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Manila, Philippines

Cost of living · 2026 · Asia · Rent +2.8% vs 2025

1-Bed Rent PHP 27,744 per month
3-Bed Rent PHP 55,487 per month
Groceries PHP 8,857 per month
Transport Pass PHP 2,027 per month
Utilities PHP 3,841 per month
Restaurant Meal PHP 277 per person

Rent trend in Manila (2022–2026)

Cost breakdown in Manila (2026)

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Estimated monthly budget in Manila

Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.

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Single person
PHP 44,689
🏠 Rent PHP 27,744
🛒 Groceries PHP 8,857
🚌 Transport PHP 2,027
💡 Utilities PHP 3,841
🍽️ Dining out PHP 2,220
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Family (3–4 people)
PHP 90,007
🏠 Rent 3-bed PHP 55,487
🛒 Groceries PHP 22,142
🚌 Transport ×2 PHP 4,055
💡 Utilities PHP 4,994
🍽️ Dining out PHP 3,329

Cost comparison — cities in Philippines (2026)

City 1-Bed Rent Groceries Transport Utilities vs Manila
Manila PHP 27,744 PHP 8,857 PHP 2,027 PHP 3,841
Cebu PHP 21,341 PHP 7,469 PHP 1,601 PHP 3,201 -23.1%
Davao PHP 17,073 PHP 6,936 PHP 1,494 PHP 2,988 -38.5%

Other Asia cities (2026)

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Manila in 2026?

In 2026, a single person living in Manila needs approximately PHP 44,689/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around PHP 90,007/month. Manila is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.

How much is rent in Manila in 2026?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Manila costs approximately PHP 27,744/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around PHP 55,487/month. Rent has changed +2.8% vs 2025.

How much do groceries cost in Manila?

Monthly grocery costs for one person in Manila are approximately PHP 8,857 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.

What does public transport cost in Manila?

A monthly public transport pass in Manila costs PHP 2,027 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.

How much are utilities in Manila?

Monthly utility costs in Manila average PHP 3,841 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.

Is Manila expensive to live in?

Manila is located in Philippines (Asia). With a 1-bed rent of PHP 27,744/month and total single-person expenses around PHP 44,689/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.

How much does eating out cost in Manila?

A typical restaurant meal for one person in Manila costs approximately PHP 277 in 2026. Budget around PHP 2,220/month if dining out a few times a week.

How have living costs in Manila changed over time?

LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Manila from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 21.3% over this period (from PHP 22,880 in 2022 to PHP 27,744 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.

What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Manila?

To live comfortably in Manila in 2026, a single person needs approximately PHP 44,689/month. This covers rent (PHP 27,744), groceries (PHP 8,857), transport (PHP 2,027), utilities (PHP 3,841) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around PHP 90,007/month.

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