Cost of Living in Manila - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Manila
Address: Manila, PH

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $571 (excluding rent), and $951 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,341 (excluding rent), and $2,111 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.46 ₱319

$2.73 ₱160

$9.09 ₱532

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.09 ₱1,585

$18.06 ₱1,057

$45.14 ₱2,641

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.38 ₱256

$3.51 ₱206

$5.27 ₱308

Cappuccino

$2.74 ₱160

$1.27 ₱74.2

$4.53 ₱265

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.92 ₱53.5

$0.69 ₱40.44

$1.72 ₱101

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.54 ₱31.54

$0.36 ₱21.23

$0.92 ₱54.0

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.53 ₱89.2

$0.90 ₱52.6

$2.69 ₱157

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.69 ₱158

$1.44 ₱84.1

$5.02 ₱294

Milk (1 liter)

$1.90 ₱111

$1.49 ₱87.0

$2.62 ₱153

White Bread (500g)

$1.40 ₱81.7

$0.91 ₱53.0

$2.17 ₱127

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.04 ₱61.1

$0.79 ₱46.09

$1.58 ₱92.2

Eggs

$2.07 ₱121

$1.18 ₱69.0

$2.93 ₱172

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.64 ₱564

$4.56 ₱267

$18.26 ₱1,068

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$5.19 ₱304

$3.17 ₱185

$7.04 ₱412

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.57 ₱502

$6.22 ₱364

$12.46 ₱729

Apples (1kg)

$3.47 ₱203

$1.78 ₱104

$4.94 ₱289

Banana (1kg)

$1.74 ₱102

$1.30 ₱75.9

$2.93 ₱171

Oranges (1kg)

$3.47 ₱203

$1.72 ₱101

$6.90 ₱404

Tomato (1kg)

$2.42 ₱141

$1.40 ₱81.9

$3.50 ₱205

Potato (1kg)

$2.67 ₱156

$1.72 ₱100

$4.30 ₱252

Onion (1kg)

$3.06 ₱179

$2.09 ₱123

$3.84 ₱225

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.02 ₱118

$0.63 ₱36.70

$3.23 ₱189

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 ₱37.24

$0.42 ₱24.45

$1.11 ₱65.0

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$3.43 ₱201

$3.07 ₱179

$3.79 ₱222

Wine (Bottle)

$10.13 ₱593

$3.38 ₱198

$13.51 ₱791

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.51 ₱88.4

$0.91 ₱53.2

$2.33 ₱136

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.11 ₱124

$1.30 ₱75.8

$2.59 ₱152

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.52 ₱30.30

$0.24 ₱13.94

$0.74 ₱43.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$12.16 ₱711

$8.11 ₱475

$15.67 ₱917

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.85 ₱49.77

$0.68 ₱39.71

$1.19 ₱69.3

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.27 ₱15.87

$0.22 ₱12.82

$0.47 ₱27.46

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.10 ₱123

$1.74 ₱102

$4.18 ₱245

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.17 ₱68.2

$1.07 ₱62.8

$1.27 ₱74.2

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$26.4K ₱1.5M

$17.6K ₱1.0M

$26.4K ₱1.5M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.4K ₱1.3M

$19.9K ₱1.2M

$26.2K ₱1.5M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$137 ₱8,041

$89.4 ₱5,228

$203 ₱11.9K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$21.63 ₱1,265

$7.88 ₱461

$43.75 ₱2,559

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$27.23 ₱1,593

$22.82 ₱1,335

$36.87 ₱2,157

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.07 ₱2,461

$26.61 ₱1,557

$71.0 ₱4,151

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$6.78 ₱397

$3.45 ₱202

$8.61 ₱504

Cinema Ticket

$6.81 ₱398

$5.37 ₱314

$8.06 ₱472

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$352 ₱20.6K

$131 ₱7,636

$870 ₱50.9K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.5K ₱672.8K

$4,468 ₱261.4K

$17.9K ₱1.0M

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.19 ₱2,760

$21.58 ₱1,263

$89.9 ₱5,262

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.63 ₱2,026

$17.58 ₱1,029

$79.1 ₱4,628

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$82.2 ₱4,811

$38.79 ₱2,269

$132 ₱7,735

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$47.17 ₱2,759

$35.94 ₱2,102

$89.9 ₱5,256

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$499 ₱29.2K

$358 ₱21.0K

$770 ₱45.1K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$272 ₱15.9K

$153 ₱8,972

$451 ₱26.4K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,739 ₱101.7K

$901 ₱52.7K

$2,522 ₱147.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$625 ₱36.6K

$264 ₱15.4K

$1,409 ₱82.4K

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,647 ₱271.9K

$2,619 ₱153.2K

$6,636 ₱388.2K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,691 ₱157.4K

$1,186 ₱69.4K

$2,999 ₱175.4K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$485 ₱28.4K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.52

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 1, 2026

Manila Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

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Cost of Living in Manila - Frequently Asked Questions

Manila offers a broad range of options, from budget-friendly eats to modern coworking spaces, so travelers and nomads can tailor their lifestyle. The Cost of Living in Manila, Philippines tends to be lower than in many Western or East Asian hubs, with choices that scale from frugal to comfortable. You can optimize value by staying in convenient, affordable neighborhoods a short ride from core districts, using reliable public transit, cooking at home, and mixing free activities with occasional paid experiences. Seasonal demand in busy areas can affect short-term rents and cafe prices, so plan stays during lulls when possible. Tip: Start with a simple monthly plan and adjust as you explore neighborhoods.

Daily routines mix affordable street eats, modern grocery options, and a web of transport choices. When hunting housing, use a mix of long-term rental listings and in-person visits; consider condo buildings with security and a short walk to transit. For food, local markets and casual eateries let you keep costs predictable while sampling regional flavors. Transport options include jeepneys, buses, MRT/LRT lines, and ride-hailing apps; planning around rush hours saves time and stress. Co-working spaces range from no-frills clubs to serviced offices, often with flexible passes. Manila, Philippines living cost can vary by district, so compare a few nearby areas before deciding. Tip: Test a neighborhood by living there a week before signing a lease.

Quality of life comes from balance: fast internet, accessible healthcare, safe streets, and a community you enjoy. Build a simple budgeting framework that separates fixed costs (rent, bills) from discretionary spending (eating out, entertainment). Track weekly groceries, transit passes, and coworking credits to see where you can trim without sacrificing comfort. For neighborhood fit, consider proximity to transit, amenities, nightlife, and green spaces; popular expat zones can feel lively, while quieter areas offer more affordable rentals. In Manila you'll experience seasonal shifts in crowding and humidity – plan for hotter months and rainy periods by building flexible routines and storage. Tip: Allocate a small buffer for surprises and adjust monthly.