🇵🇭 Philippines Guide
How to Find Housing in Manila
Manila has everything from barangay boarding houses to modern condos. Here is how to find safe, affordable housing fast — even with no local contacts.
Night One: Transient Houses & Budget Hotels
Transient houses (short-term furnished rentals) are common in Manila. Expect ₱500–1,500/night. Many are family-run and very welcoming. Malate and Ermita in Manila have the most budget options.
- • Malate (Manila) — budget hotels and transient houses, safe area
- • Cubao (Quezon City) — central, transport hub, affordable options
- • Pasay near NAIA — convenient if you just landed, many budget hotels
Monthly Budget: What You Can Afford
Boarding house room (bedspace) in Quezon City, Caloocan, or Pasay. Shared bathroom and kitchen. Common in student areas.
Private room in a boarding house with private bathroom, WiFi, and AC. Mandaluyong, Makati, or Quezon City.
Studio or 1BR condo unit. BGC, Makati, or Ortigas area. Includes security, amenities, modern building.
How to Find a Room
- • Facebook Marketplace: Search "bedspace Manila" or "room for rent QC" — huge selection
- • Lamudi.com.ph: Philippine real estate listings with maps and photos
- • OLX Philippines: Classifieds for rooms, boarding houses, condos
- • Your barangay: Barangay halls often know of room openings in the neighborhood
- • Walk the area: Signs saying "Room for Rent" or "Bedspace Available" are everywhere in residential areas
What to Know Before Signing
- • Most boarding houses ask for 1 month deposit + 1 month advance
- • Electricity is usually included in boarding house rates — confirm before moving in
- • Condos charge electricity at Meralco rate (~₱11/kWh) plus maintenance fees
- • Barangay clearance may be required to register your residence
- • English contracts are standard — read before signing
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