Cost of Living in Manila, Philippines
Philippines · Asia
Cost of Living in Manila: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Manila, Philippines is approximately $900 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 30, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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% |
Cost of Living in Manila: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Manila, Philippines, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $900. The city's cost of living index is 30, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Manila
A typical monthly budget in Manila includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Manila
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $300 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $500. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200 per month.
Average Salary in Manila
The average net salary in Manila is approximately $550 per month. Purchasing power is rated 44out of 100.
Is Manila Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 30,Manila is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Manila
Safety
Manila has a safety score of 42/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Manila is rated 58/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Manila is 52/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Manila has a purchasing power score of 44/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Manila
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Manila should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Manila fits their monthly budget.
Is Manila Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 30provides a useful benchmark when comparing Manila with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Manila
- Average Monthly Cost
- $900
- Cost Index
- 30
- Rent Index
- 26
- Average Net Salary
- $550
- Quality of Life
- 55/100
- Safety
- 42/100
- Healthcare
- 58/100
- Currency
- PHP
Frequently Asked Questions About Manila
What is the cost of living in Manila?
The estimated cost of living in Manila, Philippines, is approximately $900 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Manila?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $300 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $500.
Is Manila expensive to live in?
Manila has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Manila?
The average net salary in Manila is approximately $550 per month.
Is Manila good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Manila is suitable for relocation.