Cost of Living in Philippines

Updated: January 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 3.39 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 20.32 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.52 USD, a loaf of bread 1.07 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.56 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.25 USD and a monthly pass around 10.16 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 96.21 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 31.88 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 4.92 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 151.71 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 4393.79 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 36.16 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 65.79 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 322.33 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 179.65 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 2132.06 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 1163.53 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 278.49 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 7.47% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Philippines

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing