Are you considering a move to Manila, Philippines, and wondering about the cost of living? Manila is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Manila and help you understand whether $1490 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $513.35.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
4.52 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
28.91 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
3.61 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.03 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.94 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.47 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.83 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.05 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
7.54 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.18 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.8 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.15 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.69 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.24 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
1.87 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.16 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.83 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.61 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.79 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
9.03 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.28 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.51 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.94 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.54 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
10.52 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.72 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.24 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.38 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23490.72 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
20909.32 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
119.65 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
32.37 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
40.21 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.43 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
6.32 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
517.14 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
14756.99 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
33.77 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
29.61 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
71.49 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
67.35 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
517.21 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
275.22 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1612.38 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
647.93 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
4427.1 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
2904.07 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
513.35 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
8.25 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Manila come to a total of approximately $1490. This includes an average monthly rent of around $517 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $135 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $484 per month.
Living in Manila appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $513.35. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Manila, you would likely need an income exceeding $513.35.
In Manila, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $513.35, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Manila is approximately $517. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $275.22 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Manila can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $432 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Philippines can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Philippines.
The criminal activity in Manila has been on the rise 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 is not the safest and the most reliable in Manila. Count on taxi drivers trying to rip you off, extremely annoying traffic jams that Manila is notorious for, intolerant and reckless drivers, roads being inaccessible due to flooding and taxi drivers working without meters.
Though the risk of petty theft exists due to the popularity of this destination, and many pickpockets are operating around the beaches and popular tourist hotspots, the level of petty crime is low compared to many European capitals.
Manila susceptible to typhoons, floods, landlines, tsunamis, while volcanic eruptions are also becoming a serious issue in the country and threaten to endanger the city,
While there isn't much petty crime, the real concern for tourists here is the violent crime. Assaults, robberies, and kidnappings are very common in Manila and extreme vigilance is recommended.
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.
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.
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.
U.S. residents do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. All other nationals will need to acquire a visa to enter the Philippines. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Philippine embassy for further information.
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.
Manila's climate is classified as tropical. The summers are much rainier than the winters in Manila and the hottest season lasts from March to May. The coolest months are from November to February,
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 Parañaque, about 7 km south of Manila.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Manila, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 86°F | 87°F | 90°F | 93°F | 92°F | 90°F | 88°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 87°F | 86°F |
| Temp | 79°F | 80°F | 83°F | 85°F | 85°F | 84°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 80°F |
| Low | 74°F | 75°F | 77°F | 79°F | 80°F | 79°F | 78°F | 78°F | 78°F | 78°F | 77°F | 75°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C | 30°C | 32°C | 33°C | 33°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 26°C | 26°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C |
| Low | 23°C | 23°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 23°C |