Manila, the hustle and bustle of the city, the heart of the Philippines, the melting pot of culture and diversity. As one of the most populated cities in the world, living in Manila can be both exhilarating and daunting. The total cost of living in Metro Manila can be tricky to decipher, especially when it comes to salaries, the monthly cost of rent alone, and food. In this post, Vista Residences will break down these three essential aspects of living in Manila and help you make informed decisions.
What Is The Average Cost Of Living In the Philippines?
Deciding to live in the Philippines can be an exciting adventure, but one must consider the cost of living before making the move. The average cost of living in the Philippines differs depending on the city you choose to reside in. Manila, the capital city, is regarded as the most expensive in developing countries, with a higher cost of living index than other cities, while other provinces like Davao and Cebu city have lower overall costs.
Basic necessities such as food, housing, and even transportation costs are cheaper than in most developed countries. However, some items, such as luxury cars, imported goods, and imported brands of branded clothing, can be more expensive. It's essential to consider your lifestyle needs and budget before deciding on the best city to settle in the Philippines.
For those looking to relocate from other countries to the Philippines, the average cost of living will depend on their individual circumstances and priorities. However, for those seeking a more comfortable life budget-friendly option in a beautiful and welcoming country, the low cost of living in Philippines may be the perfect choice.
Metro Manila's Salaries
The salary for individuals and Filipino workers situated in Metro Manila varies greatly with the line of work, job experience, and level of expertise. The average salary varies from P15,000 to P80,000 per month, depending on your profession.
If you're a call center agent, you can expect to earn an average monthly net salary between P20,000 to P25,000 per month. For professionals in the IT industry, salaries range from P40,000 to P100,000 per month. They can even be higher if you possess a highly specialized skillset. For example, software developers may earn up to P300,000 a month.
Medical professionals in the Philippines may expect salaries of around P20,000 to P40,000 per average person per month, depending on their experience and specialization in medical care. Doctors at public hospitals will usually start out at a salary of around P30,000 to P60,000 per month, while experienced doctors could earn between P100,000 to P150,000 a month.
Metro Manila's Rent & Utilities
Rent in Manila varies greatly depending on the location and size of the property. A one-bedroom studio apartment in bustling areas may have an above-average monthly rent to cost around 15,000 PHP ($290 USD), while a two-bedroom will be about 28,000 PHP ($540 USD), and a three-bedroom for rental costs around 38,000 PHP ($735 USD).
If you're looking for housing in the city center, you'll have to pay more for it. Some of the top condominiums to consider are Vista Recto, Vista GL Taft, Tennyson Heights, and Vista Heights. Depending on your budget and lifestyle, you can check out more for their rental prices.
Utility expenses are also quite affordable in Manila. Utilities such as water, electricity, and internet range average monthly expenses from P2,500 to P4,500 a month, depending on usage. Public transportation is relatively inexpensive, with the average fare for a ride on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Metro Rail Transit (MRT) being around P15.
Metro Manila's Food & Grocery Shopping
The estimated average monthly cost of food costs because of food and grocery shopping in the Philippines is very affordable, with basic meals such as rice with vegetables or fish costing as little as 50 PHP ($1 USD). More filling meals like beef steak with eggs range from 200-250 PHP ($4-$5 USD).
Grocery shopping is also quite reasonable. A small grocery store trip may cost around 150 PHP ($3 USD), while a larger haul could be up to 1000 PHP ($20 USD) or more depending on market price and compare cost of the items purchased.
It's important to note, however, that there are a lot of street food options in Manila, and prices can vary greatly. When eating out, use common sense and be wary of haggling vendors or establishments that seem too good to be true.
Tips For Living in Metro Manila
Living in Manila can be both exciting and challenging. The city boasts a rich culture and diversity, and you can enjoy everything it offers if you know how to manage your finances. The cost of living in Metro Manila can be high, but there are ways to make it more fun and affordable. Here are a few tips:
1. Look for affordable housing options.
Consider looking outside the city center and opting for a shared room or one-bedroom apartment if you're on a budget. If you're up for investing in real estate, there are plenty of opportunities to make a good return on your investment, such as Vista Residences. You can also look for apartments and condominiums in the most expensive cities offering the best value.
2. Shop smart.
If you're looking to save on groceries, head to local markets such as Divisoria or SM Supermarket. You'll find some local brands with great quality products at a fraction of the cost compared to malls or supermarkets. It's also good to keep an eye out for discount vouchers and coupon codes when shopping local restaurants or online.
3. Cook at home.
Cooking your own meals can be an economical way to save money. You can buy ingredients from local markets and supermarkets, or look for meal delivery services like Foodpanda that offer ready-to-eat meals at a discounted price. With just a few clicks, you'll get freshly cooked meals delivered right to your doorstep. You can also get lower prices by using promo codes found online.
4. Know where to find discounts.
It pays to be savvy when it comes to shopping in the Philippines. You can look for discounts, better deals, and promos from local merchants and mid-range restaurant or save money on bigger purchases online with credit cards that offer cash back and rewards points. It's also good to check out social media pages like Facebook and Instagram for discounts, coupons, and holiday deals.
5. Make use of public transportation.
Public transportation in the Philippines is very affordable and reliable, with large cities with various options for public transport available such as jeepneys, tricycles, buses, and trains. This will save you a lot of money compared to taking cabs or rideshares in another city.
6. Plan your budget ahead of time and stick to it.
Creating a budget plan can help you save more money in the long run by using daily expenses and keeping track of what's coming in and what's going out of your monthly budget. Consider looking for ways to save, such as avoiding unnecessary purchases or taking advantage of discounts and promotions.
7. Negotiate salaries and fees.
Regarding salaries, don't be afraid to ask for what you believe you're worth. Research your profession's market rate and ensure you get the most out of your job. The same goes for any required fees or services, such as living expenses, and estimated monthly costs, such as rent or food. It never hurts to negotiate a price if you think it's fair.
8. Check out local events.
Manila is full of things to do and places to explore, many of which are free or discounted. From festivals and concerts to art galleries and markets, there's always something interesting happening in the city. Take advantage of these leisure activities and opportunities to experience Manila on a budget.
Living in the most expensive city out of Metro Manila can be an incredible journey, with its diverse landscape and bustling city life. Understanding the cost of living is key to your stay in Manila, and we hope this guide has helped you make more informed decisions. All that's left now is for you to enjoy everything the city offers!
Move Into The Condo Living Lifestyle At Vista Residences
If you’re looking for a modern lifestyle, then condo living is the way to go! Living in a condominium can provide all the amenities of a luxury home without the hassle of maintenance and the monthly costs of upkeep. Whether you’re a single person looking for an apartment or private residence, there are plenty of options in Metro Manila that can fit your budget and preferences for you to live cheaply and comfortably.
Vista Residences provides a unique lifestyle for those looking to live in the heart of Manila. They offer luxurious condominiums near popular commercial and entertainment hubs such as in major cities, such as Ayala Mall, Glorietta, SM Megamall, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, and more! Choose from studios, 1-bedroom units or large 3-bedroom suites with amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, saunas, and more.
Vista Residences also provides 24-hour security so you can rest assured that your family is safe in their secure environment. Its modern architecture and convenient location make it the perfect place to call home. So if you’re looking for a new condo living experience in Metro Manila, be sure to check out Vista Residences today!
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
