Cost of Living in Manila

Summary of cost of living in Manila, Philippines:

Restaurants
Edit Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 300.00 ₱ 150.00-500.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 1,750.00 ₱ 1,000.00-5,000.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 250.00 ₱ 200.00-300.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) 85.00 ₱ 50.00-150.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 150.00 ₱ 90.00-280.00
Cappuccino (regular) 157.83 ₱ 80.00-210.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) 50.80 ₱ 35.00-100.00
Water (12 oz small bottle) 31.04 ₱ 20.00-80.00
Markets
Edit
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) 394.47 ₱ 312.00-490.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) 71.93 ₱ 45.36-140.00
Rice (white), (1 lb) 25.19 ₱ 20.41-40.82
Eggs (regular) (12) 123.71 ₱ 75.00-216.00
Local Cheese (1 lb) 263.63 ₱ 100.00-453.59
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) 141.06 ₱ 77.11-200.00
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 232.26 ₱ 158.76-500.00
Apples (1 lb) 89.13 ₱ 49.90-136.08
Banana (1 lb) 48.21 ₱ 31.75-90.72
Oranges (1 lb) 85.37 ₱ 45.36-147.42
Tomato (1 lb) 59.03 ₱ 36.29-72.57
Potato (1 lb) 72.71 ₱ 34.02-113.40
Onion (1 lb) 87.09 ₱ 54.43-113.40
Lettuce (1 head) 109.16 ₱ 25.00-200.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 45.98 ₱ 25.00-100.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 500.00 ₱ 200.00-1,200.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 81.80 ₱ 50.00-128.86
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) 102.88 ₱ 50.00-150.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) 190.00 ₱ 165.00-250.00
Transportation
Edit
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 28.00 ₱ 15.00-50.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 582.30 ₱ 450.00-1,320.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 45.00 ₱ 40.00-60.00
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) 22.53 ₱ 19.31-40.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 140.00 ₱ 120.00-240.00
Gasoline (1 gallon) 243.54 ₱ 208.20-264.98
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 1,500,000.00 ₱ 1,000,000.00-1,800,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 1,152,222.22 ₱ 1,100,000.00-1,500,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Edit
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment 7,840.99 ₱ 5,000.00-11,333.33
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data 1,529.00 ₱ 599.00-2,499.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 1,689.88 ₱ 1,349.00-2,500.00
Sports And Leisure
Edit
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 2,381.82 ₱ 900.00-3,000.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 375.00 ₱ 250.00-500.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 435.00 ₱ 350.00-500.00
Childcare
Edit
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child 25,250.00 ₱ 7,500.00-50,000.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 828,571.43 ₱ 400,000.00-1,300,000.00
Clothing And Shoes
Edit
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 2,107.62 ₱ 1,000.00-3,400.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 1,709.90 ₱ 1,000.00-3,000.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 4,341.58 ₱ 2,000.00-7,500.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 3,749.88 ₱ 1,500.00-6,500.00
Rent Per Month
Edit
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 27,499.95 ₱ 20,000.00-46,927.60
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 13,750.00 ₱ 10,000.00-20,999.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 92,999.90 ₱ 60,000.00-150,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 43,599.90 ₱ 15,000.00-80,000.00
Buy Apartment Price
Edit
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre 19,277.22 ₱ 9,290.23-34,838.35
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 14,678.56 ₱ 7,432.18-27,870.68
Salaries And Financing
Edit
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 29,651.18 ₱
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate 7.27 5.00-10.00

Prices in Manila

This city had 1090 entries in the past 12 months by 192 different contributors.
Last update: November 2024
Sources and References
Distribution of Expenses Using Our Statistical Model:
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31 Comments so far
Boner on Nov 25, 2024:
The old white westerners tasted sour grapes as they got owned by girls of their grandchildrens age.

No wonder the rant and foul mouth.

Nothing is free. You want to fck you got to pay for that meat.

If you were so better off stay the fck in your own CUNTRY ....sexual predators
Anonymous on Oct 27, 2024:
LOL Chinese Fucktard Comment spotted. Even in its peak today, China still cower in fear of US retaliation. Despite being the bully and aggressor that it is, it's troops in reality have ZERO combat experience.
Anonymous on Oct 23, 2024:
Filipino girlfriends are a complete disaster. They come with an endless string of relatives, and every single day, someone will have an issue that they expect you, the so-called "rich foreigner," to fix. It's ridiculous. Filipinos behave like they can’t handle their own problems. Where I’m from, it would be embarrassing to dump your problems on others, but in the Philippines, that seems to be the norm. They’ll constantly pester you with absurd requests like, "Can you help me find a remote job in the US?" Seriously, why can't you take some initiative and do it yourself?
Anonymous on Oct 18, 2024:
The Philippines ranks among the least favorable nations I've encountered. It consistently lands in the bottom ten of the PISA rankings, highlighting underperforming student achievements globally. The internet connectivity is atrociously poor across most regions, and "luxuries" like warm water are scarce, even in numerous hotels. Public restrooms lack basic amenities such as tissue paper, which visitors almost always have to purchase themselves.

Comparatively, the cost of living is exorbitant relative to Vietnam, yet the quality of services and goods is significantly lower. There appears to be a pervasive reluctance to work, with many seeking the easiest routes to earn money, exerting minimal effort. Government officials can retire after just 20 years of service, contributing to a lack of long-term governmental commitment. This may explain why there are no globally recognized companies originating from the Philippines, despite its large population.

Financial services like Apple Pay and Google Pay are non-operational here, and the local alternative, GCash, is exclusive to those with Filipino citizenship. Infrastructure is woefully inadequate, with an absence of traffic lights and sidewalks in many areas, increasing the risk of vehicular accidents. In remote areas, far from major cities such as Manila, Davao, or Cebu, an accident could prove fatal due to the extensive time required to access medical facilities, which are poorly equipped.

The chaotic urban aesthetic is defined by unsightly bundles of overhead cables, a stark contrast to Western practices of underground cabling and regular maintenance. Overall, the Philippines might be one of the worst countries to visit.
F on Oct 09, 2024:
Low IQ foreigners going to PH and leaving hateful comments here. Y’all have never seen the 99% of PH.
your friend on Sep 27, 2024:
In the PISA ranking, the Philippines scored only 1058 points in 2022, compared to 1403 points in neighboring Vietnam. In the IQ ranking, the Philippines was 73rd last time I checked... So any intelligent person will have a lot of problems living in this country.
Anonymous on Sep 15, 2024:
filipinas are disease ridden pieces of garbage who belong in the same place as the Philippines in the garbage
Anonymous on Sep 12, 2024:
Yes, there are many who have not been given the privilege to be educated in the Philippines. But no, not all have low IQ's. It's just that the ones with brains tend to live in countries with better governments.
Anonymous on Sep 12, 2024:
Foreigners, the pinays flocking over to you are probably from the marginalized or lower class that's why your experience and perspective is like that with them. If you're genuinely looking for a pinay who you want to treat right and will also treat you right, refrain from going for those who are often out to rob you peniless. Also, don't go for minors please.
Frank on Jun 08, 2024:
Living in the Philippines can be profoundly frustrating. Daily tasks and errands are unexpectedly time-consuming, and basic amenities like toilet paper and soap are often absent in restrooms. Traffic congestion and poor road conditions make short trips last hours. Most transactions are cash-based, and electronic payments like Gcash are difficult for foreigners to access. The environmental conditions are harsh, with severe pollution and high humidity, making outdoor activities nearly impossible. Weather shifts rapidly, causing frequent flooding and power outages. Internet services are slow and pricey, and electrical costs are steep. Customer service is generally unhelpful, and dealing with any business requires excessive in-person visits. Driving is risky due to unregulated traffic and lack of insurance, making accidents costly and stressful for foreigners. Electronics are expensive, and local food might require an adjustment. Essential products common in other countries are hard to find. Noise pollution is constant, and the capital's airport is notably inefficient and overcrowded. The overall experience can be grating for someone used to more orderly environments.
Anonymous on Jun 02, 2024:
The first thing you should do after arriving in this country is to immediately LEAVE. You will thank me later.
Alex on May 04, 2024:
The Philippines is a terrible country. Nothing works there. The internet doesn't function, all airplanes at Manila airport are excessively delayed, warm water in hotels is a rarity, you book one room type but they give you another, etc. The kitchen is the worst in the entire world, only the cheapest, unhealthy foods are sold there. I could talk for hours about everything that is wrong with the Philippines. At least in the past it was easier to date girls there, but that's not the case anymore (a few YouTuber will still lie you about this, because they make money selling dreams to lone dudes).
Anonymous on Mar 23, 2024:
Despite their very low iq and lack of any attractive features filipinas have managed to empty the pockets of desperate and loser white men. I don't want to imagine how low and big of a loser can you be that you need to seriously visit this country. I would hate to be in that situation. It's a third world disease infected hellhole sewer pit with women and men alike resembling the looks and mentality of rats
Anonymous on Feb 07, 2024:
Pinya women are filth disease ridden looking like something from an experiment gone wrong and they all look like monkeys in the face double jointed hands and feet, monkey see monkey do.
Anonymous on Jan 28, 2024:
Whoever entered this data is extremelly drunk. I was renting a 1 bedroom apartment for 15k peso a month until I bought a 2 bedroom 53 SQM condo for 8m peso. Power with inverter aircon was only 3500 peso a month with water being 1500 peso a month. I had a family of four so the figures are way off. Preschool I just paid 53k peso for the year. Looks like someone just tapped in number while they are drinking.
Anonymous on Nov 16, 2023:
@Shamyam Descendant are you one of those fat bold losers from the West that are too alpha that they need to go to a third world country to get girls the age of their daughters? Oh my bad they probably don't have any daughters or kids at all since they are too big of a losers. They are too alpha that their emotions were hurt by weak females lol
Shamyam Descendant on Oct 30, 2023:
Haters of the pilipinas. Straight up jealousy. Shame on you, they are the real package. Nothing fake about them. No Botox, fillers, no facial or body augmentation of any sort. So get your fake lashed overly madeup filtered hideous soul out of your arses and worry about fixing your personal issues and not focus so much on how naturally beautiful those women are internally and externally.
Anonymous on Oct 25, 2023:
You have to be an idiot to fly all over to Manila, stay at an expensive hotel, have expensive meals that will cost you minimum 5k just to have girls when you can just go to a madam for fewer money in your home country. Not to mention that is not guaranteed to get action there. And if you want to get married expect all your assets to disappear to her and all her family in less then a year. Happier abroad is the dumbest forum I have seen in my life
Anonymous on Mar 06, 2023:
Manila like all of Philippines is an open sewage pit just like it's women are.Theres nothing remotely attractive about either
Anonymous on Dec 13, 2022:
Prices in Manila are way more than what's displayed here which includes the rest of the Philippines.U S citizens retired in the Philippines will always pay double for everything no getting around it.I didn't retire in the Philippines not of retirement age yet.But staying for just two months showed me everything is double charged for I s citizens
Anonymous on Aug 25, 2022:
You must be an idiot to not know all Filipinas are gamers. The only reason they want american men is for a free pass into the u s.She and her family wore out your wallet. Filipinas are pros at manipulation. I visited Manila once they flocked around me like vultures but I never fed them.
Sammy on Jul 30, 2022:
I have been involved with filipinas in one form or another for more than 30 years. In fact I was married to one for over 30 years. That is until my usefulness came to an end with my advancing age. The stories I could tell about the goings on in the Philippines would fill an encyclopedia.The trouble with a relationship with a filipina is that you can never really be sure what they are thinking; my wife used to surprise me even after 20 years of marriage. The cultural differences are legendary. The truth often has no value; not long after first coming to the Philippines I saw a guy knifed to death at the markets about 10 meters in front of me. Sometime later I was traveling in a jeepny along Roxas Bld and there was a dead girl lying on top of a rubbish heap.If they think that you do not understand tagalog they will insult you to your face and smile at the same time.All prices are 2-3 times the local price. Personally I would forget about living full time there.Just to many ways for things to go pear shaped. Watch the online videos from seasoned people in the know.
Anonymous on Jan 12, 2022:
I'm a European married to a Philippina on a 3A marriage visa.On January 3 2022 the Philippine government revoked all 3A marriage visas for foreigners so I had to leave the Philippines on January 9 2022.I lived in the Philippines for 3.5 years bought a house paid for it.The governments reason for revoking 3A marriage visas said too many foreigners are living in the Philippines on 3A visas.Meanwhile my wife is in the Philippines and I'm back in London.No timeline was given to reinstate 3A visas.To those planning on marrying someone from the Philippines beware because the Philippine government changes their minds at a moments notice as they wish no matter any hardships it may cause.
Anonymous on Dec 31, 2021:
All Philippine citizens will be sent back to the Philippines regardless of their status living in the United States. The Philippine government has been making plans behind the United States governments back for sometime now with China and the United States government knows about it. All Philippine citizens including all Philippine government employees are banned for life from entering the United States.
Anonymous on Nov 24, 2021:
Men that are white u s citizens really don't care about giving philippinas love nor should they either. Philippianas are our toilet while on vacation.
Sgt.Rosell on Jul 14, 2021:
Why are all these comments anonymous…Got no balls to have a name…chicken shts…
Anonymous on Apr 03, 2021:
Ley have u found any rich white unhealthy white men that respond to this deal u offer?
Anonymous on Jan 08, 2021:
I've never visited the Philippines but friends told me they did but I won't disclose their negative experiences while visiting the Philippines which was everything.Since the majority of people refuse to be cordial to each other maybe they should stay at home.

Peace out
Ryan Van Tor on Dec 23, 2020:
I have live for more than 4 years in each f these cities: Johannesburg, London, Dubai, Doha, and Manila. Manila is the second worst city I have lived in for the following reasons:

- The city is VERY polluted, even the rich areas are often right next to a polluted, sewage infested river. Every rive in the city is toxic.
- The air quality is VERY poor
- The people are friendly but mostly poor, kind of gullible, uneducated
- Salaries are VERY low, you will not be able to find decent work to even pay for your rent.
- It is as hot as hell
Lisa Belle on Dec 20, 2020:
Hey, one and all.

Considering how lucky I am to live in such a rather economically advantageous situation in the USA.... Thought i want to share a piece of my luck... by giving out a 100 American dollars to a random needy family living in the Philippines... PROVIDED that they set up their own PayPal account.

I will send this lucky needy family the 100 US dollars ONLY via PayPal. These funds will be sent to their respective PayPal on September 30, 2021.

This act of unselfish generosity happens once a year, each September 30....

First come, first served!!!

I go by Lisa Belle on Facebook. I was born in Lucena City.
Anonymous on Nov 29, 2020:
Here's a simple solution concerning costs and political agendas in the Philippines. Don't move to the Philippines go elsewhere to avoid the nonsense.