Housing Costs: Where Your Budget Really Goes

Rent varies more by noise and layout than by square meters

Housing is the biggest expense for foreigners in Manila, but averages can be misleading. Two identical-sized units in the same building can feel completely different depending on orientation, noise exposure, and nearby roads.

In 2026, studio and one-bedroom condos in Makati, BGC, and Ortigas typically range from ₱30,000 to ₱65,000 per month. Newer buildings with better soundproofing and efficient layouts often feel “cheaper” long term even if the rent is higher.

Foreigners who plan to stay longer than three months often move once they understand which side of the building actually lets them sleep.

Utilities, Internet, and Daily Comfort

Aircon habits define your monthly bill

Electricity costs in Manila depend almost entirely on aircon usage. Running aircon nightly in older buildings can push power bills past ₱6,000, while newer units with inverter systems stay much lower.

Internet reliability has improved significantly. Fiber connections offering 100–300 Mbps are common in major condos, making Manila workable for remote professionals.

Water and association dues are usually minor costs but vary by building management quality.

Typical monthly utility range

• Electricity: ₱3,000–₱7,000
• Internet: ₱1,500–₱2,500
• Water & dues: ₱1,000–₱2,000

Food, Groceries, and Eating Out

Cheap food exists, but lifestyle decides the budget

Eating local can be very affordable, but most foreigners mix home cooking, restaurants, and delivery. Western groceries are widely available but priced higher than local alternatives.

Monthly food costs for foreigners typically land between ₱15,000 and ₱30,000 depending on habits.

Delivery apps have made eating out effortless, which quietly raises budgets without people noticing.

• Local meals: ₱120–₱250
• Mid-range restaurants: ₱500–₱900
• Imported groceries: 20–40% higher than local brands

Transport Costs and Time Tradeoffs

Affordable rides, expensive hours

Transport costs feel cheap to most foreigners. Grab rides remain affordable compared to Western cities, even during peak hours.

The real expense is time. Choosing the wrong neighborhood can add one to two hours of daily travel without realizing it.

“Most foreigners don’t move because of rent—they move because traffic quietly eats their day.”

What Most Cost-of-Living Guides Miss

The hidden cost is adjustment, not money

The biggest expense foreigners don’t budget for is trial and error. Many relocate after a few months once they understand noise levels, daily routes, and building quality.

Living cheaply in Manila is possible, but living comfortably requires better decisions, not just lower rent.

That’s why short-term stays often lead to smarter long-term choices.

Key takeaways

1. Condo orientation matters more than size
2. Traffic shapes daily life more than rent
3. Comfort often costs less over time