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Middle Class Budget?

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ContraCostaAllStar
  3/25/2022 17:40 EST

What is a comfortable middle-class budget for two in Manila metro verses Cebu City?

surfingcebu
  3/25/2022 21:18 EST

Contra - Aprox 1250cad in Manila , 1350 cad in Cebu . Medical , travel and entertainment extra .

Surf

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sinsinbad
  3/26/2022 10:54 EST

I don't think $1,000-1,100 US would be enough for a "comfortable" middle class budget. It can be done, but NOT comfortable.

I think a comfortable budget would be double that to about $2,000, and depending on what area you want to live in Manila or Cebu, it might even be $3,000.

There are a lot of Youtube vloggers in the Philippines that discuss the cost of living in different areas.

surfingcebu
  3/26/2022 11:49 EST

Sin , its always hard to guess what one calls "middle class" I assumed middle class in the RP by Pinoy standards . But I agree , I wouldn't go there with then than 2-2.5K CAD per month for me comfort level . However I see guys get by on a lot less and even throw in a inter island trip once a year for vacation ..... so yes , really subjective what one calls "middle class" in a foriegn land and what they classify as "Upper - Middle class " too . where is the bench mark , right ? I was just trying. to give them a Min ball park "Pinoy middle class " . some comforts , but not 'roughing it ' ...

Surf

Surf

Asawa
  3/27/2022 02:56 EST

I think it's fair to say that your money will go about 2-3 times as far for the local equivalents of rent, housing, utilities, food, internet, Cable, and most other things except for manufactured goods (such as Paints, chain-link fences, consumer electronics, musical instruments, etc) and some international brands.

There are also many cheaper versions of things available due to differences in quality and/or safety. In many cases, I think it's fairer to say there are "lower cost variants" than "equivalents" to things you find in your native country.

You will find lots of plastic and particle board furnishings and household goods that make Ikea look luxurious. With a few exceptions, many things remind me of the versions you find in a Dollar Tree (in the US) or an old $0.99 store.

If you know how "Factory Outlets" in the US sometimes have specially made items of lower quality that can be sold for less (than the regular retail items).... imagine that you most goods seem about 1-3 magnitudes below that... (Cars, TV's, clothes, shoes, etc). It's a bit hard to explain, but you'll see it when you spend some time in the Phlippines -- and that doesn't even get into the knock-offs.

Point being -- there is a low cost of living. You'll also notice some differences in quality and the definition of "Middle Class". You can be quite comfortable, but expect some quirks unless you want costs similar to those in your native country.

-Asawa

Gamma15
  3/27/2022 06:48 EST

Middle class in those places $2,500 to $3,000. And that is without considering down the road. I live 1/2 the year in the Philippines soon to move here permanently. Yes there is inflation here. Not runaway
Good luck.
Keep in mind you are selecting the two most polluted cities in the Philippines. Manila one of the worst in the world.

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surfingcebu
  3/27/2022 09:46 EST

Asawa- that’s a good point. The market finds a way to find goods to sell to the masses. Knock offs in Davao markets, school supplies in Cebu.. I see this all the time. True- definitions of middle class can be wide and varied subjectivity and also within the RP itself. The world standard of middle class is very rare and fragile in the RP. Pinoy middle class varies by city, island and so on . 2000k cad per month would by my minimum to feel comfortable though- rent- food- entertainment- and a cushion for medical and other…. Just my standards.

sinsinbad
  3/27/2022 11:14 EST

I am not in the Philippines right now, but am planning to retire full time there in a month or so.

In the past, I have lived in the Philippines off and on for over 5 years. I lived in Olongapo/Subic, Dumaguete, and Angeles. While there, I also visited other areas.

Someone would have to pay me to live in Manila or Cebu. Traffic is terrible, and I hate traffic.

Asawa
  3/27/2022 17:32 EST

Sometimes the definition of Middle Class is simply: 3 china cabinets filled with stuffed animals and precious moments figurines instead of one... plus some VERY ornate curtains with valances and tiebacks that look retro-1980's.

I'm partially joking, but I think some folks will chuckle. Some of the "optics of middle class" are quirky to those from the West.

-Asawa

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