Southeast Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Manila
The average cost of living in Manila, Philippines is $569 per month for a single person, and $2,496 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $567 per month. The local average net salary is $473 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 12.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $569 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,496 / mo
- Student
- $338 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Manila
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$472.57 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Manila | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Manila | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Manila | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Manila | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Manila | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Manila | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Manila | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Manila | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Manila | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Manila | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Manila FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Manila. |
Rent & Property Prices in Manila
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $567 | $397 – $826 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $301 | $165 – $413 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,930 | $991 – $2,578 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $760 | $413 – $1,322 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,501 | $3,305 – $6,279 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $2,707 | $1,652 – $2,925 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $567$397 – $826
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $301$165 – $413
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,930$991 – $2,578
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $760$413 – $1,322
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $4,501$3,305 – $6,279
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $2,707$1,652 – $2,925
Grocery Prices in Manila
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.00 | $1.57 – $2.97 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.40 | $0.99 – $1.98 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $1.04 | $0.83 – $1.32 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.19 | $1.45 – $2.58 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $8.06 | $4.13 – $13 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $5.04 | $3.30 – $6.61 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $7.08 | $5.29 – $8.26 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.52 | $2.31 – $5.29 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.90 | $1.16 – $3.97 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $3.19 | $2.48 – $7.44 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $2.05 | $0.99 – $2.64 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.36 | $1.77 – $2.64 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.75 | $1.98 – $3.14 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.45 | $1.16 – $3.30 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $0.59 | $0.41 – $0.83 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $9.91 | $4.96 – $13 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $1.39 | $0.83 – $1.75 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.50 | $1.40 – $3.64 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.14 | $2.56 – $4.13 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.00$1.57 – $2.97
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.40$0.99 – $1.98
- White Rice (1 kg) $1.04$0.83 – $1.32
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.19$1.45 – $2.58
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $8.06$4.13 – $13
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $5.04$3.30 – $6.61
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $7.08$5.29 – $8.26
- Apples (1 kg) $3.52$2.31 – $5.29
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.90$1.16 – $3.97
- Oranges (1 kg) $3.19$2.48 – $7.44
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $2.05$0.99 – $2.64
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.36$1.77 – $2.64
- Onions (1 kg) $2.75$1.98 – $3.14
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.45$1.16 – $3.30
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $0.59$0.41 – $0.83
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $9.91$4.96 – $13
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $1.39$0.83 – $1.75
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.50$1.40 – $3.64
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.14$2.56 – $4.13
Public Transport & Car Costs in Manila
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $0.50 | $0.25 – $0.91 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $15 | $9.09 – $20 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $0.83 | $0.74 – $0.99 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.25 | $0.22 – $0.66 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $1.98 | $1.74 – $1.98 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.12 | $0.93 – $1.38 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $22,143 | $19,830 – $24,292 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $20,573 | $19,169 – $23,135 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $0.50$0.25 – $0.91
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $15$9.09 – $20
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $0.83$0.74 – $0.99
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.25$0.22 – $0.66
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $1.98$1.74 – $1.98
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.12$0.93 – $1.38
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $22,143$19,830 – $24,292
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $20,573$19,169 – $23,135
Utility & Internet Costs in Manila
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $105 | $83 – $198 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $14 | $6.61 – $25 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $24 | $21 – $30 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $105$83 – $198
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $14$6.61 – $25
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $24$21 – $30
Childcare & Preschool in Manila
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $556 | $96 – $1,172 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $10,121 | $4,131 – $28,548 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $556$96 – $1,172
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $10,121$4,131 – $28,548
Clothing Prices in Manila
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $58 | $23 – $83 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $34 | $18 – $74 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $80 | $50 – $140 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $62 | $33 – $83 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $58$23 – $83
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $34$18 – $74
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $80$50 – $140
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $62$33 – $83
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Manila
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $44 | $25 – $66 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $5.47 | $3.30 – $8.26 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $6.61 | $5.78 – $9.91 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $44$25 – $66
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $5.47$3.30 – $8.26
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $6.61$5.78 – $9.91
Restaurant Prices in Manila
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $5.78 | $2.48 – $9.91 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $29 | $20 – $47 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $4.13 | $3.47 – $5.08 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $1.49 | $0.83 – $2.48 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.89 | $1.70 – $3.39 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $2.66 | $1.78 – $4.13 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.56 | $1.07 – $1.98 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.85 | $0.41 – $1.49 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $5.78$2.48 – $9.91
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $29$20 – $47
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $4.13$3.47 – $5.08
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $1.49$0.83 – $2.48
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.89$1.70 – $3.39
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $2.66$1.78 – $4.13
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.56$1.07 – $1.98
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $0.85$0.41 – $1.49
Salaries & Mortgages in Manila
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $473 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 7.43% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $473
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 7.43%
Compare Manila with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
Philippines
Cebu
Monthly / 1 person
$584
vs NYC
13.3/100
Philippines
Quezon-City
Monthly / 1 person
$495
vs NYC
11.2/100
Philippines
Davao
Monthly / 1 person
$465
vs NYC
10.6/100
Philippines
Makati
Monthly / 1 person
$779
vs NYC
17.7/100
Thailand
Bangkok
Monthly / 1 person
$608
vs NYC
13.8/100
Thailand
Hua-Hin
Monthly / 1 person
$610
vs NYC
13.9/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Manila?
- An estimated $569 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Manila. A family of four needs around $2,496 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $338.
- How much money do I need to live in Manila?
- Plan for at least $569 per month as a single person, $2,496 per month for a family of four, or $338 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Manila.
- What is the average rent in Manila?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Manila rents for around $567 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,930 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Manila?
- The average monthly net salary in Manila is around $473. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 120% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Manila?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Manila costs around $5.78. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $53 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.00/L) and bread ($1.40/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Manila?
- A monthly public transport pass in Manila costs around $15. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Manila?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Manila costs around $24 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.