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The cost of living in the Philippines is a key consideration for residents and expatriates alike. As a country known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and affordable lifestyle, understanding the expenses associated with daily living is essential for making informed decisions.
If you are relocating to the Philippines for higher studies, you should be aware of the updated data on the cost of living in the Philippines. This brief overview will explore the factors that influence the cost of living in the Philippines, offering insights into the affordability and regional variations within the country.
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Cost of living in the Philippines
The average cost of living in the Philippines per month for one person is around PHP 31,395 excluding rental costs. However, the average cost of rent in the Philippines is around PHP 8,000 to PHP 40,000 and can vary according to a person’s budget and lifestyle.
The cost of living in the Philippines depends on some essential factors for a person, such as housing rent, food and grocery prices, utility bills, local transportation costs and a few others. Here is an overview of the cost of living in the Philippines, with approximate amounts for various expenses:
Cost of Restaurant Food in the Philippines
The Philippines offers delicious cultural cuisine at reasonable prices. You’ll find that the average cost of a meal at an affordable restaurant in the Philippines is around PHP 200 and at a mid-range restaurant for 2 people, including three main courses, the average meal cost is around PHP 1200. Here are the approximate costs of food varieties in restaurants in the Philippines:
| Food Item | Approx Price |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | PHP 200 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | PHP 1,200 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | PHP 200 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | PHP 135 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | PHP 42 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | PHP 22 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Regina: Food, Room Rent & Transportation
Cost of Grocery in the Philippines
Grocery prices in the Philippines reflect a mix of affordability and variation, helping customers find options that suit their needs and budget. Grocery costs are primary and important if you plan to prepare meals at home and these costs can affect the cost of living in the Philippines as preferences and quality may differ. The prices of important grocery items in the Philippines market are as follows:
| Item | Approx Costs |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | PHP 98 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | PHP 68 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | PHP 52 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | PHP 115 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | PHP 410 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | PHP 237 |
| Apples (1kg) | PHP 157 |
| Banana (1kg) | PHP 83 |
| Oranges (1kg) | PHP 148 |
| Tomato (1kg) | PHP 90 |
| Potato (1kg) | PHP 114 |
| Onion (1kg) | PHP 144 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | PHP 78 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | PHP 40 |
Transportation Cost in the Philippines
Getting around the Philippines by public transportation such as buses, cabs and Jeepneys is easy. Typically, a one-way fare in the Philippines is around PHP 15. Few other transportation costs in the Philippines are given below:
| Way of Transportation in Philippines | Approx Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | PHP 15 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | PHP 600 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | PHP 40 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | PHP 14 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | PHP 150 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | PHP 67 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline | PHP 1,300,000 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort | PHP 1,164,765 |
Cost of Monthly Utilities in Philippines
For basic utilities in the Philippines, you have to pay PHP 5,928 monthly. Utility costs in the Philippines include electricity, water, cooling, heating, garbage bills, etc. We have already added these utility costs to the Cost of living in the Philippines for your convenience. In the following table, utility costs in the Philippines are given for your reference:
| Utilities | Approx Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | PHP 5,928 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | PHP 2,051 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | PHP 1,738 |
Sports and Leisure Costs in Philippines
In the Philippines, sports and leisure activities can be relatively affordable, with options ranging from beach outings to hiking adventures. However, expenses may vary depending on factors such as equipment rentals, entrance fees to recreational facilities, and transportation costs. A few costs of approximate sports and leisure in the Philippines are given in the table:
| Item | Approx Cost |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | PHP 1,834 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | PHP 300 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | PHP 300 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Chelmsford: Is it Expensive to Live in Chelmsford, UK?
Clothing and Shoe Costs in Philippines
Clothing and shoe costs in the Philippines vary depending on factors like brand, quality, and location. Generally, shoppers can find a range of options from budget-friendly to high-end in malls, markets, and speciality stores across the country. The cost of clothes and shoes in the Philippines are given below:
| Apparels | Approx Costs |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | PHP 2,281 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | PHP 1,354 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | PHP 3,888 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | PHP 3,559 |
Note: Please note that the prices are given as a range for some items. For example, the price of 1 Pair of Jeans can range from PHP 700 to PHP 4,000, and the price of 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes can range from PHP 2,499 to PHP 5,500.
Cost of Housing Rent in Philippines
Renting apartments in city centre areas can be relatively expensive compared to outside the city. The costs of housing rent in the Philippines vary depending on factors such as location and property type. However, compared to many developed countries, housing rental costs in the Philippines are often more affordable. Here is the cost of rent per month in the city centre as well as outside the city:
| Apartment Type (City Centre) | Approx Cost |
| 1 bedroom | PHP 17,557 |
| 3 bedrooms | PHP 38,540 |
| Apartment Type (Outside of Centre) | Approx Cost |
| 1 bedroom | PHP 9,743 |
| 3 bedrooms | PHP 20,173 |
If you have a budget and want to buy an apartment in the Philippines, please take a look at the table below to give you an idea of the average cost of apartments in the Philippines:
| Location | Price per Square Meter |
| City Centre | PHP 147,465 |
| Outside of Centre | PHP 75,945 |
Why Choose the Philippines?
The Philippines, a captivating tropical paradise, is enticed by its affordable cost of living, stunning landscapes, warm hospitality and prestigious universities in Philippines. With English widely spoken, the mode of communication is effortless, fostering a seamless integration for expatriates. The rich cultural heritage, combined with a vibrant expat community, offers a diverse and enriching experience.
Whether basking on pristine beaches, exploring lush mountains, or indulging in delectable culinary delights, the country caters to diverse interests. The favourable climate, ease of doing business, and growing healthcare facilities further add to its allure. Choosing the Philippines promises a fulfilling and rewarding journey, where one can embrace a laid-back lifestyle and relish the beauty of life in the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense
Cost of Living in Philippines Compared to Other Countries
In general, compared to many other major metropolitan areas across the globe the cost of living in Philippines is quite affordable. For your reference, we’ve given the cost of living in Philippines compared to other cities like USA. So to give you an idea of how affordable it is to live in Philippines compared to other countries or cities. Please have a look:
| Country Name | Average Cost of living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Philippines |
| Cost of Living in the USA | PHP 67890 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in the UK | PHP 59859 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in Australia | PHP 64095 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of living in Canada | PHP 61623 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in Singapore | PHP 65246 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in Dubai | PHP 63223 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in Thailand | PHP 33200 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in South Africa | PHP 34551 | Higher than Philippines |
| Cost of Living in Malaysia | PHP 28096 | Lower than Philippines |
The cost of living in the Philippines is diverse, influenced by factors such as location, lifestyle choices, and the size of the household. Overall, it is often considered affordable, attracting ex-pats and retirees from around the world. However, housing costs, especially in urban centres, can be higher, while rural areas offer a more economical living option. Regional variations should be considered when evaluating the overall expenses in the country.
FAQs on Cost of Living in the Philippines
Ans: The average cost of living in the Philippines is around PHP 31,395 without rent for a single person. However, the living expenses and rental costs may vary according to the area and preferences of an individual.
Ans: Generally, the cost of living in the Philippines is considered lower than in many Western countries which is around PHP 31,395 without rent, making it attractive to expats and retirees.
Ans: Common living expenses in the Philippines include rent, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and education.
Ans: The cost of accommodation in the Philippines varies greatly depending on the location and type of accommodation and ranges from PHP 8,000 to PHP 40,000. Rent in urban centres is generally more expensive than in rural areas.
Ans: Yes, there are regional differences in the cost of living. Major cities like Manila and Cebu tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller towns and provinces.
This concludes the information regarding the Cost of Living in the Philippines. If you have further questions or need assistance with your study abroad journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at Leverage Edu. We are here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.
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