
Manila, Philippines | âą25,000 / $450 | âą1,000 / $18 | âą1,530 / $28 |
Quezon City, Philippines | âą12,000 / $215 | âą650 / $12 | âą400 / $7 |
London, UK | âą112,000 / $2,000 | âą4,000 / $70 | âą8,700 / $155 |
New York City, USA | âą165,000 / $3,000 | âą4,000 / $70 | âą6,100 / $110 |
Berlin, Germany | âą45,000 / $800 | âą2,400 / $42 | âą4,800 / $85 |
Sydney, Australia | âą110,000 / $1,960 | âą3,500 / $62 | âą6,500 / $115 |
Housing and Accommodation đĄđď¸
Rent in the Philippines ranges from very cheap to moderate, depending on whether you choose to live with flatmates and how close you are to the waterfront or the city center. Hereâs an average monthly cost of rent in some of the Philippinesâ most populated cities:
Renting in Boracay đđď¸
Large Apartment: âą60,000 / $1,000 đ˘
Medium Apartment: âą35,000 / $500 đď¸
Small Apartment: âą23,000 / $400 đ
Student Dorm Room: âą10,000 / $170 đď¸
Internet: âą1,900 / $32 đ
Utilities: âą3,000 - âą8,000 / $50 - $130 âĄđ§
Visa Costs đđł
For a long-term stay, expect to spend:
Initial Visa Application: Around $100 after 30 days of free stay
Annual Renewals: Around $350 per year
More details: eVisa
Monthly Living Expenses đľđ
Living expenses in the Philippines can be quite affordable, but they depend on your lifestyle and location.
Accommodation: Rates vary; for example, Boracay offers monthly rates starting at $540. Boracay Rentals
Utilities: Around $50 to $150 per month depending on your usage
Food: Budget about $200 to $400 per month đĽđ˛
Transportation: Local transportation is quite affordable. Budget around $100 per month đđ
Healthcare đĽđŠş
There is a good healthcare system in the Philippines, but the best hospitals are located in the capital. Here are some prestigious hospitals located in Manila:
Tip: Get health insurance before coming to cover emergencies and avoid high medical bills. Check brokers like Cigna, AXA, and NowCompare.
Note: Boracay Island doesnât have hospitals but has some private clinics for minor issues. For major problems, patients will be directed to Kalibo.
Initial Setup Costs đľđ
When you first move, youâll need some extra cash to cover initial setup costs like:
Deposit and First Monthâs Rent
Kitchen Setup and Household Essentials đłđď¸
Unexpected Expenses
Tip: Set aside a cushion of $1,000 for unexpected expenses đ¸.
Conclusion đâ¨
On average, plan for a monthly budget of about $800 to $1500, depending on your lifestyle and location. The Philippines offers a range of living standards to suit different budgets, making it an appealing destination for many expats. đđ´
Ready to make the move? Pack your bags and start your adventure in the Philippines! âď¸đ§ł
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