Cost of Living in Philippines

If you've ever considered moving to Philippines, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Philippines?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Philippines and whether the reported $1110 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $278.49.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Philippines
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

3.39 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

20.32 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

2.65 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.19 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.03 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.27 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.66 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.38 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.52 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.07 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

0.85 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.56 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

5.87 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.64 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

5.81 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.36 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.34 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.2 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.32 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.62 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.71 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.31 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.66 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

6.44 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.01 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.67 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.37 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.25 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

10.16 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.68 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.25 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

2.03 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.23 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

20324.69 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

18794.25 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

96.21 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.13 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

35.99 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

31.88 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

4.92 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

4.57 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

151.71 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

4393.79 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

36.16 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

22.53 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

65.79 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

54.84 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

322.33 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

179.65 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

734.52 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

373.29 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

2132.06 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

1163.53 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

278.49 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

7.47 %

Philippines

How Safe Is Philippines for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Philippines

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

The criminal activity in the Philippines has increased greatly during the past couple of years, and though it's still a popular tourist destination, it has many dangers and is ridden with crime. You should be aware that tourist hotspots are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists, too.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Transport is not the safest and most reliable in the Philippines. Count on taxi drivers trying to rip you off, extremely annoying traffic jams the Philippines are notorious for, intolerant and reckless drivers, roads being inaccessible due to flooding and taxi drivers working without meters.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Though the risk of petty theft exists due to the popularity of this destination, and there are many pickpockets operating around the beaches and popular tourist hotspots, the level of petty crime is low compared to many European capitals.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

The Philippines are susceptible to typhoons, floods, landlines, tsunamis, while volcanic eruptions are also becoming a serious issue in the country.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

While petty crime is lacking, the real concern for tourists here is the violent crime. Assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are extremely common all over the islands.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

There have been numerous terrorist attacks in the Philippines recent history. Explosions occurred in the Quiapo area of Manila on 28 April and 6 May 2017, with many fatalities. The motive for these attacks is still unclear. It is best to remain vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Always carry small bills with you. Venders will try and make you buy more things by saying they have no change for large bills. Apart from that, Be wary of people lurking around ATMs or anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

During a recent couple of years sexual assaults against women have increased in number, so it is advised that women avoid walking alone after dark. Apply all precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

U.S. residents do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. All other nationals will need to acquire a visa in order to enter the Philippines. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Philippine peso is the official currency of the Philippines. Tourists are advised to exchange their money at the official establishments such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands or Banco De Oro.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The climate in the Philippines is tropical, with the hottest season lasting from March to May. The rainy season lasts from June to October and during this season you can expect strong typhoons. The coolest months are from November to February,

flight_takeoff

Airports

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, formerly known and still referred to as Manila International Airport is the main and the busiest airport serving Manila. It is located along the border between Pasay and ParaƱaque, about 7 km south of Manila.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to the Philippines, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Philippines with other countries

Cost of living in countries