Cost Of Living For a Student in Manila 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Manila

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Manila?

Students in Manila spend around 63,000 PHP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 9,600 PHP or as high as 710,000 PHP. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Manila?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Manila typically spend from 12% to 23% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 17% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 15,000 PHP with expenditure ranging from 2,300 PHP to 170,000 PHP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Manila ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 2,100 PHP with 310 PHP and 23,000 PHP being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 620 PHP to 46,000 PHP in a month on commuting with 4,100 PHP being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 3% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 9%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Manila is 11,000 PHP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,700 PHP to 120,000 PHP. Students spend on average about 24% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 28% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Manila allocate 7% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 410 PHP to 30,000 PHP with 2,700 PHP being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 420 PHP to 31,000 PHP with 2,800 PHP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 11,000 PHP per month with 1,600 PHP being the minimum spent amount and 120,000 PHP being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Manila

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Manila?

Around 54% of surveyed students think that living in Manila 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 Manila

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 students 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 students living in Manila 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 For Students

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 students whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes52%

No48%

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

Financial Literacy in

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 student guardians and parents in Manila 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 students of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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%

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Manila

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Manila

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

310 PHP

2,100 PHP

23,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.6

$37

$410

Internet and cable cost

540 PHP

1,100 PHP

1,400 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.6

$19

$26

Mobile phone bill and charges

300 PHP

500 PHP

1,500 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.4

$8.9

$27

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 2,100 PHP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 540 PHP to 1,400 PHP with 1,100 PHP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 500 PHP but can range between 300 PHP and 1,500 PHP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Manila is around 8%. This means that people pay 8% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 13% depending on salary and location.

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Manila

Rent Cost in Manila

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

11,000 PHP

16,000 PHP

42,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$190

$280

$750

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

17,000 PHP

26,000 PHP

66,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$290

$470

$1,200

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

23,000 PHP

34,000 PHP

92,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$410

$610

$1,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

29,000 PHP

48,000 PHP

130,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$510

$850

$2,300

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

53,000 PHP

130,000 PHP

260,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$940

$2,400

$4,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

43,000 PHP

64,000 PHP

180,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$760

$1,100

$3,300

House monthly rent cost

53,000 PHP

130,000 PHP

270,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$950

$2,400

$4,700

Villa monthly rent cost

63,000 PHP

160,000 PHP

250,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,100

$2,800

$4,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Manila ranges between 11,000 PHP and 42,000 PHP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 17,000 PHP to 66,000 PHP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 23,000 PHP and 92,000 PHP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 29,000 PHP to 130,000 PHP. The average rent of a townhouse in Manila is around 64,000 PHP while house rental costs can be as high as 130,000 PHP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 63,000 PHP to 250,000 PHP per month.

Apartment and house prices in Manila

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

2.3M PHP

3.4M PHP

6.9M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$41,000

$61,000

$120,000

1-bedroom apartment price

2.9M PHP

4.8M PHP

18M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$51,000

$85,000

$320,000

2-bedroom apartment price

4.2M PHP

13M PHP

25M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$75,000

$230,000

$450,000

3-bedroom apartment price

15M PHP

22M PHP

66M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$260,000

$390,000

$1.2M

Townhouse price

20M PHP

46M PHP

170M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$350,000

$820,000

$3.1M

House price

24M PHP

140M PHP

210M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$430,000

$2.6M

$3.7M

Villa price

29M PHP

160M PHP

240M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$510,000

$2.8M

$4.3M

The average price of a studio apartment in Manila can range from 2.3M PHP to 6.9M PHP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 2.9M PHP to 18M PHP. A villa can cost you 160M PHP on average with prices ranging from 29M PHP to 240M PHP.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Manila can be x175 to x344 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x175 multiples of the average monthly salary in Manila.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Manila is around 42%. This means that people pay 42% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 28% to 55% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Manila

Prices and cost of goods and services in Manila

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

99 PHP

200 PHP

330 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.8

$3.5

$5.9

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Manila is approximatly 200 PHP with meal cost ranging from 99 PHP to 330 PHP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

350 PHP

530 PHP

1,100 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$6.3

$9.5

$19

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 350 PHP and 1,100 PHP with 530 PHP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Manila.

Fine dining meal for one price

660 PHP

990 PHP

4,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$12

$18

$71

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 660 PHP to 4,000 PHP with the average cost being 990 PHP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Manila.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

86 PHP

140 PHP

210 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2.5

$3.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Manila is around 140 PHP. Price ranges between 86 PHP and 210 PHP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

71 PHP

85 PHP

110 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.3

$1.5

$1.9

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Manila is 85 PHP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 110 PHP and the minimum being 71 PHP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

49 PHP

65 PHP

98 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.87

$1.2

$1.7

A dozen eggs costs around 65 PHP on average with 49 PHP and 98 PHP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

120 PHP

160 PHP

220 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.2

$2.8

$4

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Manila is between 120 PHP and 220 PHP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 160 PHP.

Pack of beef price

150 PHP

230 PHP

450 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.7

$4.1

$8.1

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 230 PHP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

51 PHP

70 PHP

100 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.92

$1.3

$1.8

A bag of rice in Manila costs around 70 PHP on average with prices rangeing between 51 PHP and 100 PHP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

20 PHP

27 PHP

50 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.36

$0.47

$0.89

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 20 PHP to 50 PHP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

36 PHP

48 PHP

79 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.65

$0.85

$1.4

A bag of apples costs 48 PHP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students