CostLens
HomePhilippines › Manila

Cost of Living in Manila

Manila, Manila, Philippines · Population 24,922,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Philippines average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₱32,338 ($553)
Couple, monthly₱58,189 ($995)
Family of four, monthly₱76,018 ($1,299)

Estimated Prices in Manila

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₱319 ($5.46)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₱1,278 ($21.84)per meal
Cappuccino₱95.82 ($1.64)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₱7,240 ($124)per month
Monthly public transport pass₱1,171 ($20.02)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₱3,088 ($52.78)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₱894 ($15.29)per month
Fitness club membership₱894 ($15.29)per month
Cinema ticket₱234 ($4.00)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₱15,876 ($271)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₱11,044 ($189)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₱33,132 ($566)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Manila is ₱31,941 ($546) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₱32,338 ($553) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₱42,039 ($719) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₱11,044 ($189)) represents about 34% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Manila

Manila vs Quezon CityManila vs Zamboanga CityManila vs DavaoManila vs Caloocan CityManila vs Taguig CityManila vs Cebu City

Nearby Cities

Binondo

1 km away · Manila

Quiapo

1 km away · Manila

Paco

2 km away · Manila

Pandacan

2 km away · Manila

Ermita

2 km away · Manila

San Miguel

2 km away · Manila

Tondo

3 km away · Manila

Santa Cruz

3 km away · Manila

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱32,338 ($553) per month in Manila including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Philippines.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Manila?
A net salary of around ₱42,039 ($719) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Manila with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Manila is ₱31,941 ($546).
How much is rent in Manila?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₱15,876 ($271) per month in the city centre and ₱11,044 ($189) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₱33,132 ($566).
Is Manila cheaper than Philippines on average?
No — Manila is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Philippines average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
Figures for Manila are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 24,922,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.