Thinking of relocating to the Philippines? You’re not alone. With its low cost of living, modern infrastructure, and welcoming communities, it’s a popular choice for expats, retirees, and digital nomads alike.
In this guide, Remitly breaks down the cost of living in the Philippines in 2025, covering everything from rent and utilities to groceries, transport, and more. Whether you’re planning a long-term move or just exploring your options, this article will help you get a clear picture of what life might cost in this vibrant Southeast Asian nation.
Getting to know the Philippines
The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, home to approximately 114 million people. Over 80% of the population practices Christianity, which shapes much of the country’s culture and traditions.
Language and culture
With Filipino and English as the official languages, the Philippines is one of the easiest countries to settle into if you’re coming from an English-speaking nation. This bilingual environment makes daily life, work, and socializing more accessible for expats.
The country uses the Philippine peso (PHP) as its official currency, and prices are generally much lower than in many Western countries, adding to its appeal.
Beyond the language, the country boasts incredible natural wonders like the world’s largest underground river and has several volcanic mountains. For fun, locals and visitors enjoy activities like karaoke sessions, nature excursions, swimming, sunbathing, and playing basketball—a national pastime.
Cost of housing and rent in the Philippines
How much you’ll spend on housing in the Philippines depends on a few key factors, such as location, property size, and currency exchange rates. Urban areas like Manila tend to be more expensive, while costs drop significantly in smaller cities and rural areas.
Renting in Manila
If you’re planning to live in the capital:
- A two-bedroom apartment in Manila’s city center costs around $500 USD (PHP28,000) per month
- A similar apartment outside the city center costs around $270 USD (PHP15,000)
- A three-bedroom apartment in the city center jumps to roughly $1,700 USD (PHP95,000)
- A similar one outside the city center costs around $650 USD (PHP36,000)
Buying property in Manila
Looking to buy instead of rent?
- In the city center, expect to pay around $3,500 USD per square meter
- Outside the city center, this drops to about $2,500 USD per square meter
As in most countries around the world, the further away you move from bigger cities, the cost of housing drops significantly.
Housing costs in Davao and smaller cities
Prices are much lower outside major urban hubs like Manila. In Davao, for example:
- A one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $300 USD, while a similar unit outside the city center is about $170 USD
- A three-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about $750 USD, while a similar apartment on the outskirts can cost about $370 USD
If you’re buying in Davao:
- Property in the city center averages around $2,000 USD per square meter
- Outside the city center, it’s closer to $1,500 USD per square meter
Food and groceries
Like anywhere else in the world, how much you spend on food in the Philippines will depend on where you live, how often you eat out, and whether you buy in bulk. That said, food prices in the Philippines are generally quite affordable, especially if you buy local produce.
Average grocery prices
Here’s what you can expect to pay at the grocery store for common basic items (all prices in USD):
- A liter of regular milk: $1.80
- 500g loaf of white bread: $1.30
- 12 regular eggs: $2.00
- 1kg of rice: $1.00
- 1kg of local cheese: $6.20
- 1kg of chicken fillets: $5.00
- 1kg of apples: $3.00
- 1kg of tomatoes: $1.40
- 1kg of beef round: $8.80
Eating out
Prefer to skip the cooking? Eating out is also relatively budget-friendly:
- A meal at a casual local restaurant: around $4 USD
- A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: roughly $21 USD
- A soft drink like Coke or Pepsi: $0.70 USD
- A regular cappuccino: $2.40 USD
Whether you’re picking up groceries or enjoying an evening out, you’ll find that food costs in the Philippines are more friendly on the wallet compared to the US.
Getting around: transportation in the Philippines
Are you commuting within a city or planning to travel across islands? No worries, because the Philippines offers a variety of affordable transport options.
Public and private transport options
The country has a well-developed network of ports, airports, roads, and railways, so you can travel by land, sea, or air. Within cities and towns, it’s common to see:
- Motorcycles and tricycles: popular for short trips, especially in rural and suburban areas
- Jeepneys: a colorful, low-cost local favorite for urban transport
- Buses and trains: great for long distances or travelling between cities
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: apps such as Angkas, JoyRide, and Grab are available in big cities
- Personal cars and motorbikes: ideal if you want more independence
Transport costs at a glance (prices in USD)
- Gasoline: approx. $1.20 per liter
- Taxi fare: approx. $0.30 per kilometer
- Bus fares: start at ~$5, depending on distance and bus type
- Train fare: starts at around $0.30
Utilities and internet
Again, the cost of utilities in the Philippines will vary depending on your household size, location, and usage habits, but overall, they’re relatively affordable compared to US standards.
What you’ll pay for basic utilities
Expect to spend anything from $100 to $200 USD per month for essentials like:
- Electricity
- Water
- Garbage disposal
Bear in mind that things like running the air conditioning regularly or using high-energy appliances will bump up your bill.
Mobile and internet plans
Staying connected in the Philippines is simple and affordable:
- Mobile plan with calls and 10 GB+ of data: $30 USD per month
- Home internet (60+ Mbps): $30 USD per month
Fast, reliable internet is available in most cities, and mobile coverage is decent in most populated areas, though it can get patchy in some remote regions.
Cost of healthcare in the Philippines
Healthcare in the Philippines is a mix of public and private services. While public healthcare focuses on preventive and primary care, private facilities offer more specialized treatments, including cardiology, oncology, pulmonology, and orthopedics.
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
In 2019, the government introduced the Universal Health Care program to provide all Filipino citizens with access to basic healthcare services. Under this common insurance cover, all residents are automatically enrolled in the national health program, helping to reduce the burden of medical care.
Unfortunately, this does not cover foreign residents or expats, meaning you’ll likely need to pay out of your pocket or take out private insurance.
What can expats expect to pay?
The Philippines is a growing hub for medical tourism, thanks to its highly skilled workforce, modern healthcare facilities, and English-speaking professionals.
Here’s a breakdown of typical healthcare costs for expats:
- General doctor consultation: $30-$60 USD
- Specialist consultation: $80-$120 USD
- One-night hospital stay: $80-$250 USD (depending on facility and location)
Getting private health insurance
Many expats choose to purchase private health insurance to lower costs and gain access to some of the best hospitals in the country. Plans vary in coverage in price, so it’s worth comparing options based on your needs and whether you plan to travel. Some popular companies are AXA, Pacific Blue Cross, and Allianz.
Miscellaneous living expenses
From entertainment and fitness to education and clothing, here are some day-to-day and other additional expenses you can expect while living in the Philippines.
Fitness and leisure
Staying fit doesn’t have to break the bank:
- Monthly gym membership: Around $30 USD (PHP1,700)
- Tennis court rental: About $5 USD per hour on weekends
- Cinema ticket: Around $6 USD (PHP275)
Entertainment is generally much cheaper in the Philippines compared to countries like the US.
Education costs
If you’re moving with children or planning to start a family, here are some typical education expenses:
- Full-day preschool/kindergarten: Around $110 USD monthly
- International primary school: Approximately $4,800 USD annually
Clothing and shopping
The cost of clothing varies depending on where you shop:
- Pair of jeans (branded/high street): Around $40 USD
- Summer dress (chain store): About $25 USD
Local markets and street vendors may offer cheaper alternatives, especially for everyday clothing.
Estimated monthly budgets:
Family of four: Around $2,000 USD per month (approx. PHP110,000) excluding rent
- US comparison: Around $4,000 USD per month (approx. PHP220,000) excluding rent
Single person: Around $600 USD per month (PHP35,000) excluding rent
- US comparison: Around $1,000 USD per month (PHP56,000) excluding rent
The costs will be higher if you live a luxurious lifestyle, but can also decrease if you live more frugally. It’s worth pointing out that the current exchange rates can also determine how far your money can stretch.
Tips for saving money
Use budgeting apps like Cleo, Finhabits, or Mint to track spending and set savings goals. Shop at local markets instead of supermarkets for fresh produce and generally lower prices. Buy in bulk, especially non-perishable staples like rice, fruits, and vegetables. Cook at home regularly rather than eating out, which can add up quickly over time.
The Philippines is an attractive destination for many reasons: modern infrastructure, a rich culinary scene, welcoming communities, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re drawn by the tropical climate or affordable lifestyle, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, the cost of living is 116% lower than in the United States, making it an excellent option for expats, digital nomads, and retirees.
FAQs
Does the Philippine government offer Universal Health Care coverage to expats?
No. The UHC is only available to Filipinos, which means expats must pay out of pocket for services or enroll in a private insurance plan.
Can foreigners buy property in the Philippines?
Yes. Foreigners can buy property in the Philippines, but not the land it sits on. The country’s law forbids foreigners from owning land.
Can I use my US driving license in the Philippines?
Yes, you can use your US driving license for up to 90 days starting from the date of arrival. You are required to get a Philippine driving license after these 90 days have passed.