Capital city in Metro Manila, Philippines
Cost of living in Manila
How much a month costs in Manila
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $1,280–2,080 (₱80,000–130,000).
Prices in Manila
Typical 2026 ranges in PHP, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | PHP | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₱30,000–60,000 | $479–958 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₱18,000–30,000 | $288–479 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₱500–1,200 | $8.0–19.2 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₱2,500–5,500 | $40–88 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₱100–200 | $1.6–3.2 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₱500–1,200 | $8.0–19.2 |
| Cappuccino | ₱150–250 | $2.4–4.0 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₱100–180 | $1.6–2.9 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₱15–50 | $0.24–0.80 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₱150–300 | $2.4–4.8 |
| Work and life | ||
| Coworking day pass | ₱500–1,200 | $8.0–19.2 |
| Gym membership (month) | ₱2,000–5,000 | $32–80 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₱400–1,000 | $6.4–16.0 |
Value for money: 40/100
A value score of 40/100 means Manila gives more quality of life per dollar than 39% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 53/100. It's the 25th most affordable of 27 places we cover in Philippines.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Philippines
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sagada | $447–719 | 99/100 |
| Banaue | $447–719 | 99/100 |
| Vigan | $479–767 | 98/100 |
| Siquijor | $559–878 | 96/100 |
| Bantayan | $607–926 | 95/100 |
| Dumaguete | $607–958 | 95/100 |
| Port Barton | $607–958 | 95/100 |
| Iloilo | $639–990 | 95/100 |
| Moalboal | $639–1,040 | 93/100 |
| La Union | $639–1,040 | 92/100 |
| Puerto Galera | $639–1,040 | 92/100 |
| Malapascua | $639–1,040 | 92/100 |
| Baguio | $671–1,120 | 93/100 |
| Davao | $719–1,120 | 89/100 |
| Tagaytay | $719–1,120 | 90/100 |
| Angeles City | $719–1,120 | 85/100 |
| Bohol | $719–1,200 | 89/100 |
| Coron | $799–1,280 | 87/100 |
| Panglao | $799–1,280 | 86/100 |
| Palawan | $799–1,360 | 85/100 |
| El Nido | $799–1,360 | 85/100 |
| Siargao | $799–1,360 | 80/100 |
| Cebu | $958–1,520 | 67/100 |
| Boracay | $1,040–1,600 | 74/100 |
| Manila | $1,280–2,080 | 40/100 |
| Makati | $1,440–2,240 | 48/100 |
| BGC | $1,440–2,240 | 42/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Manila
Similar safety, lower cost, in Southeast Asia.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Vietnam | $578–963 |
| Phong Nha | Vietnam | $539–848 |
| Sukhothai | Thailand | $656–1,040 |
| Ninh Binh | Vietnam | $539–925 |
| Mount Bromo | Indonesia | $503–783 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Manila?
About $639–878 on a lean budget, $1,280–2,080 for a comfortable month and $2,880–4,790 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Manila?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₱30,000–60,000 ($479–958) a month in the center and ₱18,000–30,000 ($288–479) outside it.
How much does food cost in Manila?
A local meal is ₱100–200 ($1.6–3.2); a mid-range restaurant is ₱500–1,200 ($8.0–19.2) per person.
Is Philippines expensive?
Prices in Philippines are about 33% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Manila
Going to Manila solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Manila meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Manila International Airport Authority (NAIA)
- LRT-1 (Light Rail Manila Corporation)
- Grab Philippines
- Department of Tourism
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.