Cost of Living

Philippines

Live cost-of-living data across 2 cities in Philippines — average cost index 17/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 16 to 18. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.

17/100
Avg cost index
Manila
Cheapest
2
Cities tracked
Yes
Nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Stay up to 1 year · application ~$35 · see all visa countries

Cost of living by city in Philippines

Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.

Manila16Cebu18

Frequently asked questions

Is Philippines cheap to live in?

Across 2 cities in Philippines, the average cost-of-living index is 17 (New York = 100) — from 16 in Manila to 18 in Cebu. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.

What is the cheapest city in Philippines?

Manila is the most affordable city we track in Philippines, with a cost-of-living index of 16 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $500/month.

Does Philippines have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Philippines offers the Digital Nomad Visa, allowing stays of up to 1 year, with an application cost around $35. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration portal.

How much does it cost to live in Philippines per month?

A single person can live comfortably in the cheaper cities of Philippines for roughly $320–$448/month. Costs scale up toward Cebu. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.

Compare Manila with anywhere

Dig into any Philippines city, or see where your salary stretches furthest worldwide.