Cost of Living in Quezon City

I have recently move to Quezon City. I plan to stay here during a year as master student. So far I am paying about 300 dolars of rent for a small study-apartment fully furnished at one condo. I find it is ok, I think is comfy and safe. But as far as I can see food prices are much higher than the average (here display on the website). I lived the last 2 years in Europe and I am surprised to find that I have paid double the price for many items. Including vegetables and fruits that I was expecting to be much cheaper here! Could anyone please give me a piece of advice on this matter? As a student I cannot afford that much. Thanks a lot :)

I wonder if you've made good on your plan to coming back to the Philippines and wonder how it all went with the budget you envisioned it would be. It's just that I thought it would be wiser to get a rent-to-own place instead of renting it through and through. There are even better fully furnished condos or townhouses if you look good enough. Of course, you can survive on your budget if you're flexible enough.

God bless.

I am a Retired can i live in Philippines on 5,000. Dollars a month income what city would yousuggest I live in

I am a divorced 63 year-old US citizen of Filipino decent. I love America and everything it stands for and I will offer my life to defend its freedom and its way of life. However, I have made up my mind and I decided that I will be going back home - to the land of my birth. Lots of big things are happening in the Philippines and I don't want to miss them. I am aware of the challenges they are facing like stemming corruption, reducing poverty and surviving the effects of global warming. These are daunting tasks for the Filipino people and I hope even in a small way, I can help the country overcome these challenges.

I have kept myself informed of almost everything that is going on in the Philippines, which gives me some level of confidence that my transition will not be as rough and scary as I sometimes imagine. I want to share my relocation plan with others who happen to read this post and hopefully will inspire them to do the same. I have decided to live in Quezon City - the biggest and most populous city within Metro Manila. I believe that big cities have a lot more to offer to those who enjoy being around people of all shapes and stripes. I have identified three possible areas where I want to look for a place to rent: (a) around the New Manila district; (b) within the Libis area; and (c) around the North Avenue area. All of these areas are accessible to any point in Metro Manila. Shops and restaurants are plentiful and all the services I will need are within walking distance. I will be buying a good but used second-hand SUV as I plan to drive and see most of the main island of Luzon.

Initially, I figured that I will need to fork out about $12,000 or roughly P516,000 to get started. This will pay for my one-way fare to Manila, 3 months of advance rent and deposits, appliances, furniture & furnishings, and sundry expenses. Anywhere within these communities that I targeted, a 1 bedroom unfurnished condominium or a two-bedroom apartment are not hard to find. I have budgeted each month for the following: P18,000 for rent, P17,000 for food and dining out, P7,000 for gas, oil & maintenance, P10,300 for wifi, cellphone & utilities, P5,000 for local travel, $4,000 for medical/dental, P5,700 for all other miscellaneous expenses. These sums up to about P67,000 or roughly $1,560 each month. The key is flexibility - with a fix income, I am aware that I have to be smart and prioritize my expenses and be able to switch funds around to where it is most needed. I have bounced these numbers to some close friends and relatives in the Philippines and have gotten positive feedback that it is indeed doable.

I would love any feedback from other posters and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for your time and God bless!