The Cost of Living in Manila: An Overview of Expenses and Budgeting Tips

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a bustling metropolis with lots of opportunities for work and leisure. But before you decide to move to this city, it’s crucial to get an idea of the cost of living. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the expenses you can expect in Manila and provide some budgeting tips to help you make the most of your money.

Housing Costs in Manila

If you’re planning to rent accommodation in Manila, expect to pay around PHP 10,000 to PHP 30,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and quality of the unit. Condominiums tend to be more expensive, ranging from PHP 20,000 to PHP 50,000 per month. In contrast, if you’re looking for a house, you might find it’s more affordable in suburban areas outside the city center, where prices range from PHP 20,000 to PHP 50,000 per month. If you prefer buying property, the average cost of a small studio apartment in the central business district is around PHP 3,000,000 to PHP 5,000,000, while larger properties like townhouses and condos can go up to PHP 20,000,000 or more.

Transportation Costs in Manila

Manila has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, jeepneys, taxis, and ride-sharing apps like Grab and Angkas. The fare for a single ride on the MRT or LRT train lines is around PHP 15 to PHP 30, while bus and jeepney fares vary depending on the distance and route, but they usually range from PHP 9 to PHP 20. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available, but they’re more expensive, with fares starting from around PHP 75 to PHP 100 plus additional charges for distance and time. If you’re a foreigner, you might also need to consider the cost of getting a driver’s license if you plan on driving.

Food and Beverage Costs in Manila

The cost of food in Manila varies depending on where you dine. Eating at fancy restaurants or popular bars could cost you around PHP 500 to PHP 1500 for a meal with drinks. However, if you opt for street food, hawker stalls, or local eateries, you can expect to pay around PHP 50 to PHP 200 per meal. For groceries, you can shop at supermarkets like SM or Puregold, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to imported products. The average cost of a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four is approximately PHP 5,000 to PHP 8,000.

Utilities Costs in Manila

The cost of utilities in Manila is relatively affordable, with electricity rates ranging from PHP 8.00 to PHP 11.00 per kWh, depending on the provider and usage. Water rates are also reasonable, with an average cost of around PHP 30 to PHP 60 per cubic meter. If you plan on using the internet, expect to pay around PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,000 per month for a high-speed connection, depending on the provider and the speed you want.

Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Manila

Manila has a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment and leisure, from shopping malls to museums and amusement parks. If you’re planning to catch a movie, tickets cost around PHP 170 to PHP 400 in cinemas, while admission fees to theme parks like Enchanted Kingdom or Manila Ocean Park start at around PHP 600 to PHP 1,000. If you’re into drinking and clubbing, expect to pay around PHP 500 to PHP 2,000 per night for alcohol and entrance fees, depending on the venue.

Budgeting Tips for Living in Manila

Here are some tips on how to budget and save money while living in Manila:

1. Look for affordable accommodation in less expensive areas outside the city center, but make sure you consider the additional transportation costs.
2. Use public transportation instead of taking taxis or ride-sharing apps to save on transportation costs.
3. Look for local eateries or cook your own meals to save money on food expenses.
4. Bargain when shopping at local markets or haggling with taxis to get a better deal.
5. Avoid buying unnecessary items or impulse purchases to save money on entertainment and leisure expenses.

Conclusion

Living in Manila can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and planning, it’s possible to live comfortably on a modest income. The key is to do your research, find affordable solutions, and stick to a budget. With a bit of effort and some careful planning, you can make the most of your time in Manila without breaking the bank.