Living in Manila, Philippines
Manila is one of the Philippines destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Manila city center rents for around PHP 45,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages PHP 30,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about PHP 8,900 for groceries (single person) and PHP 1,700 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Manila scores 35, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Manila starts at roughly PHP 55,600/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost PHP 700 for a mid-range meal and PHP 57 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around PHP 110. Owning a car adds approximately PHP 12,000/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Manila skip this in favour of public transport or the PHP 1,700/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Philippines offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Manila costs around PHP 1,900/month, with a family plan at PHP 5,700. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about PHP 1,600, while specialists charge around PHP 2,900. Families should budget PHP 38,000/month for international schooling, or PHP 21,000/month for a local private school.
Who does Manila suit best?
Manila works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.