Cost Of Living in Philippines 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Philippines

Whether you're living in Philippines or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

74,000 PHP

per month
$1,300

5,700 PHP   $100
$13,000   740,000 PHP

Single

51,000 PHP

per month
$910

17,000 PHP   $300
$6,100   340,000 PHP

Couple

85,000 PHP

per month
$1,500

28,000 PHP   $510
$8,100   450,000 PHP

Family

110,000 PHP

per month
$2,000

40,000 PHP   $710
$11,000   630,000 PHP

Student

34,000 PHP

per month
$600

14,000 PHP   $240
$1,100   61,000 PHP
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Philippines is 51,000 PHP. Expenses can range from 17,000 PHP at the minimum level to 340,000 PHP at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Philippines is 85,000 PHP. Expenditure can range from 28,000 PHP to 450,000 PHP per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Philippines is 110,000 PHP per month. Families spend anywhere from 40,000 PHP to 630,000 PHP.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Philippines is 34,000 PHP. Students spend from 14,000 PHP to 61,000 PHP per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Philippines


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
8.8 PHP 10 PHP 12 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.18 $0.21
Fast food combo meal
75 PHP 150 PHP 250 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2.7 $4.5
Restaurant meal for one
250 PHP 380 PHP 750 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $6.7 $13
Fine dining meal for one
500 PHP 750 PHP 3,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $13 $54
Soda or Soft Drink
11 PHP 13 PHP 15 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.22 $0.27
Cappuccino or latte
63 PHP 100 PHP 150 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.8 $2.7

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
50 PHP 60 PHP 75 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.1 $1.3
Loaf of bread
9 PHP 10 PHP 12 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.18 $0.21
12 eggs
38 PHP 50 PHP 75 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.67 $0.89 $1.3
Fresh whole chicken
85 PHP 110 PHP 160 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $2.8
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
100 PHP 150 PHP 300 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.7 $5.4
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
40 PHP 55 PHP 78 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.72 $0.98 $1.4
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
15 PHP 20 PHP 38 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.27 $0.36 $0.67
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
27 PHP 35 PHP 58 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.63 $1

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
63 PHP 75 PHP 150 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.3 $2.7
Average car full tank
380 PHP 500 PHP 1,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $8.9 $18
Average car 1-day rental
380 PHP 500 PHP 750 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $8.9 $13
Average car price
190,000 PHP 380,000 PHP 500,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,300 $6,700 $8,900
Bus ticket one way
13 PHP 19 PHP 38 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.22 $0.33 $0.67
Car Service
500 PHP 750 PHP 1,500 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.9 $13 $27

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
1,000 PHP 3,100 PHP 20,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $55 $370
Utility Bill - Couple
1,400 PHP 4,300 PHP 23,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $76 $410
Utility Bill - Family
1,200 PHP 3,400 PHP 19,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $61 $330
Internet and cable
380 PHP 750 PHP 1,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $13 $18
Mobile phone charges
300 PHP 500 PHP 1,500 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.4 $8.9 $27

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
190 PHP 250 PHP 380 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4.5 $6.7
One month gym membership
600 PHP 750 PHP 1,500 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $13 $27

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
440 PHP 630 PHP 940 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.9 $11 $17
Woman dress
420 PHP 580 PHP 1,900 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.4 $10 $33
Woman shoes
390 PHP 540 PHP 1,300 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7 $9.6 $22
Men's shoes
340 PHP 420 PHP 830 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.1 $7.4 $15
Men suit
380 PHP 470 PHP 2,500 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.7 $8.4 $45
Regular t-shirt
190 PHP 250 PHP 750 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4.5 $13

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
6,300 PHP 9,400 PHP 25,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $450
1-bedroom apartment
9,400 PHP 15,000 PHP 38,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $270 $670
2-bedroom apartment
13,000 PHP 19,000 PHP 50,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $890

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
1.3M PHP 1.9M PHP 3.8M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22,000 $33,000 $67,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.5M PHP 2.5M PHP 9.4M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $45,000 $170,000
2-bedroom apartment
2.5M PHP 7.5M PHP 15M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $130,000 $270,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
7,500 PHP 9,400 PHP 13,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $170 $220
Double Bed
5,000 PHP 7,500 PHP 9,400 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $130 $170
Single Bed
4,400 PHP 5,800 PHP 7,500 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $100 $130
Living Room
8,300 PHP 11,000 PHP 38,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $190 $670
Dining Table
3,800 PHP 5,000 PHP 9,400 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$67 $89 $170
Sofa or Couch
5,000 PHP 6,800 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $120 $270

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
5,000 PHP 7,500 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$89 $130 $270
Fridge or Freezer
4,400 PHP 6,800 PHP 9,400 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79 $120 $170
Washing Machine
5,800 PHP 8,300 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $150 $270
Stove or Cooker
5,400 PHP 6,800 PHP 9,400 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$96 $120 $170
Mobile Phone
6,300 PHP 7,500 PHP 11,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $130 $190
Laptop or Computer
6,800 PHP 8,300 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $270

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Philippines

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

85%

78% to 94%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%5%
50% - 60%10%
60% - 70%17%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%18%
90% - 100%10%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Philippines is 85% This means that on average, people spend around 85% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 17% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
77%
Spending-Income-Ratio
70%
85%

Couple
81%
Spending-Income-Ratio
74%
89%

Family
89%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
99%

How do people spend their money in Philippines?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure25%

25% of total expenses on average (14% to 33%)

LOW$30   1,700 PHP
AVERAGE$400   22,000 PHP
HIGH$4,000   220,000 PHP
Per Month

People living in Philippines typically spend from 14% to 33% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 25% being the average. The average spend on housing is 22,000 PHP with expenditure ranging from 1,700 PHP to 220,000 PHP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (4% to 11%)

LOW$5.1   280 PHP
AVERAGE$66   3,700 PHP
HIGH$660   37,000 PHP
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Philippines ranges from 4% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 3,700 PHP with 280 PHP and 37,000 PHP being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$10   570 PHP
AVERAGE$130   7,400 PHP
HIGH$1,300   74,000 PHP
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 570 PHP to 74,000 PHP on commuting with 7,400 PHP being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW$25   1,400 PHP
AVERAGE$330   18,000 PHP
HIGH$3,300   180,000 PHP
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Philippines is 18,000 PHP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,400 PHP to 180,000 PHP. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$7.1   400 PHP
AVERAGE$92   5,200 PHP
HIGH$920   52,000 PHP
Per Month

People in Philippines allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 400 PHP to 52,000 PHP with 5,200 PHP being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)

LOW$4.1   230 PHP
AVERAGE$53   3,000 PHP
HIGH$530   30,000 PHP
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 230 PHP to 30,000 PHP with 3,000 PHP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 9% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$6.1   340 PHP
AVERAGE$79   4,400 PHP
HIGH$790   44,000 PHP
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 4,400 PHP per month with 340 PHP being the minimum spent amount and 44,000 PHP being the maximum.

Other Expenses13%

13% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$13   740 PHP
AVERAGE$170   9,600 PHP
HIGH$1,700   96,000 PHP
Per Month

How much money can you save in Philippines every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Philippines manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
57%
Not Saving
43%

Almost 57% of the surveyed people in Philippines said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 43% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Philippines

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles61%39%
Couples56%44%
Families51%49%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

11% 19% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

1,800 PHP
$32
24,000 PHP
$420
240,000 PHP
$4,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 11% to 31% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 19% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 24,000 PHP on average with savings ranging from 1,800 PHP to 240,000 PHP.

61% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 56% of couples said the same. 51% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Philippines?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 23% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

5,500 PHP
$97
16,000 PHP
$290
110,000 PHP
$1,900
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%30%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%15%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 14% to 33% of their monthly income to savings, with 23% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 16,000 PHP with 5,500 PHP and 110,000 PHP being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

9,100 PHP
$160
27,000 PHP
$490
150,000 PHP
$2,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 12% to 32% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 27,000 PHP with 9,100 PHP and 150,000 PHP being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

10% 18% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

13,000 PHP
$230
36,000 PHP
$650
200,000 PHP
$3,600
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%37%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%7%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Philippines can save anywhere between 10% to 29% of their monthly income, with 18% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 36,000 PHP with 13,000 PHP and 200,000 PHP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Philippines

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Philippines?


Yes
54%
No
46%

Around 54% of surveyed residents think that living in Philippines is affordable with proper budgeting while 46% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Philippines

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options56%

Few low-cost options44%


Based on the survey, 56% of the people living in Philippines have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 44% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Philippines whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes52%

No48%


Based on the survey, 48% of the people living in Philippines said that they don't have an emergency fund while 52% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Philippines

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy49%


We asked residents of Philippines whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 51% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 49% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Philippines have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 47% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 53% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance47%

Easily manages finances53%

Financial goals of people in Philippines

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Philippines, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction37%
Retirement Savings9%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 37% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 9% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Philippines

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Philippines. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later19%
Inflation12%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 19% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 12% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Philippines

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Philippines

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Philippines and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Philippines is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Philippines:
AgeAmount
25200,000 PHP
30390,000 PHP
35680,000 PHP
40980,000 PHP
451.5M PHP
502M PHP
552.4M PHP
603M PHP
653.6M PHP

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Philippines about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job12%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Philippines

13,000 PHP
$220
38,000 PHP
$670
250,000 PHP
$4,500
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Philippines


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
30%
Debt Free
70%

According to the survey, 30% of the people in Philippines have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Philippines

Debt to income ratio

30%

22% to 39%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Philippines goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%13%
30% - 40%15%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Philippines pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 13% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 15% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Philippines

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan19%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan39%

11% of debtors in Philippines confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 19% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Philippines.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Philippines

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Philippines how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Philippines

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Philippines

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
6,300 PHP 9,400 PHP 25,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $170 $450
1-bedroom apartment
9,400 PHP 15,000 PHP 38,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $270 $670
2-bedroom apartment
13,000 PHP 19,000 PHP 50,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $330 $890
3-bedroom apartment
15,000 PHP 25,000 PHP 68,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $450 $1,200
Furnished apartment
30,000 PHP 75,000 PHP 150,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $1,300 $2,700
Townhouse
25,000 PHP 38,000 PHP 110,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $670 $1,900
House
30,000 PHP 75,000 PHP 150,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $1,300 $2,700
Villa
38,000 PHP 94,000 PHP 150,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $1,700 $2,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Philippines ranges between 6,300 PHP and 25,000 PHP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 9,400 PHP to 38,000 PHP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 13,000 PHP and 50,000 PHP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 15,000 PHP to 68,000 PHP. The average rent of a townhouse in Philippines is around 38,000 PHP while house rental costs can be as high as 75,000 PHP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 38,000 PHP to 150,000 PHP per month.



Apartment and house prices in Philippines

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
1.3M PHP 1.9M PHP 3.8M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22,000 $33,000 $67,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.5M PHP 2.5M PHP 9.4M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27,000 $45,000 $170,000
2-bedroom apartment
2.5M PHP 7.5M PHP 15M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$45,000 $130,000 $270,000
3-bedroom apartment
8.3M PHP 13M PHP 38M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $220,000 $670,000
Townhouse
11M PHP 25M PHP 94M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190,000 $450,000 $1.7M
House
13M PHP 75M PHP 110M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $1.3M $1.9M
Villa
15M PHP 83M PHP 130M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270,000 $1.5M $2.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Philippines can range from 1.3M PHP to 3.8M PHP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.5M PHP to 9.4M PHP. A villa can cost you 83M PHP on average with prices ranging from 15M PHP to 130M PHP.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Philippines will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


36 x103 monthly income 202
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Philippines can be x103 to x202 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x103 multiples of the average monthly salary in Philippines.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


20% 30% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Philippines is around 30%. This means that people pay 30% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 20% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


110 PHP 1,500 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


Single
Spending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Philippines

Housing31%

31% of total expenses on average (19% to 43%)

LOW$110   6,100 PHP
AVERAGE$330   18,000 PHP
HIGH$2,200   120,000 PHP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$18   1,000 PHP
AVERAGE$55   3,100 PHP
HIGH$370   20,000 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$24   1,400 PHP
AVERAGE$73   4,100 PHP
HIGH$490   27,000 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$49   2,700 PHP
AVERAGE$150   8,200 PHP
HIGH$970   55,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$27   1,500 PHP
AVERAGE$82   4,600 PHP
HIGH$550   31,000 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (3% to 6%)

LOW$15   850 PHP
AVERAGE$46   2,600 PHP
HIGH$300   17,000 PHP
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$6.1   340 PHP
AVERAGE$18   1,000 PHP
HIGH$120   6,800 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$55   3,100 PHP
AVERAGE$160   9,200 PHP
HIGH$1,100   61,000 PHP
Per Month


Couple
Average monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Philippines

Housing28%

28% of total expenses on average (21% to 38%)

LOW$170   9,400 PHP
AVERAGE$500   28,000 PHP
HIGH$2,700   150,000 PHP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$25   1,400 PHP
AVERAGE$76   4,300 PHP
HIGH$410   23,000 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$61   3,400 PHP
AVERAGE$180   10,000 PHP
HIGH$970   55,000 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$71   4,000 PHP
AVERAGE$210   12,000 PHP
HIGH$1,100   64,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$56   3,100 PHP
AVERAGE$170   9,400 PHP
HIGH$890   50,000 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$30   1,700 PHP
AVERAGE$91   5,100 PHP
HIGH$490   27,000 PHP
Per Month

Education2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$10   570 PHP
AVERAGE$30   1,700 PHP
HIGH$160   9,100 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$86   4,800 PHP
AVERAGE$260   14,000 PHP
HIGH$1,400   77,000 PHP
Per Month


Family
Average monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Philippines

Housing27%

27% of total expenses on average (22% to 37%)

LOW$230   13,000 PHP
AVERAGE$650   36,000 PHP
HIGH$3,600   200,000 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 8%)

LOW$57   3,200 PHP
AVERAGE$160   9,100 PHP
HIGH$890   50,000 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries20%

20% of total expenses on average (13% to 26%)

LOW$130   7,200 PHP
AVERAGE$370   20,000 PHP
HIGH$2,000   110,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (6% to 15%)

LOW$57   3,200 PHP
AVERAGE$160   9,100 PHP
HIGH$890   50,000 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$36   2,000 PHP
AVERAGE$100   5,700 PHP
HIGH$560   31,000 PHP
Per Month

Education14%

14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)

LOW$99   5,600 PHP
AVERAGE$280   16,000 PHP
HIGH$1,600   88,000 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses15%

15% of total expenses on average (8% to 20%)

LOW$85   4,800 PHP
AVERAGE$240   14,000 PHP
HIGH$1,300   75,000 PHP
Per Month


Student
Cost of living and expenses break down for students living in Philippines

Housing19%

19% of total expenses on average (14% to 25%)

LOW$58   3,200 PHP
AVERAGE$140   8,100 PHP
HIGH$260   15,000 PHP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$9.6   540 PHP
AVERAGE$24   1,400 PHP
HIGH$43   2,400 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$17   950 PHP
AVERAGE$42   2,400 PHP
HIGH$76   4,300 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries22%

22% of total expenses on average (16% to 26%)

LOW$48   2,700 PHP
AVERAGE$120   6,800 PHP
HIGH$220   12,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$14   810 PHP
AVERAGE$36   2,000 PHP
HIGH$65   3,600 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$12   680 PHP
AVERAGE$30   1,700 PHP
HIGH$54   3,000 PHP
Per Month

Education19%

19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$46   2,600 PHP
AVERAGE$110   6,400 PHP
HIGH$210   12,000 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$36   2,000 PHP
AVERAGE$90   5,100 PHP
HIGH$160   9,100 PHP
Per Month
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