Cost of living in Manila

🇵🇭 Philippines · A realistic 2026 budget for newcomers — rent, food, transport, and what a month actually costs.

Wondering how far your salary goes in Manila? Here’s what everyday life costs, in local prices — the numbers that matter when you’re deciding to move or negotiating a package.

What things cost

One-bed condo, Makati or BGCPHP 35,000–60,000 / month
Grab across the cityPHP 200–500 per trip
Groceries, one personPHP 12,000–20,000 / month
Local restaurant mealPHP 150–350
CoffeePHP 120–200

Good to know

Population
≈1.85 million (city); ≈13.5 million (Metro Manila)
Languages
Filipino and English, both official; English is the language of business
Currency
Philippine peso (PHP)
Time zone
PHT (GMT+8); no daylight saving
Power plug
Type A/B/C at 220 V / 60 Hz — US-style plugs at double US voltage
Climate
Tropical — hot and humid year-round, with a June–November typhoon season
Driving side
Right
Work week
Mon–Fri, though BPO shifts follow US and European hours

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.

A note on budgeting

Rent is usually the swing factor — location and whether bills are included move the number most. Build your estimate from the rent band above, add a monthly living figure, and keep a buffer for one-off setup costs (deposits, a residence permit, a local SIM, first-month transport). Globe Quest turns this into a personalized Manila checklist so nothing setup-related catches you off guard.

Plan your move to Manila

A free, AI-personalized plan — the language, culture, and setup steps timed to your move date.