How is it like to live in your country?
So, do you like living in your country?
If you've ever traveled to other countries, do you think the time you spent there is better than where you're living now?
I'm currently residing in the Philippines, at the capital of the Bulacan province.
The standard of living here is... not really that great tbh.
1. The price of utilities are ridiculous.
My average electricity bill is about Php12,000 (~$270). I need to turn on the A/C in the living room in the afternoon and noon everyday to combat the intense Philippine climate. It can get extremely hot and humid here.
2. Ready-to-eat food can either be cheap or a bit pricey, depending on the quality of the food. And by cheap food, I mean really cheap, like processed pork entrails or canned sardines.
Veggies and fruits are cheap. But finding fresh produce is almost impossible in malls or supermarkets. Most are noticeably rotting or old. You'll have to go to the public market if you want the freshest fruits/veggies.
Meat is expensive. Average price for lean pork meat is like ~$4 a kilo.
Foods from restaurants are a bit pricey.
A Big Mac meal costs Php158 last I checked (~$3.5).
3. Gas prices are about the same in the US, only for diesel. Be prepared to pay more for unleaded or premium. Note that ALL gas stations add some kind of fuel additives that actually shorten the mileage on the gas, contrary to the supposed function of adding extra mileage.
4. Life is easy here, as long as you are single lol. I mean that for real.
Some Filipinos might find this offensive (I'm Filipino btw), but expect your expenses to double or even triple if you are in a relationship.
Most, not all, Filipinas love going out in the malls and beautifying themselves.
But the difference is they tend to spend more than women (and men) of other races (trust me, I know). And they expect you to pay for their expenses.
You're a walking ATM. So be careful at choosing a Filipina/Filipino lover.
Oh, I almost forgot about their in-laws. Often times they're worse than the person you will be with.
5. Quality branded clothes are in the expensive side. Not that different compared to the US.
Cheap clothes are cheap. Literally. Don't expect it to last for more than a year or two.
6. Electronics are expensive. Perhaps amongst the most expensive compared to the other countries I have been.
It's cheaper to bring electronic products by cargo from another country to the Philippines, than to purchase electronic products from the malls or department stores in the Phils.
7. Booze and cigarettes are dirt cheap. Even cheaper if your group of friends agree to split the payment for the bill. Drink and smoke to your heart's content.
8. Cars are double or triple the price compared to the US or Europe.
Not as bad compared to most Asian countries, except the Middle East, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Owning a car in the Philippines (even a cheap one like a Toyota Wigo) is considered a luxury and not a necessity by most people, especially if bought brand new.
Used car market isn't great either. My advice: Stick to buying a brand new car. You never know if it's been flooded, converted, or stolen.
9. Rent is cheap.
Sometimes I contemplate if it would've been better if I just lived in a hotel for Php200 a day, than live in a Php6mil+ home.
10. Labor is cheap.
You can get a housemaid for Php2,500/mo (~$55/mo). Sometimes even lower.
They're good all-around helpers. Some can cook, take care of your children, etc.
All that service for that price is a bargain, imo.
Basic pay for an average laborer is about Php150/day (~$3/day).
11. Transportation is expensive.
Taxi starts at Php40 (~$1) before it even starts moving. Every kilometer drops like Php3. If you're coming from NAIA to the Bulacan province, for example, be prepared to spend Php1,000. Yikes!
Jeepneys ask for Php8 minimum. Tricyles are more expensive at Php16 minimum.
Train fare is Php14 minimum, but I wouldn't advice newly migrated foreigners/newbies to ride on the trains lol.
12. Jewelry is expensive, as the rest of the world is.
It only comes cheap in the Middle East.
If you have the time, please share your insights in how it's like to live in your country (in your current living standards).