Harry... sounds like you are in a similar position to myself (and same age)... other than I married the girl I met.

For the foreseeable future I will split my time between UK and the Phils. I will not give up my OAP bungy here, or my right to free healthcare. That would be stupid IMO.

We have just made a start on building our little house. It won't have aircon. Don't need or want it.

So, after the investment in that... no rent.

I will do without the hassle of vehicle ownership. We are lucky in being very close to good transport. links though.

I would hope we (me , Mrs + baby) can get by nicely on 30-50,000 pesos a month... always bearing in mind that exchange rates can make a lot of difference... as can 'the unexpected'.