Philippine retirement budget & lifestyle. An Expat Rants Can you blame him

There are so many opinions about budgets and life style when you're retired in the Philippines. I have many subscribers who watch to learn about life here in the Philippines. Then there are other vloggers who give other dollar amounts as that is their budget. Then there are a few vloggers who give an amount like don't come here unless you make $3,000 or more. In this video I have cut to the chase about these budget opinions and why I differ from them.

[OneMansParadise]

OMG Brother... you have so hit the nail on the head. We've seen the videos that say "Prices are rising and no longer attractive in the Phils" and while it's true not everything is "cheaper" here... certainly you can eat better for a LOT less. But if you want to eat out every day of your life, drink tons of beer, and try and duplicate your Western life to a "T", then yes it takes more money.

But regardless... no matter WHAT your budget is... $600, $1000, $2000, etc... you will get MUCH more here than you do in the West. For me and I'm sure many others... life is better... more enjoyable, and healthier.

We will be dropping a video soon that talks about our budget, our lifestyle, and the happiness we have found in each day. It's not for everyone... but the Philippines truly is a great place for someone on a budget to get the most from their life.

[whiskykiss]

You talk the most sense of any of the vloggers I watch. I know some, maybe most US expats couldn't live the lifestyle that you do, but you've shown that with the right mindset it is possible to live "well" on very little money in PH. Thank you for the info.

[paolo]

G'day mate just want to let you and all your viewers know that I spent 3 months in the province and my total spend per month was 27, 000 pesos or 700 Australian dollars. That was for two people and included food rent electricity, visas and fuel for the scooter. We bought all our vegetables from the local market and even went to restaurants two sometimes three x a week. Our rental was a little studio flat and had everything that we needed in there so it is very doable if you are good with your spending. Cheers from Australia love your channel mate, no BS🍻

[koufax]

I respect you! You are very clear. You and I share similar core values. Building a life from the bottom up at our age in life based who we are now deserves my complete respect and admiration. I’ve done the same and I respect myself and love myself for what I offer myself now. My confidence, clarity, fulfillment, joy and contentment is at all time high. This is an earned advantage from having learned through my life experiences how I want to live. Having choices as a result of not being handcuffed and straight jacketed to things is a huge part. The contentiousness I’ve receive for being really free and happy is but a symptom I’m living my right life. Most settle. I don’t! Great channel. I love your voice of freedom 🙏🏼

[nicolacrickmar]

I love your videos they are real, honest and truthful and have many ideas on how you can live on a budget. I think the people that disagree, do not have money worries then theses videos are not for you. You watch what you want and what applies to you and learn through what you see, research done for you! Thanks Darrell for all the work you put into your videos, they are very much appreciated.

[scottbrinks]

If I take out the extras that I spend (giving, family, caretaker of the property, and some misc) I spend around $950 USD per month. That is with a car, eating good food (we cook at home mostly), and enjoying life. My total monthly average is around $1, 800 with all the extras included. I live in the province and built my house so I have no rent. Life is good here, come and try it but learn and listen to what is going on.

[georgetinant]

I lived 2 months in Cebu as a tourist in 2022 - 2023, Everything all in, ( 2 seniors ) was 3 K a month, travel, food, lodging, gifts @ Christmas etc. I consider that reasonable for what you get . The budget is what ever you decide it to be, I agree with you Darrell .Thanks for showing us around, much appreciated

[AmicusTravel]

Thanks for all your videos and info, mate.

You inspired me to do all the calculations, and i'll have my mortgage gone in 5 years and move over in my early 40's.

I found a big help with the budgeting side was to gather the online PH supermarket prices of things i know i use and eat, and use that as the likely top end of grocery prices for a western style diet. (Obv cheaper eating locally). Facebook marketplace has been valuable for rental prices and seeing quality/ availability too.

Keep up the good work, and let us know your opinions on Olongapo and Tarlac! Whether they are worth a trip, too.

[kimmatura]

I find it amazing that others can’t let you have your joy and live a simple life. There will always be naysayers. You living your best life is the best revenge!

[stocktip]

By far the most sincere guy I've found regarding PH. Actually considering the move, this guy has answered so many questions I never thought to ask. Thanks so much for a realistic view.

[jlynnburton]

I love your videos you're honest candor & no nonsense Vlogs

[mariagar]

Thanks for being truthful, sincere about the cost of living in the Filipines. Have a wonderful day 🎉😊, take care bye

[kanointhephilippines]

If your home, motor, and truck are paid for and, have your visa sorted (srrv) you can live a very nice life in the province for $5-700 monthly. But you won't come here and in 1 year have everything figured out, it takes time to learn the culture and time to determine what you want your life to look like in your retirement years. I have friends who spend a great deal of money every month trying to duplicate a Western style lifestyle here, that is fine but for me a simple life with a good partner works great.

[mikemccash]

Well said dude, its great to see a video of how you can live on a budget, and and still enjoy life, your videoa are an inspiration to people like myself who want to live in the Philippines on a budget, thank again for keeping it real, respect 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[ThereIsSoulInArt]

Thank you so much for this much needed video. It really does depend on the style of living that you choose as to what it will cost you there. I know I became really discouraged about being able to live in the Philippines after watching so many videos that supported needing a much higher income than what you have stated. You gave me hope. It's all about choices. I really enjoy your videos.

[samiam]

I have a hard time spending more than $1000 a month in Thailand. It literally takes effort for me to spend more. I do anything and everything I want to whenever I want. There are guys who seem to have a hard time spending less than 3x that. Usually it's for stupid things. Like a luxury 3 bedroom condo even though they live alone.

[lowtech]

Don't let the trolls get you. I was so pleased to find your channel because that is exactly the life I want to live. Your video's and insights have been invaluable. I appreciate it! Hopefully when I make the jump in a few years we can get together and share stories :)

Hey Buddy. Love your vlog. You've been honest about living on your personal way. I have been going back and fort ones a year to PI for almost 8 years and had a house built there but only leave like 4 to 6 months a year. You're right on how to spend your money your way. Good luck and god San Diego, CA (Paradise Hills).

[Revfredtravels]

Good job bro great info it is hard to get a consistent info from vloggers there because of lifestyle deferents but from my wife to be who is from there your numbers are right around what I will need with a wife.

[andrewfoster]

Just found your channel and like others have said appreciate your no-nonsense style and honesty. Like some of the comments below allude to, if you go somewhere completely new, then you adapt to their lifestyle and don't bring all the western attitudes with you. My filipine partner and i are hoping to settle back to the province in the next year and channels like yours fill me with hope more than anything that you can just come and enjoy a simple straightforward life which after the rat-race of being in the West is what i'm really looking forward to. Thanks