Cost Of Living For a Student in Philippines 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Philippines

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

Students in Philippines spend around 38,000 PHP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 5,700 PHP or as high as 250,000 PHP. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Philippines?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Philippines typically spend from 14% to 25% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 19% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 9,000 PHP with expenditure ranging from 1,400 PHP to 60,000 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 Philippines ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,500 PHP with 230 PHP and 10,000 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 400 PHP to 18,000 PHP in a month on commuting with 2,600 PHP being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.

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 Philippines is 7,500 PHP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,100 PHP to 50,000 PHP. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Philippines allocate 5% to 11% 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 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 340 PHP to 15,000 PHP with 2,300 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 280 PHP to 13,000 PHP with 1,900 PHP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 7,200 PHP per month with 1,100 PHP being the minimum spent amount and 48,000 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 Philippines

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Philippines?

Around 54% of surveyed students 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 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 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 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 of Philippines whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes52%

No48%

Based on the survey, 48% of the students 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 student guardians and parents in 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 students of Philippines 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%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Philippines

Rent Cost in Philippines

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

6,300 PHP

9,400 PHP

25,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110

$170

$450

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

9,400 PHP

15,000 PHP

38,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170

$270

$670

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

13,000 PHP

19,000 PHP

50,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$220

$330

$890

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

15,000 PHP

25,000 PHP

68,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$270

$450

$1,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

30,000 PHP

75,000 PHP

150,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540

$1,300

$2,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

25,000 PHP

38,000 PHP

110,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$450

$670

$1,900

House monthly rent cost

30,000 PHP

75,000 PHP

150,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540

$1,300

$2,700

Villa monthly rent cost

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 price

1.3M PHP

1.9M PHP

3.8M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$22,000

$33,000

$67,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.5M PHP

2.5M PHP

9.4M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$27,000

$45,000

$170,000

2-bedroom apartment price

2.5M PHP

7.5M PHP

15M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$45,000

$130,000

$270,000

3-bedroom apartment price

8.3M PHP

13M PHP

38M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$150,000

$220,000

$670,000

Townhouse price

11M PHP

25M PHP

94M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$190,000

$450,000

$1.7M

House price

13M PHP

75M PHP

110M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$220,000

$1.3M

$1.9M

Villa price

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.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

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

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.

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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Philippines

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

230 PHP

1,500 PHP

10,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.1

$27

$180

Internet and cable cost

380 PHP

750 PHP

1,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$6.7

$13

$18

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 1,500 PHP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 380 PHP to 1,000 PHP with 750 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 Philippines is around 6%. This means that people pay 6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Philippines

Prices and cost of goods and services in Philippines

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

Fast food combo meal price

75 PHP

150 PHP

250 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.3

$2.7

$4.5

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Philippines is approximatly 150 PHP with meal cost ranging from 75 PHP to 250 PHP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

250 PHP

380 PHP

750 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.5

$6.7

$13

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 250 PHP and 750 PHP with 380 PHP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Philippines.

Fine dining meal for one price

500 PHP

750 PHP

3,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$8.9

$13

$54

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 500 PHP to 3,000 PHP with the average cost being 750 PHP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Philippines.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

63 PHP

100 PHP

150 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$1.8

$2.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Philippines is around 100 PHP. Price ranges between 63 PHP and 150 PHP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

50 PHP

60 PHP

75 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.89

$1.1

$1.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Philippines is 60 PHP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 75 PHP and the minimum being 50 PHP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

38 PHP

50 PHP

75 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.67

$0.89

$1.3

A dozen eggs costs around 50 PHP on average with 38 PHP and 75 PHP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

85 PHP

110 PHP

160 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2

$2.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Philippines is between 85 PHP and 160 PHP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 110 PHP.

Pack of beef price

100 PHP

150 PHP

300 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.8

$2.7

$5.4

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 150 PHP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

40 PHP

55 PHP

78 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.72

$0.98

$1.4

A bag of rice in Philippines costs around 55 PHP on average with prices rangeing between 40 PHP and 78 PHP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

15 PHP

20 PHP

38 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.27

$0.36

$0.67

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 15 PHP to 38 PHP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

27 PHP

35 PHP

58 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.48

$0.63

$1

A bag of apples costs 35 PHP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Philippines is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students