Here versus There (or There versus Here)
Gas is more expensive here. Electricity is cheaper there. Property is not any cheaper here. Etc… Etc… Etc……Am I referring to the Philippines versus the US? Davao versus Spokane? How about the province versus the city (Manila, Cebu or Davao), or possibly even Spokane versus another US city, say New York? What do you mean, aren’t all US locations the same? Surely all Philippines locations are the same.
A common, and often recurring, theme is that of the rising cost of living in the Philippines. It’s a great subject to post on, because it always evokes a lot of feedback. I’d go so far as to say some may use this as one of their fall back topics, when things get a little slow, or they have a little writer’s block. Now I surely wouldn’t partake in that tactic, would I 
Obviously “there” can be many different places. It never seems to fail though, for purpose of making the point, that “there” seems to have frozen in time from when they last visited and/or lived “there”, while prices for everything have gone up “here” (or do I have my “here” and “there” backwards)?
I believe the comparison is generally well intended, as the objective is to inform us that our dream retirement might not go quite as planned. Pertinent information from those experiencing it first hand. But I contend that anyone that expects the cost of almost anything to remain stagnant is setting themselves up for disappointment or failure, “here” or “there”. I think it would be much more useful to just post a “here” versus “here” comparison. Quit trying to compare “here” versus “there”. All of us potential ex-pats can make the comparison based on our own “here” and how that relates to inflation “here” for the same period of time. And the difference between city living and the province should not be ignored. Living in the province is not for everyone, but it can not be denied that it is potentially much cheaper (overall) to live in the province, especially if you can be content with a simple life style.
I can’t wait for the time that I can follow my fellow ex-pats, and bemoan the inflation of “here/there” versus the frozen time of “there/here” first hand. And, though I’d like to think I could resist the temptation to do so, I’m quite sure I will (bemoan it), after all isn’t that what we do?
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Hi lerma – and thanks for visiting mine!
Hi Randy,
I’ve seen your comments often on Bob’s blog(s) but Iwasn’t aware you had your own, for some reason. I’ve already subscribed, thnaks for writing.
One thing I have noticed in my 8 years plus of following the Philippines closely, along with nearly 2 years living here full time now, is that alot of peple waste way, way to much time in worrying about the cost of living … especially as it would apply to an expat, who might be expected to shop “US style” from time to time and who inevitably will have medical costs.
In my view there is not enough difference in major cites to make a choice based on costs. example, restaraunt costs in Davao are much cheaper than here in metro Manila but rents are way higher, when available … asnd since most of us live some place and tend to eat, the differences tend to cancel out. If you live way out in the provinces a lot of food costs are much cheaper, but if you need to visit the doctor, for example .. orneed a drug store regularly?
The best method, in my view, is find a place that suits your lifestyle and worry about other things than money … believe me, it will all even out in the end.
Hi Dave – thanks for dropping by.
Yeah, cost of living is a hot topic anywhere. Just today at work the discussion all day long was about the price of gas. The owner of the company I work for is going to get a small vehicle for our deliveries, as the the payment for the vehicle could be made with just 1 weeks worth of gas in the van we currently use. The mailman showed us photos of the little scooter he’s buying, while in turn selling his Mustang. My co-worker is selling his SUV and wants to buy my Civic. Not sure why he thinks it’s for sale.
Anyway, if there’s a point in there, it doesn’t matter where you are – the cost of living will always be a significant topic of discussion.
Your points are well taken regarding the trade offs. While I still maintain life would be cheaper in the province, it is not the lifestyle most are looking for.