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💰 Plan your Budget

Discover the real cost of living in the Philippines and plan your finances for a serene installation.

Calculate my budget Financial Tips

📊 Monthly Budget Breakdown

Detailed costs by expense category

Housing

Rent, utilities, internet, electricity

Monthly$300 - $1200

Yearly$3600 - $14400

💡 Tips:

Negotiate annual contracts
Check included utilities
Consider house sharing
Avoid overly touristy areas

Food

Groceries, restaurants, street food

Monthly$150 - $500

Yearly$1800 - $6000

💡 Tips:

Cook local to save money
Discover local markets
Street food = delicious and cheap
Avoid imported products

Transport

Jeepneys, tricycles, Grab, fuel

Monthly$50 - $300

Yearly$600 - $3600

💡 Tips:

Use local transport
Negotiate tricycle prices
Grab for long distances
Motorbike = economical and practical

Health & Insurance

Insurance, consultations, medication

Monthly$100 - $400

Yearly$1200 - $4800

💡 Tips:

International insurance mandatory
Private clinics recommended
Well-equipped pharmacies
Preventive medicine important

Leisure & Misc

Outings, travel, shopping, unforeseen

Monthly$100 - $600

Yearly$1200 - $7200

💡 Tips:

Enjoy free activities
Affordable inter-island travel
Negotiate in markets
Plan 20% for contingencies

🎯 Budget Profiles

Choose the lifestyle that suits you

Tight Budget

Simple and economical life

$700/mo

$8400/yr

Shared or simple housing

Daily local cuisine

Public transport only

Free or cheap leisure

Medium Comfort

Comfort/savings balance

$1500/mo

$18000/yr

Decent private apartment

Mix cuisine/restaurants

Occasional Grab

Regular outings and trips

Luxury Lifestyle

Full Western comfort

$3000/mo

$36000/yr

High-end villa or condo

Restaurants and imported products

Private car or driver

Premium travel and leisure

🏦 Financial Tips

Optimize your financial management in the Philippines

Bank Accounts

Open a local account to avoid fees

BPI, BDO or Metrobank recommended
Peso and Dollar accounts
International debit card
SWIFT transfers possible

Exchange & Transfers

Optimize your money transfers

Wise or Remitly for transfers
Avoid airport exchange bureaus
Negotiate rates in malls
Always keep some peso cash

Investments

Local investment possibilities

Real estate via corporation
Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)
Time deposit accounts
Consult a local advisor

⚠️ Important Points

• Prices vary by region (Manila > Cebu > provinces)
• Plan for 3-6 months of setup budget
• Visa and document fees are added to the budget
• Current inflation: 3-5% per year
• Always keep an emergency fund

Budget Planned? Continue your Preparation!

Move on to other essential aspects of your installation.

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