top of page

What pension and equity can I live on in the Philippines? – A realistic assessment for expats

  • Writer: Matthias Brandl
    Matthias Brandl
  • Aug 30
  • 2 min read

Many prospective clients ask us: "Will a pension of €600 be enough to get me to the Philippines?" There's no general answer to this question, as everyone has different lifestyles and financial expectations. Some can survive on very little money and consciously live a minimalist lifestyle, while others prefer a more comfortable standard of living.

Cost of living in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the countries with the lowest cost of living. Those who purchase a house or apartment at Majestic Empire Residences also benefit from very low monthly fixed costs for the maintenance of the complex.

Example – Monthly administration fee:

  • Maintenance of the entire facility

  • Garden care

  • Power supply to common areas

  • Repair of roads and railway lines

These costs are currently around 5,000 PHP per month . At the current exchange rate of approximately 66 PHP = 1 EUR, this equates to just under 76 euros per month – a very reasonable amount for a well-maintained, safe, and clean living environment.

What pension is realistic for a good life?

  • €600 a month : Possible, but only with a very frugal lifestyle. There's little room for unexpected expenses or leisure activities.

  • €800 per month : Recommended as a minimum to be able to live a solid life without constant financial pressure.

  • €1,000–1,200 per month : Very good standard of living. Comfortable living with sufficient budget for dining out, leisure activities, travel within the Philippines, and savings.

What equity should be available?

Monthly living costs are only this affordable if you already own a house or apartment. Purchase prices at Majestic Empire Residences start at:

  • House : from 49,900 €

  • Apartment : from 34,900 €

This money should already be saved before you emigrate. Those who still have to finance the property have significantly less flexibility with a small pension and must expect higher monthly expenses.

Is pension alone enough?

No – we strongly recommend having an additional capital cushion as security in addition to your monthly pension. This capital covers not only the property purchase but also possible special expenses, such as travel, health, or unexpected repairs.

Conclusion

Life in the Philippines can be very affordable and enjoyable—especially at Majestic Empire Residences, with low utility costs and a high quality of life. A monthly pension of €800 allows for a solid living, and €1,000–1,200 is even more comfortable. However, the key is to have already paid for the property , and to have a certain amount of capital as security so that you can enjoy your retirement without worry.

 
 
 

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page