My monthly expenses while working in the Philippines — A detailed breakdown
During my time working in the Philippines, I kept a close eye on my spending to get a good idea of what life there would cost. In total, I spent $1,350 in a month, with an additional $500 on rent. Here’s how it all broke down:
- Coffee Addiction: $100 — $150
Let’s start with my daily caffeine fix. As someone who can’t start the day without a good cup of coffee, my love for the beverage influenced my monthly budget. I typically drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee every day. sometimes, I indulged in coffee from more upscale places like Starbucks of local specialty coffee shops, where a cup would cost me between $2 to $3. The experience of sitting in a cozy café, enjoying a well-crafted brew, was worth the occasional splurge.
However, I didn’t always go for the expensive option. Most days, I grabbed my coffee from 7-Eleven or Lawson, two convenience stores that are practically everywhere in Manila. These places offered decent coffee for just about 75 cents per cup. I was quick, convenient, and fit well into my daily routine. Over the course of a month, my coffee habit cost me between $100 to $150. While it might seem like a lot to spend on coffee, it was a small price to pay for the comfort and energy it provided during long workdays.
