Notifications
Clear all
Housing and Rentals
2
Posts
1
Users
0
Reactions
12
Views
Topic starter
12/11/2025 12:13 am
If you’re planning a move to the Philippines, finding a place to live is usually near the top of your list.
Let’s help newcomers understand what to expect — prices, deposits, locations, and what “furnished” really means.
If you’ve rented here before, please share:
- What city or province are you in?
- What’s typical rent for an apartment or house?
- Any tips for dealing with landlords or agents?
Real experiences make a huge difference for anyone planning to move here!
Topic starter
15/11/2025 11:48 pm
When I was still in America, I had my girlfriend Beth start looking for places to rent. Since I didn’t have a steady income yet, I wanted to stay on the cheaper side. She found a house in Upper Dicayas, Dipolog — about a 2½-hour drive from her hometown of Ozamiz.
She showed it to me over a video call, and it looked fine — nothing fancy, but decent enough for a start. So we went ahead and rented it for $150 USD per month, which felt incredibly cheap compared to my $1,100 mortgage back in the States.
When I finally arrived, I found the house was a little different from what I saw on video. There was no refrigerator, and the furniture was pretty rough. But that was all fixable. Things here are much cheaper, so with a few upgrades and small purchases, we got the place comfortable in no time.
Today, we have everything we need, and my total monthly expenses — not counting food — come to around $400 USD. Not bad at all.
I do live in the province, which means more noise — scooters, tricycles, and karaoke nights are part of daily life. It takes a bit to get used to, but it’s all part of the local experience.
One thing I really appreciate is the location. Being on the western side of Mindanao, we’ve never experienced the worst of the typhoons that hit the eastern side of the Philippines. Maybe I just got lucky, but it turned out to be a great choice without realizing it.
Now, I’m casually looking for another house, but there’s no rush. Here, you can take your time and find a good deal without the stress of deadlines or skyrocketing rent.
How about you?
What’s been your experience finding a place to live here?
What area did you choose, and what surprised you most about renting in the Philippines?
