Cost of Living in the Philippines, One of the Best in the World

The Philippines is the 13th most populous nation in the world. Every year, tens of millions of visitors and residents alike go there in search of a glimpse of the region's rare biodiversity. In the Philippines, you may find beaches, mountains, jungles, and islands. As a result, its regions have a veritable melting pot of cultures that there are about 125 distinct dialects spoken all over the country.

Relocating to the Philippines, whether you're going for a short period of time or permanently, is an excellent option. And if you're planning to relocate there permanently, you may want to know how much it costs to live comfortably in the Philippines.

In this article, we are going to tackle how much does it costs you to live in the Philippines and why it is considered as one of the best countries in the world.

How much prices typically range in PH city center

Because of the ambiguity and subjectivity of the term "cost of living," it's difficult to know where to begin a discussion on it. The fact is that there is no such thing as a right or wrong response to this matter. The cost of living depends solely on your lifestyle and how you want to spend your money.

But if you want to settle in the Philippines but don't know where to begin, no worries as we've got all the information you'll need right here! Among the many daily expenditures, we've included everything from rent and food to transportation in this article.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when calculating your total cost in PH:

1. Food 

Purchasing food in the Philippines is quite affordable when compared to other Western nations' prices. If you want to save money, go to the "wet markets," which are the best spot to buy Filipino cooking ingredients.

If you're looking to save money on meat, go to a wet market rather than the supermarket. The hygienic conditions may not be up to Western standards, but the good thing about it is that it is the cheapest option. Anyways, it is possible to adapt to the lifestyle over time.

You can save even more money if you cook at home that going to a mid range restaurant and consume a lot of locally sourced food! Although rates may differ based on where you want to reside, it's important to keep in mind. that there will be a greater cost of food if you opt to live in the city.

Food delivery services

Do you want your meal to be delivered? There are several food delivery services and apps to choose from in the Philippines, so you don't even have to leave your house to get your meal. Foodpanda, GrabFood, and a slew of other options are all viable options. You should also take note that an extra 15% of the service cost and Php 30 ($0.59) – Php 60 ($1.19) in delivery fees are to be expected on your total payment.

Estimated costs: Php 15 ,000- Php 20, 000 (around $296.47- $395.30) monthly budget

2. Healthcare

Choosing between private and public hospitals in the Philippines will determine your overall healthcare costs. Even if you don't qualify for government health insurance, you may still use the public healthcare system if you're ready to pay out of cash.

Health insurance costs

In the Philippines, many expatriates choose to join PhilHealth in the Informal Economy Member category. It costs between Php 15, 000 ($298.11) to Php 17, 000 ($337.85) per year.

If you are employed by a local company or business, they will take care of all of your paperwork. A greater selection of medical facilities can also be available to you if you combine your PhilHealth coverage with private insurance.

Hospitals

The cost of treatment in the public sector is much lower than in the private sector. In the Philippines, costs may rapidly escalate, and some hospitals may refuse to take foreign health insurance. Check with your hospital as soon as you're admitted to determine whether they take your insurance to prevent being surprised with a big bill at the conclusion of your stay. You can also try to make some research to compare cost and prices range of their services.

Estimated costs: Php 500 ($9.93) minimum consultation fee.

3. International Schools

Several international schools may be found throughout the country. The bulk of these institutions are in Manila and primarily serve the needs of Americans, British, French, Japanese, and German citizens.

There are two semesters in a year in Philippine universities. In many cases, national curricula are followed by international schools, and classes are taught entirely in the student's original language. Several overseas schools also offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum. International School Manila, British School Manila, Reedley International School, Inc., and Brent International School Manila are just a few of the options available to students in the Philippines.

Estimated costs: Php 675, 000 ($13,411.35) to Php 1, 350, 000 ($26,822.70)

4. Laundry costs

When figuring out how much money it takes to make it in the Philippines, it's easy to forget about the expense of doing the laundry. Many laundry services are available in the Philippines' most populous cities that are able to wash, iron, and fold a 30-40cm laundry bag

In many circumstances, expats may save a substantial amount of money on washing by using professional laundry services.

Estimated costs: Php 700 (around $13.84)

5. Transportation costs

If you want to travel around the Philippines, the country has several types of public utility vehicles that you can choose from:

Jeepney

If you don't ride the Jeepney, you haven't really experienced the Filipino way of life. In the Philippines, they are a low-cost and handy method of transportation that may be used everywhere. On top of that, it's a great value.

Estimated costs: Php 10 (around $0.20) to Php 15 (around $0.30)

Bus

In addition to connecting Makati and other parts of Metro Manila, local buses run throughout the city, making it easy for residents to get about. Taking the bus is a cheap and convenient way to move about and explore the city, although Manila is prone to traffic jams. In addition to this, buses are also an option for long-distance travel.

It is possible that buses have air conditioning or not. Ordinary or non-airconditioned buses cost cheaper than those that have air conditioning.

Estimated costs: Php 8 ($0.16) to Php 75 ($1.49.)

Train

Two of Manila's main light rail lines are the MRT and the LRT (further divided into lines 1 and 2). If you want to dodge rush hour in this type of public transportation, avoid commuting by rail between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Using a contactless magnetic card, you may quickly access your fares by laying them over the turnstiles.

Estimated costs: Php 20 – Php 60 ($0.40- $1.19)

Taxi

When traveling across the Philippines, the most convenient means of transportation is usually private taxis. As with all public transit, though, taxis might be the most costly option. You'll pay roughly Php 40 ($0.79) to flag down a taxi, which will cost you around Php 13.50 ($0.27) each kilometer. A surcharge of Php 2 ($0.040) per minute is also levied on passengers who request for a waiting time.

Estimated costs:Starts at Php 94 ($1.86) and above

Ride Sharing

You can get anything from food delivery to courier services and more via apps like Grab in the Philippines. Grab can help you locate the vehicle of your choice, whether you're looking for an SUV or a motorbike.

Estimated costs:Starts at Php 119.39 (around $2.37)

6. Utilities 

Philippines utility expenses have risen significantly in recent years, making them among the most expensive in the world. To narrow down your options, you'll need to know which providers are closest to where you live.

Electricity

Because there are so many factors to take into account when estimating utility costs, they are one of the most challenging expenditures to estimate. This is due to a variety of variables, including personal use and geography, which may all affect the rate.

Estimated costs: Php 4, 000 (around $79.06) per month for a small studio condominium

Internet

In order to have a stable connection to the internet, you'll need a WiFi router setup. Depending on your service provider, prices might vary from Php 599 (about $11.84) to Php 2, 500 (around $49.41). However, a high-speed fiber internet service typically costs between Php 1, 500 ($29.75) up to Php 2,999 ($59.47).

On the other hand, if you want to have an internet connection on the go, postpaid data plans for mobile phones may cost anywhere from Php 899 ($17.83) for the most basic plan to Php 3, 999 ($793.1) for a more sophisticated one, depending on the plan and service provider. Meanwhile, if you only have personal usage, you can also resort to a prepaid mobile tariff.

Below are the estimated monthly living expenses for your internet connection if you want to enjoy life's finer things and get both home and mobile phone bills plans.

Estimated costs: Starts at around Php 6, 300 ($124.52)

Water costs

The average monthly water bill is between Php 300 and Php 600, or between $5.93 and $11.86. The bulk of your utility bills will be incurred by other services, such as power and internet use.

7. Vacations and Holidays

Philippines vacation spots are many, and getting from one to the next is a doddle thanks to the country's developing road infrastructures through Build Build Build programs and public transportation system.

Accommodations

Many international visitors to the Philippines may think the prices offered by some hotels and businesses are regular in the West. This means that many expats find to have endless options in the country.

Estimated costs: Starts at around Php 500 (around $9.88) per night

Airplane tickets

A large number of the Philippines' islands have airports, making it easy for visitors to go around. The adjacent island may be reached by flying with an airline such as AirAsia or Philippine Airlines.

Estimated costs: Php 1, 500 ($29.80) to Php 2, 500 ($49.66)

Ferries

You may also take a ferry to a number of the islands, which is less costly than flying but takes substantially longer and might not be the most convenient means of transportation for everyone.

8. Rent 

You may choose to live like a commoner or a king or queen, depending on your choices and money. What you decide is absolutely up to you. And in the Philippines, there are a plethora of choices in between these two extremes for your monthly rent!

City living

In order to rent a studio apartment, an average person just have to pay around Php 13, 000 (about $256.94). If you're looking for a city-centre apartment or condo with a rooftop pool, basketball court, or other sports facility, you'll have to pay Php 25, 000 ($494.12) a month for the privilege.

Save money and choose to live in the suburbs

Meanwhile, many expats are now choosing to live in the suburbs instead in the city center since it gives them more privacy as well as a more relaxed and peaceful life.

On top of that, living in a suburban community can save you much money as the cost of living here are much more affordable and simpler than the metro.

Looking for a suburban community to live in?

If you want to avoid the populated cities and escape the pollution of the metro, then suburban living is the better choice for you!

These days, living in the province doesn't mean that you could be fallen behind on the latest happenings in the metro because of the various developments, infrastructures, and facilities that are already available in the area.

Lumina Homes is offering this kind of lifestyle for those people who prefer to evade the expensive cities. It is one of the most trusted and leading community providers in the Philippines nowadays.

Apart from its over 50 communities to choose from around the country, Lumina Homes also houses different essential and great amenities such as multipurpose hall, covered court, mini gardens and playground, 24/7 security, perimeter fence, CCTVs, and it's newest addition-- the eSpacio.

No need to get a premium gym monthly pass as Lumina Homes offer enough space for a home gym through its several home model units such as townhouses, duplexes, and single firewall units.

Public transport and convenience are also achievable through this subdivision because of its proximity to local public markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and even local restaurants!

Make your home reservations now and Pay LESS, Get MORE from your chosen unit as we offer exciting promos and freebies such as FREE Water Application Fee, FREE Electric Application Fee, FREE HOA Membership Fee, FREE Loan Processing, FREE Title Processing, Longer Downpayment Term, and Lower Monthly Downpayment.

Visit the nearest Lumina Homes in your area to schedule a site tripping or go to our official website to know more about our great offers!