There are a number of factors which have to be considered, and these are all unique based on the individual. And how you wish to live.
Firstly do you have a local partner and family? A local partner and their family can be either a godsend or a curse. Filipino families share everything amongst themselves, food, clothing, housing, debts etc. Buy a take away meal for the family, and you have to buy extra for the niece and nephew or the neighbour who just drops by. Uncle goes to the hospital, will need to pay the bill, everyone chips in, you as wealthy foreigner chip in the most. Now the social aspect is also to be considered everyone lives under one roof, you never seem to get privacy or time alone. And there are always kids running around, so I guess you must get some privacy occasionally. When chipping in with bills etc, you will be considered the rich foreigner so will be expected to pay the most or to pick up the bill entirely.
If you don’t have a Filipino partner and are moving to the Philippines solo. Well how do you want to live and where? Do you want to live in the provinces? Or in Manila? If Manila which area of Manila? It all makes a difference. Stay in BGC and pay up to 10x the cost of staying in Tondo. That being said there are affordable places everywhere, but you will probably need some local knowledge and help to get the best deals. A few years ago prepandemic I spent 6 months on Boracay renting a small one bedroom apartment for 18k per month (which was around £150/$200) and that included water and electricity. I bought fresh seafood and vegetables from the market and lived modestly.
Getting around in the Philippines again depends on how you want to travel and your own preferences for comfort level. Take a journey from Manila to Baguio as an example. You could hire a car 3000php (£40/$50) a day, pay the tolls, and gas so expect another 1500php (£20/$25), but you have to then consider the plate zoning in both Manila and Baguio City, and find parking in Baguio which can be a nightmare. Alternatively take the bus. Now you have the choice of Deluxe sleeper with reclining sleeper seats for around 1000php / Super Deluxe with aircon and onboard CR around 750php / Deluxe similar with no CR around 500php / Regular no aircon and stops every 5 minutes to pick up or drop off, and avoids the NLEX for around 300php .
There are similar options if you wish to travel between the Islands. Manila to Cebu for example. You could fly for around 3000php (£40/ $50) with minimal luggage. Take the Bus which is slow around 24 hours but costs around the same, but you get to see the Philippines countryside and get little sleep. Or you can take a ferry which again takes around 24 hours. Tourist class gets you a bunk bed in a huge mixed dormitory type room, basic meals and all for around 1000php. Alternatively upgrade to a shared 4 man business class room for around 2000php per person, you get a lounge at check in, better dining included. Or you can get a private state room for around 6000php where you get a hotel style room, with tv, and better dining included.
Entertainment in the Philippines again can vary greatly depending on preference and the amount you wish to spend. Go watch a top local band such as Side A, Freestyle, Nina, etc. at a venue like 19 East or 12 Monkeys and expect to pay 500php entry fee, and pay 1000php per person for meal and drinks. Alternatively go to Padi's point and get an evening of fresh local talent and pay 500php for your evenings drinks and snacks.
So to answer the question Is the low cost of living in the Philippines enough to outweigh the cultural and logistical challenges for expats? This is impossible to answer as every foreigner is different and has different expectations and values. Yes there are significant cultural differences if you have a partner or family here, but a Filipino family doesn’t always take they give back in so many ways too, you will feel part of the family, you will be accepted and it can be a lot of fun. Even if you don’t have a Filipino family living in the Philippines can be so enjoyable with a never ending variety of vistas and thousands of islands to explore. Yes there will be challenges sometimes challenges that leave you thinking this is absurd and crazy, but you look back and laugh at the memories.
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