Cost Of Living For a Student in Valenzuela 2025

Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: PHP
Average monthly spending for students in Valenzuela
How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Valenzuela?
Students in Valenzuela spend around 39,000 PHP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 5,900 PHP or as high as 260,000 PHP. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

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.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Valenzuela

Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
520 PHP | 780 PHP | 3,100 PHP |
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples

Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
390 PHP | 520 PHP | 1,000 PHP |
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
200,000 PHP | 390,000 PHP | 520,000 PHP |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
520 PHP | 780 PHP | 1,600 PHP |

Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Student
240 PHP | 1,600 PHP | 10,000 PHP |
Internet and cable
390 PHP | 780 PHP | 1,000 PHP |
Mobile phone charges
310 PHP | 520 PHP | 1,600 PHP |
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
630 PHP | 780 PHP | 1,600 PHP |

Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
440 PHP | 600 PHP | 2,000 PHP |
Woman shoes
410 PHP | 560 PHP | 1,300 PHP |
Men's shoes
Men suit
390 PHP | 490 PHP | 2,600 PHP |
Regular t-shirt

Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
6,500 PHP | 9,800 PHP | 26,000 PHP |
1-bedroom apartment
9,800 PHP | 16,000 PHP | 39,000 PHP |
2-bedroom apartment
13,000 PHP | 20,000 PHP | 52,000 PHP |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
1.6M PHP | 2.6M PHP | 9.8M PHP |
2-bedroom apartment
2.6M PHP | 7.8M PHP | 16M PHP |
$47,000 | $140,000 | $280,000 |

Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
7,800 PHP | 9,800 PHP | 13,000 PHP |
Double Bed
5,200 PHP | 7,800 PHP | 9,800 PHP |
Single Bed
4,600 PHP | 6,000 PHP | 7,800 PHP |
Living Room
8,700 PHP | 11,000 PHP | 39,000 PHP |
Dining Table
3,900 PHP | 5,200 PHP | 9,800 PHP |
Sofa or Couch
5,200 PHP | 7,100 PHP | 16,000 PHP |

Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
5,200 PHP | 7,800 PHP | 16,000 PHP |
Fridge or Freezer
4,600 PHP | 7,100 PHP | 9,800 PHP |
Washing Machine
6,000 PHP | 8,700 PHP | 16,000 PHP |
Stove or Cooker
5,600 PHP | 7,100 PHP | 9,800 PHP |
Mobile Phone
6,500 PHP | 7,800 PHP | 11,000 PHP |
Laptop or Computer
7,100 PHP | 8,700 PHP | 16,000 PHP |

Low-cost alternatives in Valenzuela
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 options59%
Few low-cost options42%
Based on the survey, 59% of the students living in Valenzuela have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 42% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Affordable living in Valenzuela
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Valenzuela?
Around 56% of surveyed students think that living in Valenzuela is affordable with proper budgeting while 44% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
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.
Yes54%
No46%
Based on the survey, 46% of the students living in Valenzuela said that they don't have an emergency fund while 54% 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 Valenzuela 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%

How do students spend their money in Valenzuela?
We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.
Housing and accomodation expenditure for students
Accomodation Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
LOW | $25 1,400 PHP |
AVERAGE | $170 9,400 PHP |
HIGH | $1,100 63,000 PHP |
| Per Month |
Students in Valenzuela typically spend from 13% to 24% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 18% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 9,400 PHP with expenditure ranging from 1,400 PHP to 63,000 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
Cost of utilities6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
LOW | $4.2 240 PHP |
AVERAGE | $28 1,600 PHP |
HIGH | $190 10,000 PHP |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Valenzuela ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,600 PHP with 240 PHP and 10,000 PHP being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.
Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students
Cost of transport and fuel4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
LOW | $7.4 420 PHP |
AVERAGE | $49 2,800 PHP |
HIGH | $330 18,000 PHP |
| Per Month |
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 420 PHP to 18,000 PHP in a month on commuting with 2,800 PHP being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.
Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students
Food and Groceries Cost23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
LOW | $21 1,200 PHP |
AVERAGE | $140 7,900 PHP |
HIGH | $940 52,000 PHP |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Valenzuela is 7,900 PHP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,200 PHP to 52,000 PHP. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.
Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students
Cost of healthcare9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
LOW | $6.4 360 PHP |
AVERAGE | $42 2,400 PHP |
HIGH | $280 16,000 PHP |
| Per Month |
Students in Valenzuela allocate 6% to 12% 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 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 360 PHP to 16,000 PHP with 2,400 PHP being the norm for most students.
Leisure and shopping expenditure for students
Cost of leisure and shopping3%
3% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
LOW | $5.3 300 PHP |
AVERAGE | $35 2,000 PHP |
HIGH | $230 13,000 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 300 PHP to 13,000 PHP with 2,000 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
Cost of education and schooling18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
LOW | $20 1,100 PHP |
AVERAGE | $130 7,500 PHP |
HIGH | $890 50,000 PHP |
| Per Month |
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 7,500 PHP per month with 1,100 PHP being the minimum spent amount and 50,000 PHP being the maximum.
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
LOW | $16 890 PHP |
AVERAGE | $110 5,900 PHP |
HIGH | $700 39,000 PHP |
| Per Month |

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Valenzuela
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Valenzuela
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
6,500 PHP | 9,800 PHP | 26,000 PHP |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
9,800 PHP | 16,000 PHP | 39,000 PHP |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
13,000 PHP | 20,000 PHP | 52,000 PHP |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
16,000 PHP | 26,000 PHP | 71,000 PHP |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
31,000 PHP | 78,000 PHP | 160,000 PHP |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
26,000 PHP | 39,000 PHP | 110,000 PHP |
House monthly rent cost
31,000 PHP | 78,000 PHP | 160,000 PHP |
Villa monthly rent cost
39,000 PHP | 98,000 PHP | 160,000 PHP |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Valenzuela ranges between 6,500 PHP and 26,000 PHP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 9,800 PHP to 39,000 PHP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 13,000 PHP and 52,000 PHP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 16,000 PHP to 71,000 PHP. The average rent of a townhouse in Valenzuela is around 39,000 PHP while house rental costs can be as high as 78,000 PHP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 39,000 PHP to 160,000 PHP per month.
Apartment and house prices in Valenzuela
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
1-bedroom apartment price
1.6M PHP | 2.6M PHP | 9.8M PHP |
2-bedroom apartment price
2.6M PHP | 7.8M PHP | 16M PHP |
$47,000 | $140,000 | $280,000 |
3-bedroom apartment price
$160,000 | $230,000 | $700,000 |
Townhouse price
House price
Villa price
The average price of a studio apartment in Valenzuela can range from 1.3M PHP to 3.9M PHP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.6M PHP to 9.8M PHP. A villa can cost you 87M PHP on average with prices ranging from 16M PHP to 130M PHP.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Valenzuela 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
38 | x108 monthly income | 211 |
Property prices in Valenzuela can be x108 to x211 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x108 multiples of the average monthly salary in Valenzuela.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Valenzuela is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 42% 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
29% 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.
120 PHP | 1,500 PHP | 15,000 PHP |
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 Valenzuela
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Valenzuela
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student
240 PHP | 1,600 PHP | 10,000 PHP |
Internet and cable cost
390 PHP | 780 PHP | 1,000 PHP |
Mobile phone bill and charges
310 PHP | 520 PHP | 1,600 PHP |
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 1,600 PHP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 390 PHP to 1,000 PHP with 780 PHP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 520 PHP but can range between 310 PHP and 1,600 PHP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Valenzuela is around 6.3%. This means that people pay 6.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.1% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Valenzuela
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Valenzuela
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Valenzuela is approximatly 160 PHP with meal cost ranging from 78 PHP to 260 PHP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 260 PHP and 780 PHP with 390 PHP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Valenzuela.
Fine dining meal for one price
520 PHP | 780 PHP | 3,100 PHP |
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 520 PHP to 3,100 PHP with the average cost being 780 PHP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Valenzuela.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Valenzuela is around 100 PHP. Price ranges between 65 PHP and 160 PHP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Valenzuela is 63 PHP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 78 PHP and the minimum being 52 PHP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 52 PHP on average with 39 PHP and 78 PHP being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Valenzuela is between 89 PHP and 160 PHP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 120 PHP.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 160 PHP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Valenzuela costs around 58 PHP on average with prices rangeing between 42 PHP and 82 PHP depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 16 PHP to 39 PHP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 37 PHP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for students
Students' spending on grocery ranges from 1,200 PHP to 52,000 PHP with the location, income, and size of the student being the most determinite factors.