Living Well on a Middle-Class Income in the Philippines
Practical money, home, and family guides for the Filipino middle class, whether you’re building your life here or sending it home from abroad.
No more sweldo-to-sweldo or petsa de peligro
The website is just the starting point. Follow us on social media for your daily dose of saktong burgis realities, relatable memes, and thoughts we can all vibe with. See you there!
Money & banking
Budgets, digital banks, and growing your sweldo
Who Are the Middle Class in the Philippines? (2026)
Ever wonder if you’re actually a bona fide member of the burgis or middle class? Find out if your income levels meet the criteria.
Family & education
Raising kids and paying for school realistically
Why You Should Let Kids Take Extracurricular Activities in the Philippines (2026)
Most school programs still give emphasis to academics but having variety in experiences help make kids more well-rounded individuals, making extracurricular activities a must for today’s students.
Home & property
Renting, buying, and building without growing broke
Why Filipinos Leave Plastic on Furniture and Appliances (2026)
Ever wonder why Filipinos wrap furniture in plastic cover or never remove protective plastic films on appliances? Here are four reasons why.
For OFWs & retirees
Coming home, investing, and building from abroad
SRRV vs 13A vs Balikbayan vs Tourist: Which Long-Stay Path Fits You?
Comparing the four ways to stay long-term in the Philippines: SRRV, 13A marriage visa, Balikbayan privilege, and tourist visa extensions. Costs, rules, and who each fits.
The guides worth your time
Essential must-reads for those looking to achieve a comfortable middle class lifestyle in the Philippines
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
The latest on middle class living
Check out our latest articles and posts on life as a middle class citizen
How to Find a Good Handyman Near Me in the Philippines (2026)
Finding a good handyman is difficult these days, making homeownership a bit of a challenge.
Is Buying a Brand New Car Worth It in the Philippines? (2026)
Brand new car prices are sky-high these days. Is getting a brand new car even worth it?
How Much Money Do You Need to Be Happy in the Philippines? (2026)
Money does help in the pursuit of happiness. But are you earning enough to afford things that make you smile?
Written by people actually living it
Saktong Burgis is managed by middle-class Filipinos working through the same questions you are: where to live, how to budget, what’s truly worth it. No get-rich-quick, no maarte na lifestyle. Just honest, researched takes on living life, sakto lang.
The main writer, Alex, is an editor and a business development consultant. Most recently, he’s helped brands stabilize and grow their businesses through e-commerce. He’s also a former teacher, marketer, and HOA president. He delves in photography in his free time.
What does “Saktong Burgis” mean?
sakto sak·to
a shortened form of “eksakto,” meaning “just right”
burgis bur·gis
from the Spanish “burgués,” a borrowing from the French “bourgeois,” referring to the middle class