What to Expect - Cost of Housing

A 2/3 bedroom house/apartment near the beach can run you anywhere between 15k-40k pesos a month. We really need to get your definition of "modern" to get you a more accurate price range.

 

I pay 15k a month for the house I rent in Valencia. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, large split living/dining/kitchen area, large "utility room" with a second kitchen, shared swimming pool and recreational area, reserve water tank and large front porch and a smaller back porch. My electricity runs around 2k-3k pesos a month (I run air-conditioning about 2 nights a year). Water is around 100-200 pesos a month. Groceries are around 6-10k a month. There are normally 3 people in my house at any given time; myself, my gf and one of her family members that works as a helper. All-in-all I would say I spend about $1,000-$1,500 a month living in the Philippines. I know people who spend a lot less than I do and people who spend a LOT more than me. I think my spending is going to fall right in the middle of what expats living in the towns surrounding Dumaguete spend. My comfort level likely falls right in the middle as well. I do have some hobbies that can be quite pricey though (sports bikes).

 

Do you have a price range?

 

That's a hell of a budget. You will have no problems finding a landlord willing to wave any of those pesky "no pet" rules (probably just offer an extra couple thousand a month for any landlord and they will be as happy as pig in sh*t to change their rules). Do you need to be near a beach or could you decide on living up in the mountain? Bacong (beach) and Valencia (mountain) are about the same distance from Dumaguete. You will find the road to Valencia a much safer, and well lit at night, drive though. My landlord rents a huge house up in Valencia, front door has steps but the rear by the swimming pool has none. It is 5-6 bedroom with a huge living room/kitchen area. I think she told me it was 25-30k a month. I can ask if it is vacant.