Comments on: Cost of Living Chart – Philippines (in Peso, Dollar and Euro) http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/ Life is what you make it! Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:47:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Chris http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-48284 Chris Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:58:21 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-48284 <strong>Sam</strong>, you might want to check out <a href="http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/">this post</a>, which I did after staying 6 months traveling around the Philippines. It has also plenty of other links to Philippine-related articles. Or click on 'Philippines' in the topic cloud in the upper left side of the page. It's hard for me to give specific recommendations, as I don't know your preferences and you yourself say, that you don't have any detailed plans yet. The above posts might help you to get a better overview of what is available in this beautiful country. Have a nice trip! ;-) Sam, you might want to check out this post, which I did after staying 6 months traveling around the Philippines. It has also plenty of other links to Philippine-related articles. Or click on ‘Philippines’ in the topic cloud in the upper left side of the page.

It’s hard for me to give specific recommendations, as I don’t know your preferences and you yourself say, that you don’t have any detailed plans yet. The above posts might help you to get a better overview of what is available in this beautiful country. Have a nice trip!

]]> By: Sam http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-48280 Sam Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:57:55 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-48280 Hi, I am planning to come to the Philippines in September... Where would be the best place to go? I will be trying to live on US$1,000 a month and would like to live somewhere which has beaches, nightlife, and city life and where is reasonably safe. Within my budget I will want to have a furnished studio apartment (preferrably in a secure complex or building) with the internet.I was going to go to Makati but I am having second thoughts as it may be too crowded and expensive for my budget. I'm hoping someone on here will have some helpful suggestions so I can continue my research. I have no real plans when I get there and I don't know anyone there yet, I just plan to chill out for minimum 3 months and maybe more, and just have fun with the locals and other tourists. Hi, I am planning to come to the Philippines in September… Where would be the best place to go? I will be trying to live on US$1,000 a month and would like to live somewhere which has beaches, nightlife, and city life and where is reasonably safe. Within my budget I will want to have a furnished studio apartment (preferrably in a secure complex or building) with the internet.I was going to go to Makati but I am having second thoughts as it may be too crowded and expensive for my budget. I’m hoping someone on here will have some helpful suggestions so I can continue my research. I have no real plans when I get there and I don’t know anyone there yet, I just plan to chill out for minimum 3 months and maybe more, and just have fun with the locals and other tourists.

]]> By: Chris http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47844 Chris Thu, 20 May 2010 05:46:13 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47844 Yup <strong>Sarge</strong>, sounds like a great strategy to me! :D Yup Sarge, sounds like a great strategy to me!

]]> By: Sarge http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47839 Sarge Wed, 19 May 2010 15:33:18 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47839 Chris, Seriously 400 for a haircut? wow, I think I will stay in southern Philippines :-).. The most expensive place I have seen here was 200. I guess it’s like everything, depends on where you are and who you know..A few years ago when we remodeled our bath, we got bids that were miles apart. I always have my wife negotiate the price now while I hide… Chris, Seriously 400 for a haircut? wow, I think I will stay in southern Philippines :-).. The most expensive place I have seen here was 200. I guess it’s like everything, depends on where you are and who you know..A few years ago when we remodeled our bath, we got bids that were miles apart. I always have my wife negotiate the price now while I hide…

]]> By: Chris http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47835 Chris Wed, 19 May 2010 02:47:47 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47835 Thank you for the Manila pricing update, <strong>Mark</strong>. Am sure, it will help <strong>Jules</strong> and others to get a better feeling for it. <strong>Ayvee</strong> and <strong>Sarge</strong>, there you go! For some, 400 Pesos for an haircut is absolutely acceptable, while others would probably perfectly happy with a 40 Pesos haircut. My favorite place to cut my hair in Pinas was in Tagbilaran on Bohol and it was also only 40 Pesos. But then - for me it's a pretty straight-forward machine cut and done within 10 minutes. :D Thank you for the Manila pricing update, Mark. Am sure, it will help Jules and others to get a better feeling for it.

Ayvee and Sarge, there you go! For some, 400 Pesos for an haircut is absolutely acceptable, while others would probably perfectly happy with a 40 Pesos haircut. My favorite place to cut my hair in Pinas was in Tagbilaran on Bohol and it was also only 40 Pesos. But then – for me it’s a pretty straight-forward machine cut and done within 10 minutes.

]]> By: Mark http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47829 Mark Tue, 18 May 2010 16:15:33 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47829 In Manila, in terms of food: A Big Mac costs P102 (around $2.5 US) A kilo of pork costs at most P180 (around $4.5 US) A 1.5 liter bottle of coke costs P45 ($1.13 US) 155g can of sardines cost P11 ($.25 US) 55g pack of instant noodles costs P6.50 ($.13 US). Of course, if you're going for the high-end products, costs will be much higher, it's all up to your pride. (We never see foreigners buying food at our wet markets, where food is a whole lot cheaper). A single person can live healthily on P100 to P200 ($2.5-$5) on food a day, if you're gonna chow on fast food and such you'll be looking at P500 ($12.5) a day or more. Also, a taxi ride around the metro costs around P100 to P200 ($2.5 to $5). You can spend way less (around 50-75% less) if you take public transport and walk a little. Electricity may be your biggest expenditure at around P320 per 100kWh. Our home with an airconditioners running around 30 hours total per day, washing machine, microwave, a few high speed sewing machines, a computer on for almost 24/7 costs us P14,000 per month (around $350). Rent depends on the place. Low-end studio type condominium units are around P10,000 ($250) a month. In Manila, in terms of food:
A Big Mac costs P102 (around $2.5 US)
A kilo of pork costs at most P180 (around $4.5 US)
A 1.5 liter bottle of coke costs P45 ($1.13 US)
155g can of sardines cost P11 ($.25 US)
55g pack of instant noodles costs P6.50 ($.13 US).

Of course, if you’re going for the high-end products, costs will be much higher, it’s all up to your pride. (We never see foreigners buying food at our wet markets, where food is a whole lot cheaper). A single person can live healthily on P100 to P200 ($2.5-$5) on food a day, if you’re gonna chow on fast food and such you’ll be looking at P500 ($12.5) a day or more.

Also, a taxi ride around the metro costs around P100 to P200 ($2.5 to $5). You can spend way less (around 50-75% less) if you take public transport and walk a little.

Electricity may be your biggest expenditure at around P320 per 100kWh. Our home with an airconditioners running around 30 hours total per day, washing machine, microwave, a few high speed sewing machines, a computer on for almost 24/7 costs us P14,000 per month (around $350).

Rent depends on the place. Low-end studio type condominium units are around P10,000 ($250) a month.

]]> By: Sarge http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47828 Sarge Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:43 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47828 400 peso for a haircut? Must be Manila. I've had my haircut many times in different places and haven't spent more then 200. On the island it cost me 50 pesos plus a little extra for a tip. This too includes massage..ahhh …., Ayvee, can I make a suggestion? Please don't tip too much. I made that mistake before because like you say it's only 5 bucks. What happens is they start to expect that and when the next foreigner comes in, they will think he is a cheap skate if he doesn’t pay the same way.. Just a suggestion...thanks 400 peso for a haircut? Must be Manila. I’ve had my haircut many times in different places and haven’t spent more then 200. On the island it cost me 50 pesos plus a little extra for a tip. This too includes massage..ahhh …., Ayvee, can I make a suggestion? Please don’t tip too much. I made that mistake before because like you say it’s only 5 bucks. What happens is they start to expect that and when the next foreigner comes in, they will think he is a cheap skate if he doesn’t pay the same way.. Just a suggestion…thanks

]]> By: ayvee http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47819 ayvee Tue, 18 May 2010 02:28:01 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47819 OMG U guys R craysee(crazy)! 400 pesos for haircut?! I swear 3 years ago I got my hair cut at some not too fancy place in Calamba, Laguna, AND THIS GUY CUT MY HAIR LIKE A SHAOLIN NINJA OR SOMETHING OF THE SORT! He was better than those advertised pros. This dude was quick and precise, and very entertaining! Soon after the haircut, he gave me shoulder massage, then up to my neck,loosened it, and then "CRACKLE-SNAP!" hE CRACKED MY NECK IN THE MOST DELIGHTFUL WAY! He turned me to face the mirror, and the haircut was nice and neat--better than I expected. And the cherry to top the cake was when he said "100 pesos plat (flat)!" I handed him a crisp $5 greenback and told him to keep the rest. This was a fraction of what I would've paid, for much more than what I would've gotten in the U.S., after all. He took the money with a curious smile, as if to make certain that he was to indeed keep the rest. That was probably the coolest thing I've ever gotten for five dollars. OMG U guys R craysee(crazy)! 400 pesos for haircut?! I swear 3 years ago I got my hair cut at some not too fancy place in Calamba, Laguna, AND THIS GUY CUT MY HAIR LIKE A SHAOLIN NINJA OR SOMETHING OF THE SORT! He was better than those advertised pros. This dude was quick and precise, and very entertaining!
Soon after the haircut, he gave me shoulder massage, then up to my neck,loosened it, and then “CRACKLE-SNAP!” hE CRACKED MY NECK IN THE MOST DELIGHTFUL WAY! He turned me to face the mirror, and the haircut was nice and neat–better than I expected.
And the cherry to top the cake was when he said “100 pesos plat (flat)!” I handed him a crisp $5 greenback and told him to keep the rest. This was a fraction of what I would’ve paid, for much more than what I would’ve gotten in the U.S., after all. He took the money with a curious smile, as if to make certain that he was to indeed keep the rest.
That was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever gotten for five dollars.

]]> By: Todd P. http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47767 Todd P. Mon, 10 May 2010 06:07:42 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47767 Hi Jules, You have just found a good source of info for this - scroll up for a detailed breakdown of expenses to suit your lifestyle! Most folks can live comfortably on $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, but that really depends on things like do you own or rent, do you live simply or like a king, are your kids in college, etc. I know some Filipino families of 5 who all sleep in 1 room, and others who would insist on a 5 bedroom mansion in a luxury gated-community. The interesting thing about the P.I. is that you can choose a lifestyle and neighborhood based on almost any income level - the choice is really just up to you! That said, Manila is more expensive than the province, as is true with most big cities. Good luck! Hi Jules,
You have just found a good source of info for this – scroll up for a detailed breakdown of expenses to suit your lifestyle! Most folks can live comfortably on $1,000 to $2,000 USD per month, but that really depends on things like do you own or rent, do you live simply or like a king, are your kids in college, etc. I know some Filipino families of 5 who all sleep in 1 room, and others who would insist on a 5 bedroom mansion in a luxury gated-community. The interesting thing about the P.I. is that you can choose a lifestyle and neighborhood based on almost any income level – the choice is really just up to you! That said, Manila is more expensive than the province, as is true with most big cities. Good luck!

]]> By: Jules http://www.nomad4ever.com/2008/05/21/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/#comment-47766 Jules Sun, 09 May 2010 19:32:18 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=521#comment-47766 I am considering a permanent move to Manila(via work). We are a family of 5. I am keen to get an understanding of the real cost of living there. Does anyone have a good source of info for this? I am considering a permanent move to Manila(via work). We are a family of 5. I am keen to get an understanding of the real cost of living there. Does anyone have a good source of info for this?

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