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Cost of Living in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines · Population 115,747

▼ -6% vs Philippines average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₱24,336 ($416)
Couple, monthly₱43,635 ($746)
Family of four, monthly₱56,857 ($972)

Estimated Prices in Santa Cruz

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₱246 ($4.20)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₱983 ($16.80)per meal
Cappuccino₱73.71 ($1.26)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₱5,569 ($95.20)per month
Monthly public transport pass₱901 ($15.40)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₱2,375 ($40.60)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₱688 ($11.76)per month
Fitness club membership₱688 ($11.76)per month
Cinema ticket₱180 ($3.08)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₱11,437 ($196)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₱7,956 ($136)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₱23,868 ($408)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is ₱24,570 ($420) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₱24,336 ($416) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₱31,637 ($541) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₱7,956 ($136)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz vs ManilaSanta Cruz vs Quezon CitySanta Cruz vs Zamboanga CitySanta Cruz vs DavaoSanta Cruz vs Caloocan CitySanta Cruz vs Taguig City

Nearby Cities

Tondo

2 km away · Manila

Quiapo

2 km away · Manila

Binondo

2 km away · Manila

Sampaloc

2 km away · Manila

San Miguel

3 km away · Manila

Manila

3 km away · Manila

Tatalon

3 km away · Quezon

Paco

4 km away · Manila

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Cruz expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱24,336 ($416) per month in Santa Cruz including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Philippines.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Santa Cruz?
A net salary of around ₱31,637 ($541) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Cruz with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Cruz is ₱24,570 ($420).
How much is rent in Santa Cruz?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₱11,437 ($196) per month in the city centre and ₱7,956 ($136) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₱23,868 ($408).
Is Santa Cruz cheaper than Philippines on average?
Yes — Santa Cruz is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Philippines average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for Santa Cruz are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 115,747). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.