Cost of Living in Manila
These are modeled USD planning estimates, not a price survey or guaranteed quotes. Match housing type and lease length, obtain a personal insurance quote, and budget separately for deposits, flights, and other one-time costs. Exchange-rate movements can change the peso amount.
Monthly budget estimates for expats living in Manila, Philippines. Lifestyle tiers are in USD.
USD estimate data updated:
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Monthly lifestyle estimates in USD
These are editorial starting points, not surveyed city averages. See how to use the estimates and what they leave out.
Budget
$600/mo
Basic apartment, local food, minimal extras.
Moderate
$1,100/mo
Comfortable apartment, mix of dining, some travel.
Comfortable
$1,950/mo
More room for housing and discretionary spending; add your own insurance quote.
Build your own Manila budget
Compare a twelve-category starting budget built from linked sources with New York, LA, London, Sydney, Lisbon, Paris or Berlin. Edit your expenses and see peso equivalents. Calculator assumptions are listed separately from these lifestyle budget tiers.
Customize this city’s budget →Rent
avg $300/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment (city center) | $200 | $300 | $450 | per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $250 | $400 | $600 | per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $150 | $250 | $400 | per month |
Food & Groceries
avg $180/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local restaurant meal | $1.5 | $2.5 | $4 | per meal |
| Western restaurant meal | $5 | $8 | $15 | per meal |
| Groceries (weekly) | $20 | $35 | $55 | per week |
Transport
avg $35/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeepney/bus monthly | $15 | $30 | $60 | per month |
| Grab/taxi (per ride) | $2 | $4 | $8 | per ride |
Utilities
avg $80/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric + water | $50 | $80 | $120 | per month |
| Mobile phone plan | $5 | $10 | $20 | per month |
Healthcare
avg $40/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor visit | $8 | $20 | $40 | per visit |
| Health insurance (basic) | $20 | $40 | $80 | per month |
Internet
avg $25/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 35Mbps | $18 | $25 | $40 | per month |
Entertainment
avg $50/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership | $15 | $30 | $60 | per month |
| Movie ticket | $3 | $5 | $8 | per ticket |
Explore Manila beyond the numbers
Read our full city guide — neighbourhoods, safety, internet speeds, expat community, and more.