For one person, living costs in Caloocan are estimated at $504 a month, including rent and utilities – 33% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Caloocan actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
A single person spends around $504 per month with rent, or $330 for everyday expenses alone.
$504 /mo
A couple spends around $674 per month with rent, or $561 for everyday expenses alone.
$674 /mo
A family of three spends around $845 per month with rent, or $792 without housing.
$845 /mo
📊
Overall, Caloocan is 63–70% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (52% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.4K₱1.3M
$21.4K₱1.3M
$21.4K₱1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$19.3K₱1.2M
$19.3K₱1.2M
$19.3K₱1.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$53.2₱3,351
$53.2₱3,351
$235₱14.8K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$9.80₱617
$9.80₱617
$24.49₱1,542
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$23.23₱1,463
$18.96₱1,194
$39.52₱2,488
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$4.76₱300
-
Cinema Ticket
$5.04₱318
$3.72₱234
$9.31₱586
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$134₱8,411
$33.40₱2,103
$321₱20.2K
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$10.9K₱688.2K
$5,513₱347.1K
$18.3K₱1.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$29.00₱1,826
$6.40₱403
$80.0₱5,037
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.90₱1,253
$5.20₱327
$48.72₱3,068
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$55.3₱3,479
$47.36₱2,982
$94.7₱5,963
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$47.92₱3,017
$19.17₱1,207
$79.9₱5,029
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$205₱12.9K
$111₱6,983
$298₱18.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$121₱7,620
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$320₱20.1K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.75
3
7
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Caloocan$504
Caloocan$845
🛒Groceries & Markets
$160 31.7%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$121 24%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$86 17.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$68 13.6%
🍽Eating Out
$51 10.1%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$15 3%
🚌Getting Around
$3 * 0.6%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🛒Groceries & Markets
$377 44.6%
🏠Accommodation & Living
- * 0%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$96 11.4%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$152 18%
🍽Eating Out
$184 21.8%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$30 * 3.5%
🚌Getting Around
$6.4 * 0.8%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $205, dropping to $121 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 64% of the average salary ($320) – well above the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $320 – below monthly costs of $504. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $160 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $16.00 – well below the Asian average of $36.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Caloocan has the 6th cheapest gym membership worldwide
⭐Fast food meal is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in Caloocan - Frequently Asked Questions
How affordable is Caloocan for travelers, expats, and digital nomads compared with other parts of Metro Manila or the country?
Overall, Caloocan tends to be more affordable than many central Manila districts, making it appealing for travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking good value. You’ll find a range of housing options – from compact studios to larger apartments – that suit different budgets. Daily basics like meals, groceries, and casual shopping can be economical if you favor local markets and neighborhood eateries over pricey chains. Transportation is accessible with jeepneys, buses, and a nearby rail line, though peak hours can be busy. The Cost of Living in Caloocan serves as a practical benchmark when you’re comparing neighborhoods and planning your stay. Tip: Map a simple one-page budget to track essentials and adjust it as you explore different areas.
What does daily life look like in Caloocan – housing search, food options, transport, coworking, errands – and how can you navigate them?
Daily life in Caloocan starts with neighborhood choices that fit your routine and pace. Look for places near transit hubs and markets to cut commute time and keep errands simple. Housing options range from cozy studios to larger flats, with lease terms that may suit short stays or longer commitments. For food, local markets and casual eateries offer fresh produce and ready meals at approachable prices; malls bring international options if that’s your style. Public transport is practical, with jeepneys, buses, and light rail access; plan for variability during rush periods. Caloocan living cost can shift by district and personal routine. Tip: Build a small field guide of neighborhoods and try a few cafes to test Wi‑Fi and noise levels.
What strategies help with budgeting, saving, seasonality, neighborhood fit, and overall quality of life in Caloocan?
Quality of life in Caloocan hinges on balance between convenience and community. Use a simple budgeting framework – fix housing and transport first, then allocate for food and leisure with a small safety cushion. Save by negotiating longer rental terms, sharing amenities, and cooking at home with local produce. Seasonality affects crowds and market availability, so adjust weekly plans for holidays or rainy spells. To find your fit, test a few neighborhoods for a week or two, note walking times, noise levels, and access to parks or cafés, and choose based on daily rhythm rather than price alone. Tip: keep a flexible plan that lets you swap spots as you settle in.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Caloocan?
Housing in Caloocan takes a heavy bite – about 64% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What is the average cost of living in Caloocan?
A single person in Caloocan typically spends $504 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $330. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Caloocan enough to cover living costs?
At $320 per month, the average salary in Caloocan falls short of the $756 needed for truly comfortable living. Most people bridge the gap by sharing housing, relying on a second income, or cutting back on extras. Basic needs are covered, but consistent saving takes real discipline.
Is rent high in Caloocan?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Caloocan – 1-bedroom apartments range from $121 to $205 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
How expensive is a gym membership in Caloocan?
A gym membership in Caloocan runs about $4.76 per month – affordable by regional standards. Most gyms include basic equipment, group classes, and locker rooms. Boutique studios and personal training cost more, but the baseline is budget-friendly.
How much does childcare cost in Caloocan?
Private kindergarten in Caloocan costs about $134 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
Can you live on $800 a month in Caloocan?
$800 a month in Caloocan? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $504, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
Is Caloocan good for digital nomads?
Digital nomads flock to Caloocan for good reason: fast internet, low crime rates, wellness scene. Monthly costs land around $504 depending on your setup – strong value for the connectivity and quality of life you get. Coworking spaces and nomad-friendly cafés round out the appeal.
How affordable is Caloocan?
Caloocan is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $504 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.