I live on Mactan Island Lapu Lapu Soong for the past year,,,,,Building a house in the same area,,,Family of 3 all adults 62/52/22,,,We get by on about 55,000 pesos a month or roughly $1,000 dollars a month,,,
ALOT expats get 900 to 1k month ss . but their smart their women have own places and house and income .you want young say 18 to 22 have support them . smart pick a woman has own income and own place. both have incomes.she has no income need 300 too 400 extra to your budget.
My rent in a 2 bdr house in lapu lapu subdivision. $450 Electric 140$. 5$ water. 10$ drinking water refills Barely use ac. Electric is crazy. Monthly visa renewal 60. Health ins 120. Laundry 15. Internet 30. Phone 20. Home suplies. Cleaning supplies bug spray etc 40$. $400 Food i eat at home tried outdoor markets but got sick twice off pork purchases there. Transportation 40. I walk most of the time. I spend all days at home. Weekends i will go explore see the beaches etc. This runs 120-200 a month. I was living in a 1 bdr place for 250. But had a million roosters when it rained the slat windows water flooded the room on one side and roaches were all over. Took me 2 months to find the place i have now. You could live off 900 but man you have to make some major sacrifices. Its one thing to visit a month and put up with the cheapness or poor quality of living but doing it month over month. I lived very cheap life in america. 3 bdr Trailor house in the midwest-living so i would say my style of living below avg vs many people coming here. I do save about 700 a month vs my american life But i dont have a car payment anymore or car ins. I also dont have home ins etc.
Good summary of life there. Is a monthly visa renewal required? Also $60 is a bit high or is it 60 PHP? Living on less than $1,000 could be a bit challenging with sacrifices or not if one can spend more. By the way, I probably would get sick from those pork purchases too.
@@lionhearted1969 Not high for 3 years. The first posted message said "Monthly visa renewal 60". For a monthly expense it is high unless it's PHP. Do not know why it would be a monthly expense unless it's to save up for the 3 years. It's not explained so I will not guess what it is.
Choose Mactan (the island next to Cebu City where the Airport is) Cebu City can be a bit too overwhelming and pricey, and you still have everything there and near you. And you can get to a dream beach on Olango Island in an hour. And a big foreigner community / bars will help you to ease in
I was already considering starting with Cebu as a launching pad when i first retire so this is all very useful info to think about. I've already visited Manila and Samar. I like the romance of province living just not sure im cut out for it. My only concern with cebu city is the distance to clean bodies of water. Great vid with no hype.
Choose Mactan, the island where the Airport is. The side that points away from Cebu city has some good beaches (with a little entry fee) also they have ferries to Bohol and Olango Island. Olango Island you can reach in only one hour with the two ferries near the resorts. If you find a filipina on Bohol, its very easy to have both, family province life with them and comfortable city life in, for example, Mactan Newton
@filipinafan...Huh? Mactan Island alone has 90% of all the luxury resorts in Cebu where crystal clear turquoise blue water will amaze you. Mactan is also the biggest hub for island hopping in the country where tourists enjoy the same turquoise blue water in Mactan's surrounding islets and islands, most of them are within protected marine areas. Then there are public beaches from either north and south of Cebu, a few hours drive away. If that's not enough, Cebu is famous for its turquoise clear waterfalls, with about 110 waterfalls systems and up to a thousand individual falls/cascades. Then there are hundreds of cold springs you can swim. No other province or area in the Philippines can match Cebu's volume of cold springs, waterfalls and white sand beaches.
ALOT expats get 900 to 1k month ss . but their smart their women have own places and house and income .you want young say 18 to 22 have support them . smart pick a woman has own income and own place. both have incomes.
If ur seriously sick need operation and free n ur country,go home. Philippines hospital is so expensive,but if ur pensioner then i think hospital is cheaper,kindly check it😊 to be sure.😊
hey old man cebu is the best place to retire if you have money. in the future i will live there marry a local virgin. locals are friendly and hospitable. 1k dollar per month i will live comfortably.
It seems many people while living in a big city get tired of the fast pace. They then move to a smaller city and get tired of the slower pace and start a recurring cycle.
I think you could also do an addition talking about Mactan Island / Lapu-Lapu City.. Because I think its more attractive for retirees + nearer to the airport + ferries that get you very fast to Bohol (2h) and Olango Island (1 hour), for even just a day, or the weekend + big malls available as well + besides good restaurants in general, restaurants from foreigners for foreigners (german, swiss, italian, norwegian, australian and so on) - if you want to meet other people from your country its nowhere as easy as on Mactan - plus they often have a small deli section that has stuff that you dont get even in the big malls + more retirees than Cebu City, so maybe more foreigners overall + new areas like Mactan Newtown with brand new condos to live + new streedfood markets + clean private beaches + international / language schools + Immigration Office on Mactan is much better than on Cebu, just ask around or read reviews + you are still fast at the infrastructure of Cebu, especially if you choose to use the new (private) bridge Its really different to talk about Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, which is good to point out maybe.
I am also between lapu lapu and cebu nowadays. Your insights for Lapu Lapu is really helpful. Do you think any disadvantages of living in lapu lapu instead of cebu?
@@EamonnHogan-eu3qc I have never been in Lapu Lapu before, but I am also considering it. I have checked airbnb considering my first days there and there are affordable accommodation around the airport for both long/short term stay.
We live about 12 Km north from the center of Cebu City in the hills. Cebu City is just right for us. It has an international airport, hospitals, night life, great restaurants and great choices of transportation. Could you imagine living in NYC, Tokyo, SF on $1000 a month?(Cebu City isn't that big) LOL good luck with that. We live(4 to 6 people) in a 2000 sqf house(no house payment) with a helper, SUV, A/C living a Western lifestyle by the most part for $1500 to $1700 a month. Cebu City has a lot to offer=very good place to live/start out in the Philippines.
look before you rent . besty rent a airbnb say 30 days get a discount . then look every were . find talk to ppl , fb marketplace. groups . walking a round places.
That’s the first city. I’m trying in Southeast Asia is Subu. Between you and sunshine shoulders Calvins if Isis been great also. I hope you two are doing fantastic. I love your channel.
G,day I just discovered your site..I wish I had seen it earlier.. I would of loved that air bnb as my cost of hotels in Cebu city for less than a week cost me way more...
Thank you for this! Every video I see on costs in the PH seem so reasonable. I think that is a great selling point. Not sure I could do the crowds and noise in Cebu but it does seem like a lot of fun and good cost of living.
I've been watching your videos for a couple years now while planning my own trip to SE Asia. In August I decided to take the leap and bought a 1-way ticket to Bangkok. I'm planning to slow travel my way around from country to country and see if I find a place I want to stay in for longer. Then probably explore the next place. I've been very inspired and grateful for your videos, insights, and generosity with you experiences. I just signed up for a membership and am looking forward to learning from you as I explore outside the U.S. Thank you, Dan and Qiong.
Good informative review Dan! Nice choice to checkout. There seems to be a bit of unclear proposed changes to the Philippine immigration system, including the exit process.
Idk if it changed dramatically, but I exited from PH like 2 years ago. The most surprising thing for me was, you should present the proof of payment docs for your visa extensions. This is not described anywhere I know.
@@denizselman1995 I have seen a video and websites that describe a proposed or actual new exit clearance process that seems to require a clearance fee and maybe a clearance certificate. This may be applicable for longer stays 6 months+ although not sure.
We renting in Lapu Lapu Mactan island Cebu 3 bedroom 1,5 bath bungalow with parking on driveway in gated subdivision and we pay 425$ inclusive electric, water and internet. We are minutes from shopping malls and same from the beach. Advantage is when you living in Lapu Lapu you’re close to everything including hospitals and big city with beautiful beaches and disadvantages are traffic and pollution.
Hi @YuriUK, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: czcams.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/video.html Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/ Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or CZcams channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
Thanks for the great insight and it looks like I will be able to serve as a junior physician at the Chong Hua Hospital next year. Please let me bake some healthy, delicious pastries for y'all on the weekend. What is your favorite beach in Cebu?
I lived 2 times in Cebu City. First in 2022 5 months in One Oasis Resort, next the Cebu Golfcourse, and in 2023 4 months in Avida Tower1 Cebu IT park. Very nice, indeed as told in this video, you find everything you need in IT park, and the busses in the busstation, taxi's and habal habal motor ride bring you everywhere. In IT park the Ayala Block shopping mall, the Social Park bar with always live music, and ofcourse the famous Sugbo Mercade Foodcourt are nice to visit. This video shows Cebu as it is right now.
"Nice little apartment you've got there! Can't help but be nostalgic for the times when I wasn't throwing rooftop parties every weekend. Simplicity has its charm. All the best from someone who's seen it all in Asia!
The main problem is health insurance, you can live as cheap or expensive as u want. But if u do not have money saved for an emergency then its all irrelevant. So many foreigners here crash on motorbikes and go to hospital, or have unexpected major health problem. You need cash to pay for this, or the hospital will dump u on street. If u have full healthcare coverage then great, but older foreigners have to pay a huge amount for insurance. If u are older also with health problems, then u need to stay in city with good hospitals. My friend lived in the province for 7 years, he had two major health problems, the hospital in the province was dirty and disgusting. He sent me message and pics to save him, he is now back in USA and had heart surgery. He will never come back to PI.
Outside of Europe, there is very little welfare overseas. Many expats fly home every year or so to get healthcare checkups and procedures. But that won't help you if you need emergency medicine outside your home country. You have to either self-insure or buy insurance.
Excellent review and one of the places I want to live at for a few months to check it out when I get out to the Philippines (summer 2024). Question: if you rented a scooter, where can it be parked? I would imagine those condos (like where you stayed) would have limited space to park a scooter that's safe so it doesn't get stolen.
I live in Cebu City. This is all accurate. I was broke for a few months when I was in between jobs, and was able to get by easily on $1,000 a month. I didn’t go out much, though. I’ve also spent 6-7k a month here. So, it just depends on how often you go out, how much booze you drink, and where you eat and drink your booze. Rent isn’t actually the deciding factor. In most cases, your rent and utilities will be between $400 and $1,000. So, deciding where to live won’t have a huge impact on your monthly spending. It’s eating out, nightlife, traveling, etc., that will impact your budget the most.
Cebu is a great mix of modern and country living within an hours drive. So many wonderful cheap places to eat. Full service and even live entertainment. Or if You want some jungle remote...its also there too for just a couple hour drive. Obviously the deeper inland you go the further back in time you go.
@carlschleicher5516, Here is how we find cheap apartments all over the world now. Watch the video and read the text to get all of our tips: vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/ Thanks, Dan
Great advice :) There is hiden places in the citys w phenomenly low rent cost. exp a friend of mine living in NY on $ 620 (Affordable housing) I like what I seeing love food also Im good cook & I love cooking. Anyway!!
Seems logical to conclude from this - that a single person who doesn't drink alcohol - or need 'entertained' (?) - may find that $1000/mo would do nicely - most months ? -- A somewhat more frugal studio rental being alone would suffice as well. -- Essentially - you just make it work. -?- An average SS - or say about $1500 for a single guy is quite doable.
Hello Dan! Great video, thank you! General question: What do you do when immigration wants you to show them a return flight ticket (within the number of days allowed by the tourist visa) when you arrive in a country but you are planning to stay longer and extend your tourist visa? How do you go from one country to another without knowing how long you will stay and still meet immigration requirements? I would like to have flexibility when i travel without everything being planned in advance! (i think that would be a good subject for a video!) Thank you!
Great video, very informative, along with the links. Cebu looks like a good place to spend time, but doesn't it get hit by typhoons during the non-summer months?
That is a good question. But by looking at the condition at kawasan falls, you should know that it does get hit. I saw comments however that Dumaguete is free from typhoons. That someone needs to verify.
@@keangwooichoo6138 Cebu is not hit by typhoon every year. Before Typhoon Odette hit Cebu in December 2021 (that destroyed many of its natural attractions) the last devastating and catastrophic typhoon that hit Cebu was Typhoon Mike in November 1990. That's 30 years ago. The 1990 typhoon was the most memorable for Cebu as it was also the catalyst for Cebu's economic boom when, in less than a year later, Cebu quickly rose from the devastation and its economy grew so fast, they dubbed as the economic miracle. Similarly, in 2021 typhoon, Cebu quickly recovered and now still lead other cities in economic development. Dumaguete may be shielded from typhoon but why is its economy not growing as fast as Cebu's smaller cities and towns? But Dumaguete is always bugged by long brownouts every week, every month. Dumaguete also doesn't have efficient public transportation and very limited choices when it comes to shopping, entertainment, world-class medical care, IB international schools, family-friendly theme parks, etc. Dumaguete is not an ideal place to raise a family if you want a worry-free life.
you're my age and apparently very fit. you have decided not to eat meat I imagine for better health but I'm always surprised at how much you spend on alcohol. I am on anti-inflammatory diet for my skin condition and I have stopped consuming any alcohol. I'm still happy camper. cheers! (lol)
Your alcohol budget is way too high if you said that you're only buying beers or liquors from the supermarket and drink at home. $150 is like P7500. You can buy beer at 50-60 pesos so unless you're buying expensive wines, $150 is too high or unless you're drinking a lot every day 🙂
I would want to have my own scooter, at least for exploring and recreational purposes. but... I've had bicycles, motorcycles, 4-wheelers and scooters stolen throughout the course of my life (in America) - can you speak about scooter theft? Could you also speak about what parking a scooter would cost?
Hi Dan; any recommendations were to stay?; My family will travel to Cebu City and stay there for several months and will get there September 1. Thanks in advance.
It depends on what you want to do in Cebu. If you are looking for night life and casinos, I'd say rent a condo in the city. If you are looking for a beach vacation, consider Mactan island (just across the bridge from Cebu City) or a place on the southern outskirts of the city near the beach. If you want to get away from the heat a little, you could rent a place higher in the mountains above the city/beach where it is cooler and there is a nice breeze. If you are new to the Philippines, consider that a condo with security and around more people is probably safer than renting a place that is more secluded. Dan's video shows some nicer areas where there are tourist and money. Also prepare yourself to see litter, poverty and urban decay. The PI is not a first world beach resort. It's a great place, but home to millions of unemployed poor folks. Great people, but just not what most westerners are accustomed to. Keep your eyes open, don't wear jewelry or expensive clothes, keep wallet in your front pocket, wear your backpack (if you carry one) in front of your body, keep an eye on your bags. We've never had much trouble in the PI, but my Filipina wife did have an earring snatched right off her ear by a young teenage boy. Enjoy!
But what is the idea of someone wants live in Cebu?😮 A big city, without palm trees , white sand and blue waters? What kind of hapiness we will found in a such place?😮😮
@antoniosimoes2516...Come to Cebu and you'll get drowned by tall coconut palm trees that lined its coastal highways, country roads, and lush trees in its mountain roads that crisscross the whole island giving you a panoramic view of both east and west coasts of Cebu. You can't do that in other places in the country as they don't have road networks that crisscross their mountains. About 5-10 minutes drive from downtown Cebu City, you'll get to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, islands, ocean and the lush mountains. You can't find that in all other cities in the Philippines. Cebu City is 70% mountains and the built-up areas are the remaining 30% of the land area. From downtown Cebu City, which is stuck in the center of the island, you can drive or commute (buses operate 24/7 connecting all towns and cities) to adjacent rural towns and cities to find yourself basking in the white sand beach under the shade of dreamy coconut palms (that you dream about) and swimming in crystal clear turquoise blue waters. Before Boracay, Bohol and Palawan became popular, Cebu was already the poster boy for Philippines' white sand beaches until now with Bantayan Island, Mactan Island, Malapascua Island, Camotes Island, Moalboal, Oslob, San Remigio, Daan Bantayan, Badian are the more popular, both for local residents and visitors. Moreover, Cebu has the greatest number of waterfalls systems (110 total) and cold springs where you can find at least one in every single town/city. No other place in the Philippines have such comfort and convenience.
find a woman has a college degree their alot smart women . Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school. Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma. Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree. Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.
I'm a 55 year old surfer 🏄♂️ looking to move to Siargao Cloud break. I have been enjoying your informative videos. How much does the different careers earn in area? For example a policeman make?
Not happening unless your not living good. Definitely Not in Cebu City or Manila. 2K USD maybe but 3K to live comfortably. Plus unless your going to maybe Moalboal down south, Cebu City may be worse than Manila when it comes to trash and graffiti. Just say’n !
@@lionhearted1969 my most recent experience to Cebu was for 10 days only three weeks ago. Cebu and Cebu City (Cebu is a big dirty city but the rest of Cebu is beautiful) are two different things but either way I couldn’t live in Cebu for under a thousand bucks a month. But hey everybody’s standards are different. I didn’t retire here to live substandard. Many do it in Subic and Angeles but their struggling mighty. But too each there own. If I just got a small place, ate only at home and didn’t travel I could manage but I love to travel all over Cebu and the Philippines. Plus I have a family. Each persons circumstances are different. I am currently in Siargao and I could manage on less than $1000 but again it would not be a great experience. Siquijor is even cheaper. My home base is Subic Bay. The Philippines is great if you have a steady means of income (salary, pension etc) but if not then it may be a very bad one. Just my two cents.
Hey Dan ,I'm considering retirement in the Philippines. I'd love to see if I can buy a package of hamburger or pork chops, price etc... I love to cook ,but not a big fan of seafood.You mentioned it was more $ .Curious how much in comparison 🤔
Hey @jeffwente9331. There’s a store in Cebu City (or everywhere in Manila called Landers or S&R (kinda like Costco) and their Beef Burger Patties are around 270 pesos to 500+ pesos. They also have Canadian Beef Patties, Australian etc. There’s also tons of ground beef if you want to make your own patty. There’s also lots of Pork-chops everywhere. It costs around 500+ pesos for half a kilo.
I always see you guys talking in your videos but never hear what you’re actually saying because of your voice-over narration on every video. Do you ever show videos like this one where we can hear what you guys are saying?
Thank you @wesgraham2262, Thank you for watching and commenting. That is mostly over on Qiang's channel below. I have interviewed Qiang and she has her own CZcams Channel. Make sure to watch her video about how we met and subscribe to her channel. How we Met: czcams.com/video/h7TwVq90lA0/video.html Qiang Interview: czcams.com/video/t4C_Eg1FrSM/video.html Qiang's Channel: czcams.com/users/HoboVenturesQiang%E8%96%94%E8%95%99/about Thank you, Dan
Great question @AndiamoPhilippines, I have one report where I explain what I do about health care and another where I show you how I search for health insurance, and a third report sharing which one I decided to finally buy. What I do about health care: vagabondbuddha.com/two-biggest-risks-of-retiring-early-overseas/ Report where I search for health insurance: vagabondbuddha.com/best-health-insurance-for-ex-pats-in-philippines/ Here is the Health Insurance I bought (and scams to avoid): czcams.com/video/0leF_BCLVKw/video.html By the way, once you search for health care you will start seeing more offers for health insurance and travelers insurance when you are online. Health insurance is one of the most dynamic or changing industries in the travel world because so many people around the world are deciding to live or retire outside their home country. So do a search every year before you renew to make sure you have the best available for your personal circumstances because new ones come out every few months. Thanks for asking so I could answer this for many people! Dan
I get $3,737.00/mo Id love to live in fillipines indefinately, but internet says I can only visit for 30 days. How are Americans living there for months? Please tell me.
@@user-er1on9yi9e - Carla was not being racial. Malaysians and Filipina are basically the same blood line and have difficulty telling each other apart by looks. My wife is Filipina and when we travel around Asia she is often mistaken for being Malaysian (by Malaysians).
Not inspiring at all. (A little shocked to see Qiang dressed like this.) Expensive once again, no need to go to such a place to spend as much as in Europe for life while sweating all day.
I live on Mactan Island Lapu Lapu Soong for the past year,,,,,Building a house in the same area,,,Family of 3 all adults 62/52/22,,,We get by on about 55,000 pesos a month or roughly $1,000 dollars a month,,,
ALOT expats get 900 to 1k month ss . but their smart their women have own places and house and income .you want young say 18 to 22 have support them . smart pick a woman has own income and own place. both have incomes.she has no income need 300 too 400 extra to your budget.
My rent in a 2 bdr house in lapu lapu subdivision. $450 Electric 140$. 5$ water. 10$ drinking water refills Barely use ac. Electric is crazy. Monthly visa renewal 60. Health ins 120. Laundry 15. Internet 30. Phone 20. Home suplies. Cleaning supplies bug spray etc 40$. $400 Food i eat at home tried outdoor markets but got sick twice off pork purchases there. Transportation 40. I walk most of the time. I spend all days at home. Weekends i will go explore see the beaches etc. This runs 120-200 a month. I was living in a 1 bdr place for 250. But had a million roosters when it rained the slat windows water flooded the room on one side and roaches were all over. Took me 2 months to find the place i have now. You could live off 900 but man you have to make some major sacrifices. Its one thing to visit a month and put up with the cheapness or poor quality of living but doing it month over month. I lived very cheap life in america. 3 bdr Trailor house in the midwest-living so i would say my style of living below avg vs many people coming here. I do save about 700 a month vs my american life But i dont have a car payment anymore or car ins. I also dont have home ins etc.
Good summary of life there. Is a monthly visa renewal required? Also $60 is a bit high or is it 60 PHP? Living on less than $1,000 could be a bit challenging with sacrifices or not if one can spend more. By the way, I probably would get sick from those pork purchases too.
@@donh5794 60USD is good for 3 years of visa. Is it high?
not alot expat are rich older ones get less then 900 usd a month. new retired get 1500 to 1800 a month easy for them
Average Monthly Salary
44,600 PHP
( 535,000 PHP yearly)
LOW
11,300
PHP AVERAGE
44,600
PHP HIGH
199,000
PHP
@@lionhearted1969 Not high for 3 years. The first posted message said "Monthly visa renewal 60". For a monthly expense it is high unless it's PHP. Do not know why it would be a monthly expense unless it's to save up for the 3 years. It's not explained so I will not guess what it is.
So helpful. Cebu City definitely now on my radar. Thx Dan and Qiang!
Cebu looks like a great way for a newby expat to transition into retirement 😅 Thanks Dan!
Choose Mactan (the island next to Cebu City where the Airport is)
Cebu City can be a bit too overwhelming and pricey, and you still have everything there and near you.
And you can get to a dream beach on Olango Island in an hour.
And a big foreigner community / bars will help you to ease in
Not at all.
@@globoliver9697 what do you mean?
Average Monthly Salary
44,600 PHP
( 535,000 PHP yearly)
I was already considering starting with Cebu as a launching pad when i first retire so this is all very useful info to think about. I've already visited Manila and Samar. I like the romance of province living just not sure im cut out for it. My only concern with cebu city is the distance to clean bodies of water. Great vid with no hype.
Choose Mactan, the island where the Airport is. The side that points away from Cebu city has some good beaches (with a little entry fee) also they have ferries to Bohol and Olango Island. Olango Island you can reach in only one hour with the two ferries near the resorts.
If you find a filipina on Bohol, its very easy to have both, family province life with them and comfortable city life in, for example, Mactan Newton
@filipinafan...Huh? Mactan Island alone has 90% of all the luxury resorts in Cebu where crystal clear turquoise blue water will amaze you. Mactan is also the biggest hub for island hopping in the country where tourists enjoy the same turquoise blue water in Mactan's surrounding islets and islands, most of them are within protected marine areas. Then there are public beaches from either north and south of Cebu, a few hours drive away. If that's not enough, Cebu is famous for its turquoise clear waterfalls, with about 110 waterfalls systems and up to a thousand individual falls/cascades. Then there are hundreds of cold springs you can swim. No other province or area in the Philippines can match Cebu's volume of cold springs, waterfalls and white sand beaches.
ALOT expats get 900 to 1k month ss . but their smart their women have own places and house and income .you want young say 18 to 22 have support them . smart pick a woman has own income and own place. both have incomes.
Big cities are OK, but I don't like the air pollution from so many cars and things on the road burning petrocems into the air.
Is garbage an issue there?
That's a precise estimation. 1000 USD for a single living in Cebu should be fine if you have an average kind of lifestyle.
Cebu is going be a new Metro Manila but has better environment and not as crowded.
If ur seriously sick need operation and free n ur country,go home. Philippines hospital is so expensive,but if ur pensioner then i think hospital is cheaper,kindly check it😊 to be sure.😊
hey old man cebu is the best place to retire if you have money. in the future i will live there marry a local virgin. locals are friendly and hospitable. 1k dollar per month i will live comfortably.
It seems many people while living in a big city get tired of the fast pace. They then move to a smaller city and get tired of the slower pace and start a recurring cycle.
I think you could also do an addition talking about Mactan Island / Lapu-Lapu City.. Because I think its more attractive for retirees
+ nearer to the airport
+ ferries that get you very fast to Bohol (2h) and Olango Island (1 hour), for even just a day, or the weekend
+ big malls available as well
+ besides good restaurants in general, restaurants from foreigners for foreigners (german, swiss, italian, norwegian, australian and so on) - if you want to meet other people from your country its nowhere as easy as on Mactan - plus they often have a small deli section that has stuff that you dont get even in the big malls
+ more retirees than Cebu City, so maybe more foreigners overall
+ new areas like Mactan Newtown with brand new condos to live
+ new streedfood markets
+ clean private beaches
+ international / language schools
+ Immigration Office on Mactan is much better than on Cebu, just ask around or read reviews
+ you are still fast at the infrastructure of Cebu, especially if you choose to use the new (private) bridge
Its really different to talk about Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, which is good to point out maybe.
I am also between lapu lapu and cebu nowadays. Your insights for Lapu Lapu is really helpful. Do you think any disadvantages of living in lapu lapu instead of cebu?
@@EamonnHogan-eu3qc I have never been in Lapu Lapu before, but I am also considering it. I have checked airbnb considering my first days there and there are affordable accommodation around the airport for both long/short term stay.
@@EamonnHogan-eu3qc In which age range are you? Hotels, AirBnB kind of style, hostels?
We live about 12 Km north from the center of Cebu City in the hills. Cebu City is just right for us. It has an international airport, hospitals, night life, great restaurants and great choices of transportation. Could you imagine living in NYC, Tokyo, SF on $1000 a month?(Cebu City isn't that big) LOL good luck with that. We live(4 to 6 people) in a 2000 sqf house(no house payment) with a helper, SUV, A/C living a Western lifestyle by the most part for $1500 to $1700 a month. Cebu City has a lot to offer=very good place to live/start out in the Philippines.
have a house cost 300 3 bedrooms and 2 cr carport, large lot, in a subdivision has a pool workout center with 24/7 guard's.
look before you rent . besty rent a airbnb say 30 days get a discount . then look every were . find talk to ppl , fb marketplace. groups . walking a round places.
That’s the first city. I’m trying in Southeast Asia is Subu. Between you and sunshine shoulders Calvins if Isis been great also. I hope you two are doing fantastic. I love your channel.
G,day I just discovered your site..I wish I had seen it earlier.. I would of loved that air bnb as my cost of hotels in Cebu city for less than a week cost me way more...
Thank you for this! Every video I see on costs in the PH seem so reasonable. I think that is a great selling point. Not sure I could do the crowds and noise in Cebu but it does seem like a lot of fun and good cost of living.
Another great upload Dan - thanks for the detailed report!
Good information 👏✌️👍😜
Awesome Dan. On my growing list😅
SUGGESTION: An air quality description would would be a valuable addition to your location reports. Love your videos!
Great suggestion!
I've been watching your videos for a couple years now while planning my own trip to SE Asia. In August I decided to take the leap and bought a 1-way ticket to Bangkok. I'm planning to slow travel my way around from country to country and see if I find a place I want to stay in for longer. Then probably explore the next place. I've been very inspired and grateful for your videos, insights, and generosity with you experiences. I just signed up for a membership and am looking forward to learning from you as I explore outside the U.S. Thank you, Dan and Qiong.
You are welcome. Check the video we just dropped today that has a slow travel itinary for SE
great advice on everyone exp is different
Good informative review Dan! Nice choice to checkout. There seems to be a bit of unclear proposed changes to the Philippine immigration system, including the exit process.
Idk if it changed dramatically, but I exited from PH like 2 years ago. The most surprising thing for me was, you should present the proof of payment docs for your visa extensions. This is not described anywhere I know.
@@denizselman1995 I have seen a video and websites that describe a proposed or actual new exit clearance process that seems to require a clearance fee and maybe a clearance certificate. This may be applicable for longer stays 6 months+ although not sure.
Thanks Dan, great video. I'm flying into Cebu August 2nd to check it out as a potential place to live next year. Maybe I'll see you there 😃
Try Lapu-lapu city,
Thanks Dan great information and guidance 😊
Great review, Thanks Dan & Qiang!!
We renting in Lapu Lapu Mactan island Cebu 3 bedroom 1,5 bath bungalow with parking on driveway in gated subdivision and we pay 425$ inclusive electric, water and internet. We are minutes from shopping malls and same from the beach.
Advantage is when you living in Lapu Lapu you’re close to everything including hospitals and big city with beautiful beaches and disadvantages are traffic and pollution.
Hi @YuriUK, Would you like to be a guest start on one of my videos? Here is an example guest star video: czcams.com/video/ySM_2jAC4v4/video.html
Your interview could be just your voice or we could do a zoom call showing your face. If you would like to be a guest star and share your story please leave a personal message here: vagabondbuddha.com/contact/
Thank you for your comment. The detail of your comment makes this real for people. If you have a business, service, or CZcams channel, you could share that on the interview. Best, Dan
19k peso rent per month is *very* much on the high side. Especially for 1 year long term expats
Thanks for the great insight and it looks like I will be able to serve as a junior physician at the Chong Hua Hospital next year. Please let me bake some healthy, delicious pastries for y'all on the weekend. What is your favorite beach in Cebu?
Sounds like fun. Here are a few good beaches. traveltriangle.com/blog/beaches-near-cebu/
I lived 2 times in Cebu City. First in 2022 5 months in One Oasis Resort, next the Cebu Golfcourse, and in 2023 4 months in Avida Tower1 Cebu IT park. Very nice, indeed as told in this video, you find everything you need in IT park, and the busses in the busstation, taxi's and habal habal motor ride bring you everywhere. In IT park the Ayala Block shopping mall, the Social Park bar with always live music, and ofcourse the famous Sugbo Mercade Foodcourt are nice to visit. This video shows Cebu as it is right now.
I have a condo rental in Avida Tower 3, in IT Park, Im only 35 lol
@@theghostoftravel thats the newest Avida tower i believe, Ayala block around the corner?
@@janfromholland4628 Average Monthly Salary
44,600 PHP
( 535,000 PHP yearly)
LOW
11,300
PHP AVERAGE
44,600
PHP HIGH
199,000
PHP
Would this be a place to bring a 8 year old Pinay daughter?
"Nice little apartment you've got there! Can't help but be nostalgic for the times when I wasn't throwing rooftop parties every weekend. Simplicity has its charm. All the best from someone who's seen it all in Asia!
The main problem is health insurance, you can live as cheap or expensive as u want. But if u do not have money saved for an emergency then its all irrelevant. So many foreigners here crash on motorbikes and go to hospital, or have unexpected major health problem. You need cash to pay for this, or the hospital will dump u on street. If u have full healthcare coverage then great, but older foreigners have to pay a huge amount for insurance. If u are older also with health problems, then u need to stay in city with good hospitals. My friend lived in the province for 7 years, he had two major health problems, the hospital in the province was dirty and disgusting. He sent me message and pics to save him, he is now back in USA and had heart surgery. He will never come back to PI.
Outside of Europe, there is very little welfare overseas. Many expats fly home every year or so to get healthcare checkups and procedures. But that won't help you if you need emergency medicine outside your home country. You have to either self-insure or buy insurance.
Thanks for the info
Excellent review and one of the places I want to live at for a few months to check it out when I get out to the Philippines (summer 2024).
Question: if you rented a scooter, where can it be parked? I would imagine those condos (like where you stayed) would have limited space to park a scooter that's safe so it doesn't get stolen.
This is not USA where thief is a common thing. Sure, there are poverty here but robbery and thief of vehicles are not a major concern.
I live in Cebu City. This is all accurate. I was broke for a few months when I was in between jobs, and was able to get by easily on $1,000 a month. I didn’t go out much, though. I’ve also spent 6-7k a month here. So, it just depends on how often you go out, how much booze you drink, and where you eat and drink your booze. Rent isn’t actually the deciding factor. In most cases, your rent and utilities will be between $400 and $1,000. So, deciding where to live won’t have a huge impact on your monthly spending. It’s eating out, nightlife, traveling, etc., that will impact your budget the most.
I love that you showed Phat Pho. My favorite place so far.
Cebu city is great. Chong Hua hospital is great. I spent 40 days in Chong Hua and bill was $14K USD: Private room. Avoid the public hospitals.
Cebu is a great mix of modern and country living within an hours drive.
So many wonderful cheap places to eat. Full service and even live entertainment.
Or if You want some jungle remote...its also there too for just a couple hour drive.
Obviously the deeper inland you go the further back in time you go.
Great video. Loved your video with Paul.
Great content as always Dan
Great video. I currently live in Cebu and am interested in how you find your places to stay? I looked in your links but didn't find it.
@carlschleicher5516, Here is how we find cheap apartments all over the world now. Watch the video and read the text to get all of our tips:
vagabondbuddha.com/how-i-find-perfect-apartments-traveling-the-world/
Thanks,
Dan
Great advice :) There is hiden places in the citys w phenomenly low rent cost. exp a friend of mine living in NY on $ 620 (Affordable housing) I like what I seeing love food also Im good cook & I love cooking. Anyway!!
please dont bring everyone here, its a secret, i live part time in Cebu, its slowly bringing in foreigners, who are rude.
Great video Dan. Cebu is next for me
there are many expats there old dog. they even have a village.
Thanks for the info Dan. Been watching old dog and stumbled on you. Subscribed 👍🏻
Great video Dan. I learned a lot from this video. I enjoyed our visit in Siquijor.
Seems logical to conclude from this - that a single person who doesn't drink alcohol - or need 'entertained' (?) - may find that $1000/mo would do nicely - most months ? -- A somewhat more frugal studio rental being alone would suffice as well. -- Essentially - you just make it work. -?- An average SS - or say about $1500 for a single guy is quite doable.
Great video and info, per usual Dan! I'll be visiting IT Park later this year - really looking forward to it. 👍
Hello Dan! Great video, thank you! General question: What do you do when immigration wants you to show them a return flight ticket (within the number of days allowed by the tourist visa) when you arrive in a country but you are planning to stay longer and extend your tourist visa? How do you go from one country to another without knowing how long you will stay and still meet immigration requirements? I would like to have flexibility when i travel without everything being planned in advance! (i think that would be a good subject for a video!) Thank you!
I live in the country in the US, don't think I can live in a big city over there. I've experienced Cebu for about a month, not my cup of tea.
lol, live in a 1 bedroom apartment in the usa , in kentucky cost you 2k to 2,400 usd . dude try being 65 get 1k in usa, your crying ?
@hillbillyintheasia6122 what in the world are you talking about??
This was great info! Thank you!
The drone views are awesome; is it hard to learn how to operate safely? Any close calls, tips, drone kits to recommend?
How's the air quality? I heard the bigger cities are not good.
Air quality in the cities is not good at times.
Great video, very informative, along with the links. Cebu looks like a good place to spend time, but doesn't it get hit by typhoons during the non-summer months?
That is a good question. But by looking at the condition at kawasan falls, you should know that it does get hit. I saw comments however that Dumaguete is free from typhoons. That someone needs to verify.
@@keangwooichoo6138 Cebu is not hit by typhoon every year. Before Typhoon Odette hit Cebu in December 2021 (that destroyed many of its natural attractions) the last devastating and catastrophic typhoon that hit Cebu was Typhoon Mike in November 1990. That's 30 years ago. The 1990 typhoon was the most memorable for Cebu as it was also the catalyst for Cebu's economic boom when, in less than a year later, Cebu quickly rose from the devastation and its economy grew so fast, they dubbed as the economic miracle. Similarly, in 2021 typhoon, Cebu quickly recovered and now still lead other cities in economic development. Dumaguete may be shielded from typhoon but why is its economy not growing as fast as Cebu's smaller cities and towns? But Dumaguete is always bugged by long brownouts every week, every month. Dumaguete also doesn't have efficient public transportation and very limited choices when it comes to shopping, entertainment, world-class medical care, IB international schools, family-friendly theme parks, etc. Dumaguete is not an ideal place to raise a family if you want a worry-free life.
you're my age and apparently very fit. you have decided not to eat meat I imagine for better health but I'm always surprised at how much you spend on alcohol. I am on anti-inflammatory diet for my skin condition and I have stopped consuming any alcohol. I'm still happy camper. cheers! (lol)
Thanks for sharing - this is very helpful
Your alcohol budget is way too high if you said that you're only buying beers or liquors from the supermarket and drink at home. $150 is like P7500. You can buy beer at 50-60 pesos so unless you're buying expensive wines, $150 is too high or unless you're drinking a lot every day 🙂
Sounds like you will save some money then.
kicking it back in the Philippines
Death Valley hit 56C yesterday. Cool there.
I would want to have my own scooter, at least for exploring and recreational purposes.
but...
I've had bicycles, motorcycles, 4-wheelers and scooters stolen throughout the course of my life (in America) - can you speak about scooter theft? Could you also speak about what parking a scooter would cost?
Hi Dan; any recommendations were to stay?; My family will travel to Cebu City and stay there for several months and will get there September 1. Thanks in advance.
It depends on what you want to do in Cebu. If you are looking for night life and casinos, I'd say rent a condo in the city. If you are looking for a beach vacation, consider Mactan island (just across the bridge from Cebu City) or a place on the southern outskirts of the city near the beach. If you want to get away from the heat a little, you could rent a place higher in the mountains above the city/beach where it is cooler and there is a nice breeze. If you are new to the Philippines, consider that a condo with security and around more people is probably safer than renting a place that is more secluded.
Dan's video shows some nicer areas where there are tourist and money. Also prepare yourself to see litter, poverty and urban decay. The PI is not a first world beach resort. It's a great place, but home to millions of unemployed poor folks. Great people, but just not what most westerners are accustomed to.
Keep your eyes open, don't wear jewelry or expensive clothes, keep wallet in your front pocket, wear your backpack (if you carry one) in front of your body, keep an eye on your bags. We've never had much trouble in the PI, but my Filipina wife did have an earring snatched right off her ear by a young teenage boy. Enjoy!
But what is the idea of someone wants live in Cebu?😮
A big city, without palm trees , white sand and blue waters?
What kind of hapiness we will found in a such place?😮😮
there are many beaches just a short drive from Cebu City...it's an island after all!
You should find your happiness within because you can never find it externally.
Thats why there is Mactan Island so you can have both.
@antoniosimoes2516...Come to Cebu and you'll get drowned by tall coconut palm trees that lined its coastal highways, country roads, and lush trees in its mountain roads that crisscross the whole island giving you a panoramic view of both east and west coasts of Cebu. You can't do that in other places in the country as they don't have road networks that crisscross their mountains. About 5-10 minutes drive from downtown Cebu City, you'll get to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, islands, ocean and the lush mountains. You can't find that in all other cities in the Philippines. Cebu City is 70% mountains and the built-up areas are the remaining 30% of the land area. From downtown Cebu City, which is stuck in the center of the island, you can drive or commute (buses operate 24/7 connecting all towns and cities) to adjacent rural towns and cities to find yourself basking in the white sand beach under the shade of dreamy coconut palms (that you dream about) and swimming in crystal clear turquoise blue waters. Before Boracay, Bohol and Palawan became popular, Cebu was already the poster boy for Philippines' white sand beaches until now with Bantayan Island, Mactan Island, Malapascua Island, Camotes Island, Moalboal, Oslob, San Remigio, Daan Bantayan, Badian are the more popular, both for local residents and visitors. Moreover, Cebu has the greatest number of waterfalls systems (110 total) and cold springs where you can find at least one in every single town/city. No other place in the Philippines have such comfort and convenience.
Chung would look great in a burlap bag.
I pay alimony of $3,000 a month. $1,000 a month is quite the deal.
Yet listing to many vlogger’s say $ 1500.00 is just scraping by.
@@evelinholmes6401 we saying in the Philippine's live like American need 1500 to 3k . live like local easy make it on 1k .
Damn she took you
@@evelinholmes6401I pay $3655 us a month Palawan. Not everyone is poor
Your total is off by 100 USD.
find a woman has a college degree their alot smart women . Our results showed that individuals with a certificate or diploma earned an average of 17% more than those who only completed high school.
Those who obtained a Bachelor's Degree earned 24% more than their counterparts with a certificate or diploma.
Professionals with a Master's Degree earned 29% more than those with a Bachelor's Degree.
Finally, those who held a PhD earned an average of 23% more than those with a Master's Degree while performing the same job.
Hi! Can I ask where that boat/ship goes to (one of your excerpts wherein you were dining while in an open air boat)? Thanks!
In this video?
Do you find that locals in the open air market offering you a higher price because you're a foreigner?
yes , if your smart get your friend , gf, wife shop. . alot things post the prices.
I'm a 55 year old surfer 🏄♂️ looking to move to Siargao Cloud break. I have been enjoying your informative videos. How much does the different careers earn in area? For example a policeman make?
Not happening unless your not living good. Definitely Not in Cebu City or Manila. 2K USD maybe but 3K to live comfortably. Plus unless your going to maybe Moalboal down south, Cebu City may be worse than Manila when it comes to trash and graffiti. Just say’n !
Not at all. You haven't been to Cebu for sure.
@@lionhearted1969 my most recent experience to Cebu was for 10 days only three weeks ago. Cebu and Cebu City (Cebu is a big dirty city but the rest of Cebu is beautiful) are two different things but either way I couldn’t live in Cebu for under a thousand bucks a month. But hey everybody’s standards are different. I didn’t retire here to live substandard. Many do it in Subic and Angeles but their struggling mighty. But too each there own. If I just got a small place, ate only at home and didn’t travel I could manage but I love to travel all over Cebu and the Philippines. Plus I have a family. Each persons circumstances are different. I am currently in Siargao and I could manage on less than $1000 but again it would not be a great experience. Siquijor is even cheaper. My home base is Subic Bay. The Philippines is great if you have a steady means of income (salary, pension etc) but if not then it may be a very bad one. Just my two cents.
Hey Dan ,I'm considering retirement in the Philippines. I'd love to see if I can buy a package of hamburger or pork chops, price etc... I love to cook ,but not a big fan of seafood.You mentioned it was more $ .Curious how much in comparison 🤔
Average Monthly Salary
44,600 PHP
( 535,000 PHP yearly)
Hey @jeffwente9331. There’s a store in Cebu City (or everywhere in Manila called Landers or S&R (kinda like Costco) and their Beef Burger Patties are around 270 pesos to 500+ pesos. They also have Canadian Beef Patties, Australian etc. There’s also tons of ground beef if you want to make your own patty. There’s also lots of Pork-chops everywhere. It costs around 500+ pesos for half a kilo.
7:30 hate to be that guy but 962 + 150 does not equal 1212 it equals 1112
Thanks. :-)
I always see you guys talking in your videos but never hear what you’re actually saying because of your voice-over narration on every video. Do you ever show videos like this one where we can hear what you guys are saying?
Thank you @wesgraham2262, Thank you for watching and commenting. That is mostly over on Qiang's channel below. I have interviewed Qiang and she has her own CZcams Channel. Make sure to watch her video about how we met and subscribe to her channel.
How we Met: czcams.com/video/h7TwVq90lA0/video.html
Qiang Interview: czcams.com/video/t4C_Eg1FrSM/video.html
Qiang's Channel: czcams.com/users/HoboVenturesQiang%E8%96%94%E8%95%99/about
Thank you, Dan
👍✅ Barangay Seoul Express ✅👍 open 24/7 ✅👍
That cost is cheaper than dirt.
2:51 $220 USD 😮 groceries 😮
no way that’s over 12k pesos
What do you spend per month on groceries there?
Healthcarer
Would u buy a condo in cebu if long-term plans
I prob wouldn't, but your opinion matters most for you.
👍👍👍👍👊👊👊👏👏👏
Visa costs?
hm $962 + $150 = $1,112
Ok
0 on medical???
Great question @AndiamoPhilippines, I have one report where I explain what I do about health care and another where I show you how I search for health insurance, and a third report sharing which one I decided to finally buy.
What I do about health care: vagabondbuddha.com/two-biggest-risks-of-retiring-early-overseas/
Report where I search for health insurance: vagabondbuddha.com/best-health-insurance-for-ex-pats-in-philippines/
Here is the Health Insurance I bought (and scams to avoid): czcams.com/video/0leF_BCLVKw/video.html
By the way, once you search for health care you will start seeing more offers for health insurance and travelers insurance when you are online. Health insurance is one of the most dynamic or changing industries in the travel world because so many people around the world are deciding to live or retire outside their home country. So do a search every year before you renew to make sure you have the best available for your personal circumstances because new ones come out every few months. Thanks for asking so I could answer this for many people! Dan
962+150= 1112 not 1212 0:7:56
good catch--I hadn't noticed and I typically spot check things like that.
and its " SE- BU " not SEEBU "
Do you do videos for guys with a bit more disposable income? What about 5K-10K a month? How nice can you get?
Dollars? as the sultan of Brunei.
As nice as you want it :D What is most important for you, I can point you to some locations
5k same in peso that president of the Philippine's get a month. have say 200 k to 400k in peso a month your in the 10% of ppl.
the average monthly salary in the Philippines was approximately 55 thousand Philippine pesos.65% of people earn
27,400 to 70,300 PHP
5% of people earn
89,900 PHP or more
I get $3,737.00/mo Id love to live in fillipines indefinately, but internet says I can only visit for 30 days. How are Americans living there for months? Please tell me.
You can extend you visa for 36 months before doing a visa run.
I think you have an advantage because your wife speaks the language. For the prices in the market I mean.
She is from Malaysia not sure she speaks Tagalog tho
@@Wavesum In any case, it is not a disadvantage, if you look Asian.
@@carla3410 Wow
@@user-er1on9yi9e What do you mean?
@@user-er1on9yi9e - Carla was not being racial. Malaysians and Filipina are basically the same blood line and have difficulty telling each other apart by looks. My wife is Filipina and when we travel around Asia she is often mistaken for being Malaysian (by Malaysians).
Not inspiring at all. (A little shocked to see Qiang dressed like this.) Expensive once again, no need to go to such a place to spend as much as in Europe for life while sweating all day.