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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. 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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Also Read: Universities in Philippines
Why Choose the Philippines?
The Philippines, a captivating tropical paradise, entices with its affordable cost of living, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. With English widely spoken, 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: MBBS in the Philippines for Indian Students
Cost of living in the Philippines
Here is an overview of the cost of living in Norway, with approximate amounts for various expenses:
Restaurants
Here are the approximate cost of food varieties in restaurants of the Philippines:
| Item | Price (₱) |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 200 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 1,200.00 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 180 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 134.89 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | 40.57 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | 21.94 |
Markets
Here is the cost of important things in the Philippines market:
| Item | Price (₱) |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 93.76 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 65.49 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 50.71 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 99.22 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 382.45 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 229.13 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 366.74 |
| Apples (1kg) | 151.83 |
| Banana (1kg) | 79.77 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 141.36 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 83.62 |
| Potato (1kg) | 102.83 |
| Onion (1kg) | 122.6 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 74.86 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 39.55 |
Transportation
Here is the cost of transportation in the Philippines:
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 15.00 ₱ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 565.22 ₱ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 40.00 ₱ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 14.00 ₱ |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 120.00 ₱ |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | 71.72 ₱ |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline | 1,300,000.00 ₱ |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort | 1,130,210.56 ₱ |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Aberdeen
Utilities (Monthly)
Monthly utility expenses in approximate cost:
| Item | Price (PHP) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 5,556.13 ₱ |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 2,499.00 ₱ |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 1,959.73 ₱ |
Sports and Leisure
Cost of approximate sports and leisure in the Philippines are given in the table:
| Item | Price (PHP) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 1,861.79 ₱ |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 300.46 ₱ |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 300.00 ₱ |
Childcare
Cost of taking care of a child in the Philippines:
| Item | Price (PHP) |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | 8,253.29 ₱ |
| International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child | 270,526.98 ₱ |
Also Read: Top Colleges for MBBS in the Philippines
Clothing and Shoes
The cost of clothes and shoes in the Philippines:
| Item | Price (PHP) |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | 2,173.90 ₱ |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) | 1,364.85 ₱ |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | 3,799.71 ₱ |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | 3,371.22 ₱ |
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 700.00 ₱ to 4,000.00 ₱, and the price of 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes can range from 2,499.00 ₱ to 5,500.00 ₱.
Rent Per Month
Here is the cost of rent per month in the city center as well as outside the city:
| Apartment Type (City Centre) | Price (PHP) |
| 1 bedroom | 18,082.79 ₱ |
| 3 bedrooms | 39,311.83 ₱ |
| Apartment Type (Outside of Centre) | Price (PHP) |
| 1 bedroom | 9,854.26 ₱ |
| 3 bedrooms | 21,484.99 ₱ |
Buy Apartment
The average cost of apartments in Philippines:
| Location | Price per Square Meter (PHP) |
| City Centre | 142,098.05 ₱ |
| Outside of Centre | 73,551.92 ₱ |
Salaries And Financing
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax):
This refers to the average amount of money an individual earns per month after all taxes and deductions have been taken out from their gross salary. In the Philippines, the average monthly net salary is 17,265.63 ₱ (Philippine Peso). This is the amount of money an employee would have available for spending, saving, and covering living expenses after taxes are deducted.
Mortgage Interest Rate (%):
The mortgage interest rate represents the annual percentage rate at which a financial institution charges interest on a mortgage loan. In this case, the interest rate is 7.15% per year. It is specified as the interest charged on a mortgage with a fixed-rate structure over a period of 20 years.
Note: The average monthly net salary (after tax) in the Philippines is 17,265.63 ₱.
The mortgage interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage is 7.15% per year.
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 centers, 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
Ans: Generally, the cost of living in the Philippines is considered lower than in many Western countries, making it attractive to expats and retirees.
Ans: Common living expenses in the Philippines include rent, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and education.
Ans: Housing costs in the Philippines vary greatly depending on the location and type of accommodation. Renting in urban centers 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 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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