I wrote a few months back about the cost of living in Guatemala, and today I asked my VA Clarisse to write in turn about the cost of living in the Philippines. If you are looking to relocate as an expat or considering early retirement in Asia, it sounds like a pretty good option. From what I read, prices are pretty similar to Guatemala, although housing sounds much cheaper if you are looking for high end, Western standard accommodation. Enjoy!
And over at Savvy Scot I lists down Five questions to ask yourself each month.
If you want to visit Asia don’t forget to put Philippines in your list. We have lots of destinations in our country that surely you will enjoy. Today I will give you ideas about our cost of living here. Manila City is the capital of the Philippines while currently I’m living in Ozamis City which is 1536 Km (around 1,000 miles)– from Manila. Mostly people want to live in Manila because there are lots of jobs there; you can find big universities, prestigious companies, beautiful hotels, motels, apartments and resorts.
Housing
There are lots of choices whether you are going to rent or to buy. The housing projects are highly offered in the city. Usually a condo or apartments that are fully furnished and have two bedrooms range from $ 300 – $ 700 depending on the location, amenities and if it is in the heart of the city then for sure the price is pretty high.
My friend who is currently renting a high class condo is paying $500 per month excluding electric and water bills. But the amenities are pretty impressive with laundry facilities, 24 hour security, Wi-Fi in the lobby and on-site swimming pool. But if you’re very tight on your budget, you can find a lower price to rent it is called “boarding house” it is a house with lots of rooms to rent. You can choose a room with a bathroom or just a bed only, usually they use double deck, students and some travelers find this option popular.
Food
You can choose expensive restaurants, cheap restaurants, fast food chain or a “carenderia” which is very cheap. Last year when we stayed in Manila for three months, we dined out every weekend at a nice restaurant and our bill was usually $40 for a two adults and one kid.
We Filipinos really love to eat pork and also our favorite promo the “Eat All You Can”! For $7 – $23 you can enjoy that promo it depends on the food that they offer and the kind of restaurant. You can eat everything you can but you’re not allowed to bring the food outside. You need to make sure that you don’t have any leftover on your plate or else they will charge you for that.
When I want to buy canned goods, biscuits, meat I usually go to Supermarket, but when I buy fish and vegetables I prefer to go to “Merkado” it is a wet market where you can find vegetables, spices, sea foods that are pretty cheap compared to the supermarket.
McDonalds and Jollibee budget meal starts at $1.7, sunny side up or scrambled egg with rice and hotdog usually our favorite breakfast. And here are some food prices:
Meat: $3.80 per kilo ($1.7 per pound)
Fish: $2 per kilo (depend what kind of fish, around $1 per pound)
Banana: $0.4 per kilo
Avocado: $1 per kilo
Soda: $1.2 for 1.5 liter
Beer: $1 for 1 liter
Drinking Water: $1 for 1 liter
Services
The electric rate in Manila is high especially this January since they increased the rates again. Usually the electric bill starts at $25 with very medium usage of appliances like refrigerator, TV, washing machine, lights and electric fan with no AC.
The water bill also depends on the usage usually our bill starts at $16 per month. And for your internet connection you can choose a broadband or a wired package there are $25 – $120. On your mobile, you can have a plan for as low as $23 with free text and limited call, but I prefer to use prepaid because there are many cheap promos like unlimited text to all network for 2 days for only $0.35.
Transportation
The major transportation in Manila is LRT (Light Rail Transit), MRT (Metro Rail Transit), bus, taxi and jeepney. LRT fare starts at $0.4 depending on the distance. And mostly in the rural areas tricycle and motorcycle are the major mode of transportation. Jeepneys are the most common form of public transportation in the Philippines, it has no air-condition, has a wide open windows. Usually it is overloaded; two passengers in front beside the driver, 16-20 people in the jeepney’s back and PLUS some passengers hanging on the back of the jeepney! Traffic is the most common problem in here, especially now that the governments are working on the road widening project.
Health
There are lots of public hospitals that offer free general check up and even dental check up. But if you want to visit for a private doctor it starts at $10. Philippine Health or widely known as Philhealth is the health insurance program it is an affordable health care for the population. You can find lots of government hospitals in the city and in the rural areas.
Cost of living in the Philippines is depend in which part of the country you want to visit or to live. Other cities like Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod are cheaper than in the cities within Metro Manila. I prefer to live these cities.
I really missed the life in Manila, especially riding the jeepneys and public transportation.
Yes, you’re right, the cost of living in the province is cheaper than in Manila. We used to live in Cebu for 16 years and it’s less cheaper there.
True that. I’ve been living in the Philippines for 8 years now (close to Manila but not _in_ manila and the cost of living is far, far less than in the USA. There are also big US tax advantages in living abroad for those,like me, who operate businesses online. It’s really hard to beat. I love it. best move I ever made, and I’ve made plenty.
Hello Mr. Starr,
I am fascinated by the suggestion you make of living expensive in the Phillipines.
Am considering a visit to find out for myself.
can you make any comment on the living costs you experience?
Thanking you in advance
I meant “inexpensive”, Mr. Starr.
Robert D
Thanks for your great comment Dave and it’s good to hear that you love our country.
I have several questions if you don’t mind. My email is chisox121987@gmail.com
I went to Davao and there you can find rent for 100 or 150 dollars a month…usually, for 10 american dollars you can buy 100 dollars worth of Philipino stuff…how different is it in Manila or in Quezon ? Much more expensive than Davao ? Coz i might go to Quezon or Cebu. What about security ? Is there a big risk for a foreigner to be kidnapped or robbed in the Manila Quezon area ? Thx.
I would love to visit the Philippines sometime. I don’t know about moving there, just because I like my home town/country so much, but it definitely seems like a great place. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks DC, we have lots of nice tourist spots here!
Hey, the Philippines sound awesome. That’s great that the people have access to affordable healthcare…I wish we did!
Yes, we have an affordable healthcare especially those who are indigent people.
Always interesting to hear about the cost of living in different countries. I’d definitely like to visit someday. What’s the average income in Manila?
You should visit the Philippines Andrew, I think the average income in Manila is around $450, but it depends on the kind of job and work experience.
There are some great international schools I would love to teach at in the Philippines. It sounds like a wonderful place to be! One day I will get there….
Yes, Amanda, we have nice international schools here.
I never realized how affordable it could be to visit Manila. I’ll definitely have to check it out!
Thanks Tara!
I’ve always wanted to go to the Philippines. I am going to be laying over in Manila but only for a few hours in the fall so I won’t really be able to leave the airport. My supervisor is from the Philippines and she speaks highly of it. It sounds like it has a nice, low cost of living as well.
hi Pauline,
have you been to Cebu too? the transportation is also the same here we ride jeepney .. there is also a litson baboy, grilled pig in talamban .. which is very popular you should try them once you visit us here
Hello, i will like to reside in your country but i don’t have idea about the cost of education and cost of living, but i will live to live in a average well finished apartment. and i hope your country not discriminate blacks(Philippines)
With a monthly salary of $1350 can we live and save in manila
If we compare cost of living in the Philippines with any other countries in the world, Philippines is obviously much cheaper, I prefer to live in the province than cities, less crowded, and much cheaper.
Hello,
Thoroughly enriching post.
Came to know more about Philippines.
Thanks for sharing.
Great Stuff.
Best Regards.
Having visited the Philippines twice in the past 5 years, these costs are accurate. Can’t wait until my next visit!
I love to go “home” to the Philippines every few years. Recently, I’ve heard more people say they wouldn’t mind retiring there — even some without Filipino roots!
The cost of living here in the Philippines is cheaper compared to other countries. I’m currently living here in PH together with my family, and I hope to travel more locally someday to see more of the beauty of this country!
that’s a good idea i gather about Manila. Philippines is the best choice of my travel plan. I think house rent in manila is little bit costly but food is OK.
I gather many information about Manila. Philippines is the best choice of my travel plan. I think house rent in manila is little bit costly but food is ok
A helpful content! Thank you for sharing this! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing information.
If you want to make your career in Philippines
This was really motivates me to write also about this new condos for sale someday, because it makes me amazed to many things.