Cost of Living

Philippines

Live cost-of-living data across 2 cities in Philippines — average cost index 21/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 20 to 21. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.

21/100
Avg cost index
Cebu
Cheapest
2
Cities tracked
Yes
Nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
Stay up to 1 year · free to apply · see all visa countries

Cost of living by city in Philippines

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

Cebu20Manila21

Frequently asked questions

Is Philippines cheap to live in?

Across 2 cities in Philippines, the average cost-of-living index is 21 (New York = 100) — from 20 in Cebu to 21 in Manila. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.

What is the cheapest city in Philippines?

Cebu is the most affordable city we track in Philippines, with a cost-of-living index of 20 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $420/month.

Does Philippines have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Philippines offers the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), allowing stays of up to 1 year with no application fee. 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 $400–$560/month. Costs scale up toward Manila. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.

Compare Cebu with anywhere

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