Cost of Living in Manila, Philippines

Manila has a cost of living index of 38/100 (New York = 100). It is 62% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

38/100
Cost Index
$780/mo
Median Income
50/100
Safety Index
tropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 35/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$575/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$290/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,200/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 30/100
Milk (1 liter)$0.85/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$1.2/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$0.95/kg
Dining OutScore: 35/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$4/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$35/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$5/meal
TransportationScore: 25/100
Monthly Transit Pass$11/month
One-Way Ticket$0.3/trip
Taxi (1 km)$0.9/km
UtilitiesScore: 35/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$108/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$35/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$20/month
HealthcareScore: 45/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$50/visit
Dentist Visit$65/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$12/course
EntertainmentScore: 40/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$5/ticket
Theater Ticket$25/ticket
Museum Entry$8/ticket
FitnessScore: 35/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$30/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$12/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$5/entry
Personal CareScore: 30/100
Haircut (Men)$8/cut
Haircut (Women)$18/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$3/bottle
ClothingScore: 35/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$40/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$25/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$70/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

45 Mbps
Internet Speed
$150
Coworking/Month
fair
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
55/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: BGC (Bonifacio Global City), Makati, Quezon City

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheap to live in?

Manila has a cost of living index of 38/100, where New York = 100. It is 62% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $760–$1,064 per month.

How much does rent cost in Manila?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Manila costs approximately $575/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $290/month.

Is Manila good for digital nomads?

Manila has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 45 Mbps, café wifi reliability is fair, and coworking spaces run about $150/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Manila?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $780 USD. The income tax rate is around 15%.

How does Manila compare to New York for cost of living?

Manila (cost index 38) is 62% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $1,550/month by moving from New York to Manila.

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