Imagine a life where your biggest financial worry disappears. Where your current budget doesn’t just cover necessities, but unlocks a lifestyle of ease, service, and adventure. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s the daily reality for expats on Bohol Island.
Let’s break down the numbers and show you how moving to Bohol isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a financial and personal renaissance.
Housing: From Mortgage Strain to Beachfront Ease
USA: A modest 3-bedroom house in a suburban area can easily cost $2,500+ per month in mortgage or rent, excluding taxes and high insurance.
Bohol: A spacious, modern 3-bedroom house with a garden in a safe community rents for $400 – $800 per month. A stunning beachfront villa? Often $1,200 – $2,500. Your current housing cost alone could fund your entire Bohol lifestyle.
Vehicle: Simplicity Over Debt
USA: A new SUV commands a $700+ monthly payment, plus expensive insurance, registration, and volatile gas prices.
Bohol: Reliable, fuel-efficient motorcycles or scooters cost $1,500 – $3,000 to buy outright. A new Toyota Hilux pickup is about $30,000 (cash). Most daily trips are short, and full-time drivers can be hired for a fraction of a U.S. car payment.
Food: Fresh, Abundant, and Shockingly Affordable
USA: Weekly grocery bills for a couple regularly exceed $150, with dining out at $50+ per meal for two.
Bohol: Local markets overflow with fresh tropical fruit, vegetables, and seafood. A couple’s weekly grocery bill is $40 – $70. A delicious local restaurant meal costs $3 – $7 per person. A fine dining experience with steak and wine? Around $50 for two.
Furniture & Home Goods: Crafted for Less
USA: A quality solid-wood dining set can cost $3,000+. Custom cabinetry is a major investment.
Bohol: Skilled local craftsmen will build custom, solid mahogany furniture for your entire home at 70-80% less cost. That dream outdoor patio set or canopy bed is not only affordable but made to last.
Household Help: The Ultimate Luxury Becomes Standard
USA: Professional cleaning services are a sporadic luxury at $100+ per visit.
Bohol: A full-time, live-in maid/cook, who will also shop and do laundry, earns a standard wage of $250 – $350 per month. A gardener costs $5 – $10 per visit. This is the single most life-changing expense difference, gifting you time and freedom.
Hobbies & Leisure: A Rich Life on a Modest Budget
USA: Golf club memberships, gym fees, and hobby costs add hundreds to monthly outgoings.
Bohol: World-class scuba diving costs $25 – $40 per dive. A round of golf at a scenic course is $30 – $50. Gym membership? $20/month. Your hobbies are no longer budget line-items, but regular pleasures.
Business & Resorts: Opportunity and Escape
USA: Commercial rent is prohibitive, and a weekend resort getaway is a splurge.
Bohol: Leasing a small cafe or shop space starts around $300/month. That dream boutique resort? Operational costs are a fraction. A last-minute weekend at a beautiful beachfront resort? Often $80 – $150/night.
Clothing & Personal: Practical and Low-Cost
USA: Brand-name clothing, haircuts, and personal care are significant expenses.
Bohol: Light, tropical clothing is inexpensive. A skilled tailor will make custom shirts for $10-$15. A great haircut and color? $15 – $25. You look and feel great for less.
The Final Calculation: A Life Transformed
In the U.S., a comfortable retirement or remote work income can feel strained. On Bohol, that same income provides:
– A beautiful, large home.
– A full-time housekeeper and a part-time gardener.
– Dinners out several times a week.
– Weekly diving, golf, or island exploration.
– A robust travel budget for exploring Asia.
– Significant monthly savings.
You aren’t just cutting costs; you’re upgrading your entire quality of life. The financial pressure lifts, revealing what matters: time, health, connection, and joy.
This is your sign. This is your opportunity. The math is undeniable. Bohol offers a safe, stunning, and welcoming environment where your money works harder so you don’t have to. It’s a chance to trade stress for serenity and scarcity for abundance.
Ready to see your personalized financial blueprint for a Bohol life? Move 2 Bohol specializes in turning these numbers into your reality. We handle the visas, the home search, the integration, and all the details.
Contact Lerma today for a free consultation. Let’s calculate your new future.