🇵🇭 Philippines Guide
Cost of Living in Manila
Manila is more expensive than Southeast Asian neighbors, but BPO salaries and English skills make it manageable. Here is the real monthly breakdown.
Survival Budget
₱15,000–25,000/month ($268–446)| Bedspace / shared room | ₱3,000–5,000 |
| Food (carinderia, turo-turo) | ₱4,000–7,000 |
| Transport (jeepney, LRT/MRT) | ₱1,500–3,000 |
| Phone load / data | ₱300–500 |
| Misc | ₱1,000–2,000 |
Stable Budget
₱25,000–45,000/month ($446–803)| Private room with AC and bathroom | ₱6,000–12,000 |
| Food (mix of carinderia and restaurants) | ₱7,000–12,000 |
| Transport (Grab + jeepney) | ₱3,000–5,000 |
| Phone plan (Globe/Smart) | ₱499–999 |
| Misc | ₱2,000–4,000 |
Comfortable Budget
₱45,000–80,000/month ($803–1,428)| Studio / 1BR condo in BGC or Makati | ₱18,000–35,000 |
| Food (restaurants, groceries) | ₱10,000–18,000 |
| Transport (Grab, car share) | ₱5,000–8,000 |
| Phone + internet | ₱1,000–2,000 |
| PhilHealth + misc | ₱3,000–5,000 |
Real Prices in Manila
| Tapsilog (tapa, sinangag, itlog breakfast) | ₱60–120 |
| Lunch at carinderia (ulam + rice) | ₱60–100 |
| San Miguel beer (bottle) | ₱40–80 |
| LRT/MRT one-way ride | ₱15–35 |
| Grab Car (5km) | ₱80–150 |
| Jeepney ride | ₱13–25 |
| Globe GoSurf 50 (2GB) | ₱50 |
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