Philippines Prices Aren't What I Expected

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  • Опубліковано 11 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 901

  • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
    @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому +23

    My Affiliate Link for SafetyWing!
    safetywing.com/?referenceID=travelescapes&Ambassador

    • @wakiidude
      @wakiidude Рік тому +1

      new subscriber here from 🇨🇦🇵🇭

    • @OntoTheNextOFFICIAL
      @OntoTheNextOFFICIAL Рік тому +3

      Me too from 🇺🇸

    • @DragonKingTheYT
      @DragonKingTheYT Рік тому +1

      Do u have to go to the Philippines embassy to stay living in menila Philippines I'm American

    • @DragonKingTheYT
      @DragonKingTheYT Рік тому +1

      Let's collaborate

    • @DragonKingTheYT
      @DragonKingTheYT Рік тому

      That's global medical insurance I'll think of that one

  • @LMW9269
    @LMW9269 Рік тому +40

    Hey Jonathan, shout out from Utah USA. I married my Filipina wife 37 yrs ago, we met when I was stationed overseas in the Marines. We love your videos and the style you use, we want more, more, more. Keep up the good work!!!

    • @RaceMentally
      @RaceMentally 3 місяці тому

      Philippine women love white American men don’t they?

  • @OntoTheNextOFFICIAL
    @OntoTheNextOFFICIAL Рік тому +37

    We found your channel randomly and me and my husband have been watching it in our tv screen in the living room. We love the style of your channel esp when you talk to the local. I'm from Cebu originally but now in South Carolina USA. Thank you for your vlogs about the Philippines. I Surely miss home.

  • @crashercrasher9696
    @crashercrasher9696 Рік тому +54

    Buy, small rice cooker, buy 1 kilo of rice cook rice and buy 1 serve of viand from carenderia, solved whole day meal and very cheap

    • @axdbag7705
      @axdbag7705 8 місяців тому +2

      That's poor people's mindset, dear don't take it personally, but saving ur time worth morthan that small money .

    • @crashercrasher9696
      @crashercrasher9696 8 місяців тому +1

      @@axdbag7705 nope that practicality

    • @VEra_PGR
      @VEra_PGR 5 місяців тому +8

      ​@@axdbag7705 We all have our own preferred way of living so your opinion is useless. Don't force your own preference to other people cause not all people will like living the way you live.

    • @Rainiebooba
      @Rainiebooba 5 місяців тому

      @@axdbag7705 If you lived in the Philippines with normal wages, you will understand why what they said is a nice way to do it.

    • @ajpewding4058
      @ajpewding4058 5 місяців тому +1

      Rice is like 15p why waste an hour and the gas for a trip home?

  • @mam7470
    @mam7470 Рік тому +36

    Holy sh_ _ _! You have 95+k subscribers now wow! Huge support from Filipinos around the world for you Jonathan! I did not expect that! I am happy for you.

    • @helenbeltran6420
      @helenbeltran6420 Рік тому +9

      Yes, that's how Filipinos appreciate foreigners who promote their country with full support. 😊

  • @tman5634
    @tman5634 Рік тому +56

    There's huge price differences for the same things, right through the Philippines. Prices are set on what the sellers deem right for the area they're selling. This applies to all sellers, big & small.

    • @travisgoesthere
      @travisgoesthere Рік тому +9

      and there is an added fee when you are a foreigner

  • @oxoelfoxo
    @oxoelfoxo Рік тому +51

    Not prices in the Philippines but in Bohol. They can vary a bit per location.

  • @therevjoshc
    @therevjoshc Рік тому +44

    Hey Jonathan, I just found you a couple of weeks ago and have binge watched all of your Philippines videos. You do a great job of making entertaining videos while showing the real Filipino people. Keep up the great work.

  • @markledesma2396
    @markledesma2396 Рік тому +8

    The prices for 7-11 and sari sari stores are a few pesos more but readily accessible, i buy food from a local karinderya too as i find it convenient, it's always more expensive eating out but having pizza is well worth it. The cost of living in the province is still way cheaper and i can really have clean air quality.

  • @cherryperez2517
    @cherryperez2517 Рік тому +146

    I can retire early because I love the Philippines. Warm and low cost of living.

    • @rusted5408
      @rusted5408 Рік тому +31

      Don't be fooled. Food costs more in the Philippones than for me here in Oregon. Don't take 1 man's word.for it. I was just all over the PH for 3.5 months. Food has doubled since the beginning of the plandemic

    • @trevr1969
      @trevr1969 Рік тому +3

      ​@@rusted5408what would you say the monthly cost of living in the Philippines would be?

    • @lesliejohns5929
      @lesliejohns5929 Рік тому +8

      Freah Food is more expensive in the Philippines than the UK. Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water) are a lot cheaper. But Philippines is not as cheap as people make out unless you want to live a very basic (boring) life.

    • @trevr1969
      @trevr1969 Рік тому +2

      @@rusted5408 I agree... But that 1600 would be the bare minimum

    • @trevr1969
      @trevr1969 Рік тому +1

      @@rusted5408 bothering you? Lol. You're taking it way too personal. I'm just looking for your opinion... Thank you for sharing

  • @justicetherott2509
    @justicetherott2509 Рік тому +35

    My magnificent Filipino wife moved to the United States last year. But in 10 years we were planning to retire early and buy a property and business in Cebu. I cannot wait!

    • @fridz66
      @fridz66 5 місяців тому +1

      As someone from Cebu, you are gonna have a great time spending your retirement there. Traffic is gonna be a headache but you’ll get around it in time.

    • @rusted5408
      @rusted5408 4 місяці тому

      @justicetherott2509 what kind of business?

  • @TonzLanggoy
    @TonzLanggoy Рік тому +22

    Prices in the Islands are more pricey than those in the main islands. In big cities, like manila, cebu, produce are expensive. But you can get around the pricing when you got to public markets.

    • @bunnystrasse
      @bunnystrasse Рік тому +1

      Where are the island VS the MAIN islands?

    • @jimihendrixx11
      @jimihendrixx11 Рік тому

      @@bunnystrasse I think he meant main cities. Davao is an exception

  • @unlirise5479
    @unlirise5479 Рік тому +13

    I recently went on a vacation in Cebu Philippines. And I found out if you earn 2 grand a month, you can live like a king in there. Cost of living is so cheap compared here in US.

  • @user-nq7zc2sh9t
    @user-nq7zc2sh9t Рік тому +17

    Hello Sir Jonathan! I’m Leslie California born Filipina. I just came across your vids two evenings ago and I’m literally hooked! Thanks to your recent blogs, I’m learning areas and words and food along with you. My parents are from Pangasinan. Visited PI maybe 4-5 times in my life. I really appreciate your vlogs and discovering the white sand and clear water beaches. Your giggles are infectious. Lol. Ingat!!!

    • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
      @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому +3

      Hi Leslie!! Thank you so much for watching and following along!

    • @raydevera9636
      @raydevera9636 Рік тому

      You got it right prices are much cheaper in the entire country compared to other countries..

  • @charliehustle2579
    @charliehustle2579 Рік тому +4

    Fil-Am here. I've been watching your channel lately. Keep it up bud i love the 🇵🇭! Cheers from Cali

  • @jambilardi
    @jambilardi Рік тому +30

    You can actually get things cheaper if you head to larger groceries outside of Panglao. It may not cost a lot for you there since you compare prices to the US, but Panglao prices can be outrageous. Keep up with the vids, man!

    • @helenbeltran6420
      @helenbeltran6420 Рік тому +1

      True. Prices do differ depending on the area. It may be more expensive or less in other areas. Also depending on the lifestyle that one wants. City life is more expensive than living in the province. His is just a rough idea of the cost of living where he's at.

    • @DigiMannen
      @DigiMannen Рік тому +4

      Staple groceries are much cheaper in US than here in the Philippines, I am talking about things like milk, butter, bread, potatoes, tomatoes, pasta, ground beef, bacon, cheese, onions...

  • @alzacksd4761
    @alzacksd4761 Рік тому +14

    Bohol is a province but the cost looks expensive, prices is like you are living in a city , I live in a big city (Baguio City) the summer capital of the Philippines (we don't use air-conditions), a family of 5 people , my family monthly budget is 35k pesos. rent / food 3-5 meals a day / utility bills etc

    • @wavemaker2077
      @wavemaker2077 Рік тому +5

      Bohol is a popular tourist spot. It's still a lot cheaper than Boracay.

    • @egerajhonnamaet.2228
      @egerajhonnamaet.2228 Рік тому

      Yes, bohol is just beside negros but the prices are twice as high

  • @KevinVenturePhilippines
    @KevinVenturePhilippines Рік тому +15

    I noticed you accidently put the price of regular gas at $1.76/litre and it is actually $1.26/litre. (I've learned how to convert the pesos in my head before I move there, lol). And in future videos you may want to mention that all the sunscreen there has a skin lightening agent, as you know they want whiter skin. Most people don't know that's in their sunscreen! Another amazing video, brother! Thank you! Salamat! (And what does "io" mean?"

    • @helenbeltran6420
      @helenbeltran6420 Рік тому +1

      Wow you do watch the video meticulously haha that's nice. ☺️

    • @KevinVenturePhilippines
      @KevinVenturePhilippines Рік тому +1

      ​@@helenbeltran6420 I am moving there soon, I have to know what is accurate or not, so yes, I do try and pay attention, lol.

    • @KevinVenturePhilippines
      @KevinVenturePhilippines Рік тому +4

      @@bradleymiller7375 I am sorry sir, "Mind my own business" on a public educational video to a place I am soon moving to, on a platform I have been on for 16 years, and paid by UA-cam over 10 years. I think is everybody's business. Yes, gas price is a big deal to some people, and being off by 50 cents a litre American, can be a deciding factor on monthly budget, and/or what vehicle to buy. And knowing what crazy chemical is going into your skin should be a big deal, and a "Whitening agent" is rare to basically...everywhere else. On Earth. And for all we know causes cancer. So, yeah. It is everyone's business. Thanks though!

    • @KevinVenturePhilippines
      @KevinVenturePhilippines Рік тому +4

      @@bradleymiller7375 Being jealous of people that are adding positively to the discussion to help more people is the weirdest type of jealousy I have ever seen. And you cannot write "ur" and then say you won't "Lower yourself". Wow, you are literally triggered that others try to share correct information to help the community. Unbelievable.

  • @FC-oo2ud
    @FC-oo2ud 10 місяців тому +1

    I am Filipino and this guy is teaching me about the philippines. Keep up the great work. Your videos are awesome. You have a great positive attitude

  • @CoralCleland
    @CoralCleland Рік тому +4

    Thanks so much Jonathon. Your videos helped me navigate The Phillipines for my first visit. I was at that same 7/11 a few weeks ago.

  • @alexjr.cavante3598
    @alexjr.cavante3598 Рік тому +14

    Keep it up....we Filipino are very supportive,we love to watch video from different foreign blogger who love Filipino culture.😊 We appreciate that Bro.👍👍

  • @honusblanco1259
    @honusblanco1259 Рік тому +2

    We use the same insurance! Nomad from Safety Wing. I just got back from visiting 4 Balkan countries making my total to 56 countries. I’ve used Safety Wing for the past 5 years and I travel 2x a year. Those 3 in 1 coffee sticks in the Balkans is .27 Euro/stick. I had a great time there.

  • @alphonsoeiland3196
    @alphonsoeiland3196 Рік тому +18

    Incredible how the countries of people with the least, always seem to have a genuine happiness 😊

  • @randellt
    @randellt Рік тому +8

    Thanks for all of your excellent info. I was in Bohol for 5 days in November and plan on moving there sometime around October. I have been many places in the Philippines and think Bohol is a great pick to live. I do not want to live Panglao-too many expats. I spent 2 nights in Loon which was amazing.

    • @dklang
      @dklang 11 місяців тому

      Expats ruined it, and in not long they will ruin more places

  • @benburns5995
    @benburns5995 Рік тому +16

    Hi Jonathan, thank for this video about daily living expenses in the Philippines. Everything is really reasonable for the most part. With driving a motorbike the fuel would be reasonable but if you have a car it comes out to about $6.67 a gallon. In the United States we are paying about $4.00 a gallon now. Have to say the Sunset by the sand and water was magnificent towards the end of the video.

    • @venger910
      @venger910 Рік тому +6

      For a bit of perspective, Bohol has to have it's fuel 'imported' from other parts of the Philippines. Additionally, the gas station that Jonathan filled up was a Caltex station, which would be considered an upper-middle or lower-upper tier priced gas station.
      In Metro Manila, most gas prices here are significantly cheaper even for the higher octane fuels, with some coming to less than US$1.00 per liter.
      At 3.8 liters per gallon, a fair number of gasoline stations in Metro Manila can pretty much match the US$4.00 price.

    • @mons938
      @mons938 Рік тому +1

      6.67$ if you go to gas station like Petron, Caltex, Shell, Etc. But theres alot of gas stations in certain parts of area where you can fill your car for 3.22$ per gallon

    • @socorrobesas5465
      @socorrobesas5465 Рік тому +1

      Hi Jonathan, congratulations on your 95k subscribers, wow almost 100k. Just keep up the good work. God bless you always. Ayo-ayo, amping 💕

    • @teddedios991
      @teddedios991 Рік тому +1

      Jonathan, I suggest you make a card with your name and your channel with all those people you talked to sure they will subscribe.

    • @arich_tv
      @arich_tv Рік тому

      70.80 pesos per litter is pretty much the same here in Canada. That comes down to around $1.68 cdn. It's actually cheaper there right now. Our current gas prices in Vancouver is $1.97.

  • @dustinlittle1765
    @dustinlittle1765 Рік тому +3

    i'm in angeles city and street food like the beginning is cheap as well, but its the larger grocery where you get other supplies is where it gets kind of expensive. everything here is almost 3x as much as it was 7 years ago

  • @askbob2956
    @askbob2956 Рік тому +7

    Hey Jonathan, enjoying your videos. My family and I are at the Bohol Beach club til next week. Shocked at how much they charge now, driven by the influx of visitors from S. Korea and China, less so for the latter with current travel restrictions. Stayed at a cheaper location near Dumaluan, but the accommodations were subpar so we had to move. Most of the resorts are at full occupancy. Hope to see you around town and look forward to your next video!

  • @nikkibelmont9199
    @nikkibelmont9199 Рік тому +17

    watching from san diego, ca. food cost is so expensive here in cali. can't wait to go to philippines to enjoy fresh seafoods and tropical fruits. 😋

    • @itsyazzypoo
      @itsyazzypoo Рік тому +3

      first thing to do, grab loads of sweet mangoes and watermelons when you get back here!

    • @nikkibelmont9199
      @nikkibelmont9199 Рік тому

      ​@droneyas you betcha 😅

    • @nikkibelmont9199
      @nikkibelmont9199 Рік тому +3

      ​@@bradleymiller7375yep! gotta go to philippines; reasonable cost of living, delicious local cuisine, and stunning beaches ⛱️

    • @lenseofanomad
      @lenseofanomad Рік тому +2

      hell yeah bro! i was there last year in CEBU and Bohol, im going back this august again!

  • @edsaintlouis9686
    @edsaintlouis9686 Рік тому +4

    Food Prices depends on provinces. There are provinces aside from Metro Manila that are expensive with a high cost of living. Take the province Angels Pampanga for example. Just like in the US where different States has different cost of living.

  • @CocoPanda-f1q
    @CocoPanda-f1q Місяць тому

    I love watching your videos only good vibes not toxic. And i love how you promote our place and show the real beauty of our place and our people.

  • @Jun-dy6ht
    @Jun-dy6ht Рік тому +5

    This is what i mean... There's some people selling their Items way too expensive for what it's really worth.. Look at the difference... anywho.. good thing you made a video out of this mate.. was commenting on your other video about the prices and some are bit upset thinking i'm making things up when it comes to it... And Again.. I'm Not bashing this people cause they're selling this items 2x its actual price... I'm just saying.. keep up the good work and your videos mate.. Keep safe out there...

  • @CoryR0691
    @CoryR0691 Рік тому +2

    Thanks for the details of cost there... I'll be arriving to Manila September 13 23 so all of the details really help me out👍

  • @deemoreno21
    @deemoreno21 Рік тому +22

    Panglao is a tourist destination so its comparatively more expensive than eateries here in cebu. You can buy a meat dish for 50 pesos

    • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
      @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому +9

      Very true! I should have mentioned that this is a tourist town and prices are higher here.

  • @msgleetv1530
    @msgleetv1530 Рік тому +3

    Thank you so much sir for making this very informative video, it's a big help for our tourism here in the Philippines. I'm going to share your videos to my friends in there US.

  • @LookAtMe-C137
    @LookAtMe-C137 Рік тому +2

    Thanks Johnathan, this information is valuable cause I plan on moving there at the end of this year. Not only prices but things like banks, mail, that sort of stuff.

  • @BALOYBEACHBUM
    @BALOYBEACHBUM Рік тому +1

    I lived in the Philippines the last 14 years what helps is a chest freezer, buy when the prices are down and freeze, veggies very and always have a stash for the next lock down!

  • @michaeldooley2402
    @michaeldooley2402 Рік тому +4

    Yay … good to see that they offer you the correct pricing 😊

  • @FactsJustFacts0522
    @FactsJustFacts0522 5 місяців тому +1

    Love your contents. Thank you for enjoying here in our country. Take care always.

  • @tmb3131
    @tmb3131 Рік тому +3

    I will say in Manila the food prices have skyrocketed! Especially in Makati. In the last 8 months I have seen prices go up by 30%, easily.

  • @hawkkim1974
    @hawkkim1974 Рік тому +2

    very good info. And it seems like we can cut down a lot from Dinner/Laundry/Misc., which makes it $500 a month on a tight budget. very nice!

  • @rlhouse3635
    @rlhouse3635 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for sharing. Curious if there are some islands that are more expensive than others.
    I worked with someone who was dating a Thai lady, and then he found out through vlogs about the Philippines so now he wants to retire there (on some island close to Cebu). Not sure how he chose his island/province.

  • @bernadetteoneill7014
    @bernadetteoneill7014 Рік тому +1

    Great video Jonathan. Very informative for would-be expats. But prices are relative & subjective all over the country. Stay safe In Bohol. Amping gyud, ayo ayo!😅👍 6:22

  • @DD.freshstart
    @DD.freshstart Рік тому +14

    Thank you for this video!! I’m retired and hope to get my dual citizenship in the Philippines. My ultimate goal is to live there. I appreciate these type of videos because helps me understand each area.

    • @sfrealestatedealmaker6001
      @sfrealestatedealmaker6001 Рік тому

      If you were born in the PH it’s easy through the PH consulate.

    • @roadi1983
      @roadi1983 Рік тому

      you get a lot of wrong information in this video. hes a nice guy, but a VERY incompetent traveler :D ...

  • @PhiLIdahoTaco
    @PhiLIdahoTaco Рік тому

    @8:05 South Palm Resort. Stayed there for a night 2 weeks ago.

  • @JD_Nomad
    @JD_Nomad Рік тому +3

    Been fan of the channel Jonathan! I’m an American who’s moving to PH in August. Have you considered traveling up north at all? There’s some beautiful places I’ve been. Baler is beautiful and the beach reminds me of the PNW, or Baguio City which is a nice break from the heat. Can’t wait to see more vids!

    • @BearInThePhillipines
      @BearInThePhillipines Рік тому

      In going same time.......will you start a channel?

    • @JD_Nomad
      @JD_Nomad Рік тому

      @@BearInThePhillipines No won't start a channel, but def will film and photograph, but solely for myself.

    • @JD_Nomad
      @JD_Nomad Рік тому

      @@BearInThePhillipines What about you?

    • @BearInThePhillipines
      @BearInThePhillipines Рік тому

      @@JD_Nomad I hope to be there August also. I will be to busy enjoying than watching youtube

  • @logansellars8377
    @logansellars8377 Рік тому +1

    I was there in April. And I’m an American and the prices aren’t bad but they aren’t cheap. Bohol was higher than the province.

  • @Jason-47..
    @Jason-47.. Рік тому +5

    Great helpful advice. I just landed in Manila yesterday and will be in Bohol in a few days.

  • @firstnamelastname6717
    @firstnamelastname6717 4 місяці тому +4

    Hum?, the 🇵🇭 Philippines looks like a place where I could live and survive in 👌🏼
    I’m an older guy with some US street smarts, if I lived there 😢with my pension and social security checks, I could live very comfortably over there, the only thing that my instincts would recommend is to find a nice honest, decent, good , fair woman who would teach me the ways of the filipino lifestyles to help me save my money and to get the most out of my money to live there and for my safety, a woman like this would be the topping of the ice cake 🎂, of course, she would benefit from my good life as a reward to her as well, and that could be a great 😅retirement plan!

  • @rastaman4087
    @rastaman4087 Рік тому +1

    Yhheeww. So excited for this Boss Jonathan. its my second Comment here. One is Joalrick Ozarraga. hahaha . God bless Sir 🤙

    • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
      @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому +1

      Haha thank you so much for watching!

    • @rastaman4087
      @rastaman4087 Рік тому

      @@travelescapesOFFICIAL I'm from Philippines but I have never try goin to cebu and Bohol I'm just near to that islands I'm from Southern Leyte neighboring island but you inspire me to go there. Thanks Man.

  • @MsVroege
    @MsVroege Рік тому +3

    Jonathan you should try hunting for low prices goods so might other expat know where to get a cheaper prices.. Next theme for your vlog...✌

  • @johnclark1469
    @johnclark1469 Рік тому +1

    appreciate the spreadsheet breakdown. Most is pretty consistent w other vlog budget items so its good to k so when visiting we k when we’re being skin taxed. Motor bike rentals on Negros are higher tho - $8-9/day

  • @raymunddomingo6954
    @raymunddomingo6954 Рік тому +3

    I thought it's much cheaper in the Province than in Manila when you eat in an Eatery or Carinderia, but prices are the same. 1 meat item for 50 to 60 pesos and 1 vegetable order for 25 to 30 pesos 🙂

    • @MsVroege
      @MsVroege Рік тому

      Kasi ang mga karne at gulay siguro inaangkat din nila galing ibang probinsya kaya ganyan eh ang Manila doon lahat ang bagsakan..Gaya na lang ng mga damit mas mura sa Manila kumpara sa probinsya inaangkat din nila ang mga damit galing Manila..

    • @lexlier8336
      @lexlier8336 Рік тому +1

      you forgot to analyze he's on a touristy area😂

    • @josephlin4431
      @josephlin4431 Рік тому +1

      food in manila or entire luzon is SHIT dirty filthy unhealthy....its good for cats and dogs only NOT for human consumptions...

  • @radiobabylon
    @radiobabylon Рік тому +43

    i moved to the philippines permanently earlier this year, and have been shocked by how prices have changed over the last 10 years, and especially over the last 2 years. groceries are OUT OF CONTROL. i thought things had gotten out of hand in the states but it is even worse here, by a long shot. for example, ONE hand basket of varied groceries from SM (some meat, some dairy, some produce, some paper goods, some toiletries, a fair mix of items) was a little over 8000 pesos, around $160 usd! other things that used to be very very cheap, like san mig, are about 3x more than they were 2-3 years ago... a 6'er is still less than it would be in the states (for domestic beer, say, a sixer of bud), but not a LOT less the way it used to be. in truth, as far as most consumer goods go, they are on par with the cost in the states, and in some cases a lot more. electricity is about 2.5 TIMES what it is in the states, internet is about 1.5 times more. cellphone service is roughly on-par with the states... taxis are MUCH less than cabs or uber are. purchasing a car is cheaper, but only very marginally.
    really, about the ONLY thing that is cheaper here than the states is housing. the cost to rent a house here is about 1/4th to 1/8th the cost per square foot (depending on where in the states you are)... BUYING property varies a LOT on where you look. in the provinces, very cheap. in the cities, cheaper than the states by about half. in the BIG cities, on par with median prices in the states and sometimes more (sometimes a LOT more, especially for new construction condos). also, anyone from the states that plan to buy a house vs build one... there are some things you NEED to be aware of.
    first, overall construction quality with regards to the structure itself is generally better than in the states, fit and finish is VASTLY, GROSSLY inferior in even the most expensive homes in fancy upscale subdivisions. and i mean straight up TERRIBLE, from plumbing and electrical, to flooring, to cabinetry and fixtures, to doors and windows, you name it, it is just deplorably bad, especially for what it costs. if you buy an existing home, even brand new construction. expect to pay many tens of thousands of dollars in upgrades. it may look nice when you walk in, but when everything starts to fall apart after a month youll realize what a money pit youre in.
    second, filipino architectural sensibilities and requirements are hugely different than what westerners are used to. no matter how large of a house you buy in terms of floor area, expect very tiny living areas, very tiny kitchens (as in, efficiency-sized), one decent sized bedroom (as in, you could have a bed in there and still be able to walk around in it) and a TON of tiny bedrooms the size of closets. no matter how large it is, expect 90% of the floor area to be devoted to bedrooms. going up in square footage WILL NOT get you a more spacious home, it will only get you more tiny bedrooms. also, you generally wont get ANY closets (but thats ok, youll have a dozen bedrooms any one of which will be walk-in closet size and can be converted)...
    furthermore, markup on new construction (over the actual cost of the construction itself) is around 300-400%... yes, really. so given all that, my advice to anyone looking to move here permanently is to expect to have to find undeveloped land, a good architect, a good building engineer, and plan to build your own house. you should also expect to have to spend ALL day, EVERY day, from the first day to the last. on the construction site supervising. trust me on this. you MUST be there, you MUST be constantly moving from place to place inspecting the work, and you MUST be willing to either purchase materials yourself or inspect every single purchase and the receipts to ensure that the materials being used are the ones you selected. seriously, DO NOT IGNORE this advice unless you want a house that will begin to fall apart around you within 3 months. you MUST be prepared to inspect the fit and finish of every single nail, screw, tile, cabinet, shelf, door, doorknob, light fixture, electrical outlet, wiring run, plumbing run, faucet, ALL of it. if you dont, you WILL get cheated on materials, and you WILL have substandard work that is not up to the amount youre paying for. IF you do this, you can get a house built for about a quarter the cost of an equivalent property in the states... but youll pay for it in time and effort supervising. (youll also be the proud owner of a house you flat out CANNOT sell except to another westerner, unless youre willing to remodel it to turn most of the space into tiny bedrooms before putting it on the market, something you should keep in mind when youre working with the architect on the floorplan)
    none of this is meant to discourage people from retiring here... in fact, i really recommend it as a great retirement destination... but you do need to be aware of what youre in for, and have a realistic idea of what its going to cost.

    • @holywood60
      @holywood60 Рік тому +8

      Thanks for the detailed report, very informative. Are the quality products readily available? I'm guessing that there is no Home Depot or equivalent?

    • @radiobabylon
      @radiobabylon Рік тому +7

      @@holywood60 actually, there ARE quality building materials available... in the city im in (cagayan de oro) there are actually several big-box hardware stores along the lines of home depot. selection can be somewhat limited depending on what youre getting, but for things like cabinetry and flooring youve got a LOT of options in various quality ranges... a little more limited with bathroom fixtures and fit and finish items like drawer pulls, doorknobs, etc... although depending on which big box store you go to, that can vary, some have better options than others. you can also source a fair amount of the small stuff like faucets, knobs, pulls, etc online for reasonable prices (although it can take weeks to get them)... the availability of things can be highly variable as well... if you see something you like, youd best go ahead and buy it, because it might be gone in a few days and may not get restocked for months... and if its something you need a lot of, get ALL of what you need along with extras for replacements, because theres a reasonably good chance you may NEVER see whatever it is again in the style you want.
      i imagine in bigger cities, like cebu and manila, there are even more choices available. however, pricing can be wildly different from what youd see in the states. some things are almost absurdly inexpensive, and others are WAY more, 3 to 5 times more... and to be honest, though ive tried, i cant see rhyme or reason as to why one kind of thing is cheap and another is expensive. i imagine it has a lot to do with what can be locally sourced vs what has to be either imported or shipped on a container from another island.
      ultimately, like most things here, its all about compromise and adjusting your expectations... youll find yourself doing a balancing act between cost, quality, and availability... and unlike in the states, you cant just throw money at it and get exactly what you want. youve got to do the best with the sometimes limited options available to you.
      having now gone through this myself, i am very strongly considering entering into a business partnership with a real estate developer to build 'expat enclaves'... smallish walled/gated/guarded communities of 8-20 properties built with western design and architectural sensibilities (and quality) in mind, and including the kind of amenities that people from the states take for granted that are typically not included in homes like central air, energy efficiency, radiant barrier, whole-house water filtration and purification, power regulation and step-down at the panel, etc... along with on-property services like laundry, mini-marts, business center, fitness center, car and driver service, on-site basic medical, etc... ive run the numbers and i am convinced i could build first-world-quality homes and sell them (or, more realistically, long-term lease them given the property ownership laws) at a price around a third of what a comparable property would run in the states (or less, if youre coming from somewhere like cali with an absurd real estate market)... basically all (or most) of the comforts of home at a dramatically reduced cost and with a much lower cost of living.

    • @akak8299
      @akak8299 Рік тому

      That's what Filipino get for voting the incompetent plunderers. Then complain how bad the economy turns out to be/.

    • @kaohsiung99
      @kaohsiung99 Рік тому

      They should read it all @ahnonymuz9921

    • @chefmastermikecmm8465
      @chefmastermikecmm8465 Рік тому +1

      Tldr houses are cheap but groceries are still higher than 3 years ago 😂

  • @GWMcD-s7y
    @GWMcD-s7y Рік тому +2

    Great vid, Jonathon. Keep em comin!

  • @mons938
    @mons938 Рік тому +3

    The Store owner Alvie can speak English very well and the way she speak in English is very smooth. I've seen a podcast where one of the girl there said that "Passport bros getting women over country like Philippines where women can speak little English and women that don't have education" and seeing women like Alvie speak English very well and very smooth is impressive and she lives in province where education is not that great compared to schools/university in Manila. Suck it you western ho3s Great guys are leaving you out there because on how you treat them then complaining about it and blaming other countries. For the passport bros out there leave the western life behind and come to Philippines where you can meet tradition women, low cost of living, and still treat you with respect and kindness even though you're not one of our kind.

  • @ChannelFredo
    @ChannelFredo Рік тому +1

    it'll be cheaper outside the urban areas, but tourist areas are even more expensive than cities. good to keep that in mind.

  • @bookemdanopinay7427
    @bookemdanopinay7427 Рік тому +8

    SHOUT OUT FROM GERONA TARLAC. It's one thing to live in 1 place and travel around and know what things are like and then not to live in 1 place and just travel around. It's completely different animals

    • @brew17
      @brew17 Рік тому

      i have visited paniqiu, are there many expats in your area?

    • @bookemdanopinay7427
      @bookemdanopinay7427 Рік тому

      @@brew17 no, not as many as the other touristy spots I live in the farmland 10 minutes from tarlake City. Beautiful quiet. I came here to retire not to retire with expats laughing out loud

    • @bookemdanopinay7427
      @bookemdanopinay7427 Рік тому

      We bought land and built a house and it's beautiful, quiet living, the dream, happy joyce and free

  • @dennyclosser8456
    @dennyclosser8456 3 місяці тому

    I literally just came across you. You probably won’t see this since it’s a year old but well done. I have never been to that part of the world, but you certainly be intrigued.

  • @rogsolaris7411
    @rogsolaris7411 Рік тому +3

    Great video! I've always been curious about the Philippines. And I already have that Schwab account. You have to open a brokerage account in order to open the checking account. But you don't have to actually use the brokerage account, it can be empty.

    • @GDuncan8002
      @GDuncan8002 9 місяців тому

      Is there a minimum balance/fee associated with the checking?

    • @rogsolaris7411
      @rogsolaris7411 9 місяців тому

      ​@@GDuncan8002 Not that I am aware of. I keep about $2-3k in cash in there to withdraw for daily spending when traveling. But sometimes it has dipped down to 1k, and I've never seen a fee applied.

  • @johnrufino2259
    @johnrufino2259 Рік тому +2

    Hey Jonathan, its John...we met on May 20th and introduced you to my cousin at a restaurant in Bohol. Great meeting you dude! Keep up with the videos and hope to meet up again in November. I gotta know that secret restaurant though...you mind sharing?

    • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
      @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому +1

      😂 if you send me a message on Instagram I’ll tell you. I’ll always give the names of small businesses publicly on here to help them get customers, but a resort like that that already has plenty of business, I don’t want to contribute to overcrowding them and ruining the atmosphere. My IG: Jonathan_escapes

  • @JerusalemGirl
    @JerusalemGirl Рік тому +3

    Thank you jonathan for always loving and Adopting filipino nature❤

  • @evilkamatis542
    @evilkamatis542 Рік тому +1

    You also have to add in what kind of place or area you are staying. You really need to learn here how to distinguish if the place you want to stay is expensive or not by doing a bit of research if the place is within the range of a rest, a tourist destination or commercialized areas like near malls.. the cost of living near those placed are usually higher, even in small food shops (carenderia) and small stores like sari-sari store. But usually there are also stores that are cheap. The secret is to just ask the locals.

  • @gerliegrino8126
    @gerliegrino8126 Рік тому +3

    The foods in that carinderiya,are all price.Even more expensive than those being sold here in Metro Manila.The groceries are just the same prices compaired with the sari sari stores here.

  • @d.f.9064
    @d.f.9064 Рік тому +1

    One thing I like is that people speak English. I live in Ecuador. Almost NO ONE speaks English here. They'll say they do, but they can't.

  • @elinraoyus234
    @elinraoyus234 Рік тому +3

    Nice vid sir, actually a year ago before ukraine and russian war the price of gas is 20% lower and the import from europe is fertilizer is 50% lower.... It is a domino effect on all services and goods in Philippines.... example before the war in ukraine and russia the price of pork per kilo is 200 now is 250-280

  • @floren879
    @floren879 Рік тому +6

    Food is a lot cheaper and can be fun to do a little shopping 🛍️

  • @anthony031277
    @anthony031277 Рік тому +2

    i live in Cebu with my wife and daughter and this is our expenses as of nov. 2023... we spend about 10,000 php ($200) monthly on food, $60 a month on electricity, nothing on rent because we live on her family's land, $20 a month on gas, 20 usd for internet. all together its about 300-350 usd a month. but keep in mind our life is not fancy, we have just enough for the basics and I'm living mostly as many people here live. i eat what they eat, and live how the live. I let my wife of 17yrs do the shopping as she knows her own town and where to get the best prices. if you want to live more like an American lifestyle I would have about 1,000 usd a month for every month you are here so that you are comfortable. the closer you are to that number (or even over it) the easier you life will be.

  • @epicriosonlinemoney3654
    @epicriosonlinemoney3654 Рік тому +3

    A single guy needs at least $3000 per month to live a good life in BGC/Makati.
    If you are in the province, then you need at least $1000 a month.

  • @helenbeltran6420
    @helenbeltran6420 Рік тому +1

    Convenience stores are a dollar or 2 more expensive than in local groceries or supermarkets. That is because of the convenience of buying stuffs 24/7 nearest to the area and less busy.

  • @JoalRickOzarraga
    @JoalRickOzarraga Рік тому +1

    I've been waiting for this haha Finally, been watching your old vids. Quality vid Jonathan. Yhheeww 🤙

  • @Anthony-Carlon
    @Anthony-Carlon Рік тому

    We will be in Panglao in September. I can't wait. Thanks for the great videos Jonathan

  • @grimmronin3386
    @grimmronin3386 Рік тому

    You can save if you buy and stock from big grocery and keep,it with you like coffee ,personal care stuff and snacks.

  • @neilparedes-chavez1688
    @neilparedes-chavez1688 Рік тому +7

    Like you, I'm a remote worker-but I can only work remotely in the Latin America or Caribbean area due to the time zone restriction, I'm based in Chicago, IL... Working remote and living in Puerto Rico, St Lucia, Jamaica, Aruba, Costa Rica, and Colombia, Venezuela nothing compared to living in the Philippines in terms of cost of living and quality of live. I tried requesting to work remotely in the Philippines but was denied by my employer due to time zone differences. Btw, born and raised in the Philippines here but immigrated to the USA at age 17, received my US citizenship about 5 years later and 5 years later-I got my secret clearance. I have to say you living the dream that I wanted-good food, great weather, and fine beaches. I have not seen the Philippines in over 20 years. I'm due to retire in 5 years from Federal Govt and I cant wait to retire and be an expat. I dont think I will ever return to the United States. Life too short, might as well enjoy it while I can.

    • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
      @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому

      I agree!! I was in Colombia for three years and Nicaragua for awhile as well. The hospitality here is unparalleled. Not to mention how much safer I feel here as well. You’ve got a lot to look forward to with your retirement then! Thank you for watching!

  • @supermochtin
    @supermochtin Рік тому +1

    Another great video! I actually saw you yesterday morning in the resort lobby. Was too shy to approach you though. 😅

  • @KB3TLE
    @KB3TLE 6 місяців тому

    Appears as if the $1000 / mo. budget might be kept -- if -- you have a mind to ? -- Including the scooter rental ! > A good price in my opinion. -?- I'm a year later but doubt the prices have jumped up that much more. - - - A good taste of it when you were there.

  • @nzsl368
    @nzsl368 Рік тому +2

    not many know it, cebu is the "food basket" of visayas & mindanao
    some of the agricultural / poultry / seafood products are raised or grown in cebu
    that is why, relatively-speaking, cebu's food prices are way cheaper than the other provinces
    bohol food prices are controlled by the alturas group (it's a monopoly)

    • @silongbalay820
      @silongbalay820 Рік тому +1

      Cebu is not the food basket of Mindanao...

    • @nzsl368
      @nzsl368 Рік тому

      @@silongbalay820
      it's called vismin (visayas & mindanao) because cebu supplies herbs, veggies, fruits (including dried fruits), rootcrops, seeds, meats, poultry, seafood (including dried seafoods) and even cut flowers, not just in vismin (visayas mindanao), but also around the globe (especially asia)

    • @silongbalay820
      @silongbalay820 Рік тому +1

      @@nzsl368 no we have our own supply here in Mindanao we don't get it there...

    • @silongbalay820
      @silongbalay820 Рік тому +2

      @@nzsl368 Mindanao is the food basket of the Philippines.

  • @johnmartin1849
    @johnmartin1849 8 місяців тому +1

    Hi just come across your channel think your amazing person.love the way you are with people when you meet them your so nice.godbless you love from UK🇬🇧

  • @sburns015
    @sburns015 Рік тому +2

    I'll be 42 in about a week and ive decided when i retire its gonna definitely be in tge Philippines!

    • @thebighousencaaattendancer478
      @thebighousencaaattendancer478 10 місяців тому

      By the time you retire, so many Americans will already be there, and prices driven up so much that it will be just as expensive as in the US.

  • @agnescurrie697
    @agnescurrie697 Рік тому

    I just came across this channel and i have noticed that among your travel Philippines episode has the most views you have got.

  • @ofwgemini7488
    @ofwgemini7488 Рік тому +1

    Hey Jonathan! Your YT channel grow up so fast, I'm watching your vlog since Sunday up now and I really like it. Working from HongKong but I'm a Filipina.❤😅

  • @BluegirlXhin
    @BluegirlXhin Рік тому

    Wow the price is high now. Im from cebu city. Usually cost the adobo like 30 pesos. I suggest u should have filipino frnds with u because sometimes they will double the price if your foreigner but not all store

  • @cyril_bleh
    @cyril_bleh Рік тому

    If you get those water dispenser jugs, you can refill the whole thing for P20-50 from drinking water stations to save you the cost of buying bottled waters .

  • @jenirmaimel9212
    @jenirmaimel9212 Рік тому +2

    Wow almost 100K subscriber's Yay this is Jen the one say hi to you in Alona beach and ask for a photo with you ☺️

  • @axismachineriesandfabricat3336

    Hi again! Small motorcycles(around 125cc) usually have fuel tank capacity around 1gal or 4L.

  • @ChrisB-sv1gz
    @ChrisB-sv1gz Рік тому

    Best video I have seen yet on local prices! Thanks!

  • @dankerns171
    @dankerns171 Рік тому

    You make ur videos easy to watch. Im interested in moving to Philippines for a few months. Great information 👍

  • @mercenarymike1397
    @mercenarymike1397 10 місяців тому

    The people are why I enjoy the Philippines.. So polite. Mabuhay..

  • @perlaaguinaldo
    @perlaaguinaldo Рік тому

    Hello jonathan wow you are loved by many filipinos.Road to 100 subscribers wish you 200or more this year.👍🙏🇵🇭😍

  • @roadrunner594
    @roadrunner594 Рік тому

    Ok so based on u stating Panglao. I searched yr in Bohol... wow I will very very soon be visiting Bohol to see my wonderful 45yrs girl friend.
    She lives near Duelo.
    It would be wonderful for us to meet u if possible.
    I'll be watching for more travel tips and this is my first time ever doing something like thing wooohoooo ty

  • @ericjf5343
    @ericjf5343 Рік тому

    I appreciate you breaking down the pricing and and the little food shops you do. You are a younger I would be curious to hear what your long term plans are. Really like the Turkey video. I had never heard of that place before.

  • @JohnnieV
    @JohnnieV Рік тому +1

    Congrats brother. I been around since colombia. I think u should revisit colombia for a month or so. Argentina. Maybe ecuador chile etc

    • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
      @travelescapesOFFICIAL  Рік тому

      Thanks Johnnie! You definitely might be the longest running commenter on the channel. I really appreciate that man! I did several years in South America, so I plan to stick around here for awhile. Maybe I’ll revisit South America one day, but I don’t have plans as of now

  • @TheTinfoilmanlive
    @TheTinfoilmanlive 5 місяців тому +1

    Crazy here in AZ you can buy a 30 pack of beer for 20.00 making it only .66 per can but go to anywhere you can buy by the can and your looking at 2.00 and up. 🙃

  • @A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES
    @A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES Рік тому

    It is nice watching you. I see you also can feel the heart beat of the Philippines.

  • @melvinlosaria8175
    @melvinlosaria8175 Рік тому +1

    Wow! This is a very nice video production you've done. You featured a superb visual presentations about beautiful sceneries in the Philippines. Very interesting and intertaining to watched too. I love it. You're absolutely brilliant videographic artist creating such a wonderful contents just like this. Bravo my dear friend. Thank you for sharing. All the best to you. I've subscribed to support your lovely channel.

  • @arielgerardservillon3200
    @arielgerardservillon3200 Рік тому +1

    we’ll their meat viands are quite high for a carinderia :-) the range is p50 - p60. theirs is p80.

  • @MRBIGSLICK66
    @MRBIGSLICK66 5 місяців тому

    2nd time I’ve watched this video Jonathan. It’s amazing how affordable it can be living local even in the tourist areas. Planning to be there within a year, would love to see bohol , would be more amazing to bump into you while there lol. ✌🏻

  • @arich_tv
    @arich_tv Рік тому +1

    Good content buddy 👍 gonna be there in the Philippines in less than 3 weeks. ❤❤❤

  • @KrazyJohnny
    @KrazyJohnny Рік тому +1

    Everyone there is so happy and the workers show pride in what they do

  • @thantsinbendita953
    @thantsinbendita953 Рік тому

    Beef skin call BALBACUA , boiled until tender and a little bit sticky soup, use to eat it in mindanao.

  • @Someone-qz9kn
    @Someone-qz9kn 9 місяців тому

    The best things about Philippines they smile always respect and you feel home all the love from Saudi 😘