Cost of Living in Manila, Philippines
Philippines · Asia
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC=100
26
Rent Index
NYC=100
55
Quality of Life
Moderate
42
Safety Index
Below Average
1.8M
Population
PHP
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $12 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.8 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $18 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $38000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $80 |
| Mobile Plan | $10 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $22 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $300/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $3,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $550 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 7.5% |
View Cost of Living in Philippines
Cost of Living in Manila — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Manila, Philippines is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Manila has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Manila costs around $300/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200/month. The rent index is 26 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Manila scores 55/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 58/100. The climate index is 52/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Manila is approximately $550/month. With a purchasing power index of 44/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is PHP, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Manila
The average monthly salary in Manila is approximately $550. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 44/100.
Healthcare Costs in Manila
Healthcare quality in Manila is rated 58/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Manila
Manila has a quality of life score of 55/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Manila
Students living in Manila should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Manila
Expats moving to Manila often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Manila, Philippines is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Manila
Living in Manila offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 55/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $550 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Manila provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Philippines and around the world.
Key Facts About Manila
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 26
- Average Salary: $550
- Quality of Life: 55/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: Philippines
- Currency: PHP
Is Manila Expensive?
Manila has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Manila compare to other cities?
Manila is located in Asia with a population of approximately 1.8M. At a cost index of 30 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Manila stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Manila?
The average cost of living in Manila, Philippines is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Manila?
Rent in Manila varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 26 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Manila alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Manila expensive to live in?
Manila has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Manila is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Manila?
Manila has a quality of life index of 55/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Manila compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Manila with any city worldwide. Manila's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Manila?
Many residents live comfortably in Manila with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Manila good for expats?
Manila is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Manila?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Manila.
Is Manila cheaper than New York?
Yes, Manila has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Manila?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Manila.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Manila
Cheapest Ways to Live in Manila
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Manila typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $300/month compared to $500/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Manila, Philippines.
Is Manila Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 44/100 and a quality of life score of 55/100, Manila is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Manila remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Philippines has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Manila Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Manila", "Manila monthly expenses 2026", and "is Manila affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 58/100, Manila offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Philippines.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026