Manila is one of the most expensive cities to live in South East Asia

The cost of living in Manila can vary widely depending on the neighbourhood, lifestyle, and preferences of an individual. Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is considered one of the most expensive cities in the country as well as for the entire South East Asia region.

Recent research by e-commerce aggregator iPrice highlights that the price of a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Manila is 56% higher than in Kuala Lumpur, 47% higher than in Jakarta, 31% higher than in Ho Chi Minh, and 9% higher than in Bangkok. And that’s just Rent!

Just like in other parts of South East Asia, Landlords in the Philippines would rather let a property lie empty and crumbling, than ‘lose face’ by lowering their rental price!

In general, the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities in Manila can be relatively high compared to other parts of the Philippines and South East Asia in general. The cost of housing, in particular, can be a significant expense for residents in Manila, with prices varying depending on the type of accommodation and location.

For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a central location can cost around ₱25,000 to ₱40,000 (roughly USD 800) per month, while a similar apartment in a suburban area may cost ₱10,000 to ₱20,000 (roughly USD 400) per month. For modern, upscale Makati and BGC locations you can double/triple even these figures.

Food costs in Manila can also vary widely depending on the type of cuisine and dining experience. Street food and local eateries can cost as low as ₱50 (roughly USD 1) per meal, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around ₱300 to ₱500 (roughly USD 6 to USD 10) per person.

Compared to the rest of South East Asia, rent in Manila is very high, and the cost of electricity is astronomical for all parts of the country. Even if you exclude rental costs, the cost of living for basic food, utilities and transportation is approximately ₱30,000 per month.

Transportation costs can also add up, especially if one frequently takes taxis or ride sharing services. Public transportation such as buses and trains can be a more affordable option, with fares ranging from ₱15 to ₱30 (roughly USD 0.30 to USD 0.60) per trip.

Overall, the cost of living in Manila can be considered relatively high, but there are still ways to live comfortably on a budget. It’s important to research and compare prices, and to adjust one’s lifestyle accordingly to accommodate the expenses of living in a major city like Manila.

Cost of Electricity in the Philippines

The cost of electricity in the Philippines can vary depending on the region and the electricity supplier. In general, the cost of electricity in the Philippines is very high compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines has a tiered pricing system for electricity, with higher rates charged for higher levels of consumption. The rates can also vary depending on the time of day, with higher rates charged during peak hours.

As of 2021, the average residential electricity rate in the Philippines is around PHP 9.72 per kilowatt-hour (roughly USD 0.20). However, the actual rate can vary widely depending on the region and the electricity supplier.

Aside from the actual cost of electricity, there are also other fees and charges that can add up to the overall electricity bill, such as distribution charges, taxes, and other government-mandated fees.

It’s worth noting that there are efforts underway in the Philippines to increase the use of renewable energy sources, which could potentially lead to lower electricity rates in the future. But don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, it’s important to be very careful about electricity consumption, with air conditioning being the #1 culprit for large bills. More efficient Inverter-type air conditioning units will help lower running costs, but they will remain the main culprit of large electricity bills. Old, inefficient refrigerators are probably next as most folks now have LED TV’s (turn off Standby Mode if you can).

Cost of Internet in the Philippines

The cost of internet in the Philippines can vary widely depending on the internet service provider (ISP), location, and plan. In general, the cost of internet in the Philippines can be relatively high compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Most ISPs in the Philippines offer broadband plans with varying speeds and data allowances. The cost of these plans can range from around ₱1,000 (roughly USD 20) per month for a basic plan with speeds up to 5 Mbps and a data allowance of 150 GB, to ₱5,000 (roughly USD 100) per month or more for a premium plan with speeds up to 100 Mbps and a data allowance of 1 TB or more.

It’s worth noting that some ISPs in the Philippines also impose data caps or fair usage policies, which may limit the amount of data that can be used during peak hours. This is especially noticeable when there’s a popular Korean Drama streaming, which many filipinos are crazy about. Internet speeds can drop a lot during these periods.

Aside from broadband plans, mobile data plans are also popular in the Philippines. These plans can be more affordable than broadband plans, but may have lower speeds and data allowances. Mobile data plans can cost anywhere from around ₱50 (roughly USD 1) for a day or week of unlimited data with speed limits, to ₱2,000 (roughly USD 40) per month for a plan with high-speed data and a data allowance of 100 GB or more.

5G and eSIMS in the Philippines

*5G is available in the Philippines, but you need a 5G SIM Card (most will have this already even if you don’t realise it!) But “5G” will only show up on your phone (rather than “4G”) if your Phone is 5G – most aren’t. And before you rush-out to upgrade your phone from 4G to 5G it’s worth pointing out that 6G is on the horizon already. Yep, just like most things – as soon as you buy it – it’s out of date!

*eSIMs are also available in the Philippines, but ONLY on contract. They are not currently an option on ‘pay-as-you go’.

Overall, the cost of internet in the Philippines can be considered relatively high, but there are still affordable options available depending on one’s needs and budget. It’s important to research and compare prices and plans from different ISPs to find the best deal.