What to Expect from Monthly Rentals in 2025

Furnished options, flexible terms, and realistic price bands

Manila has matured into a long-stay hub: more fully furnished condos, clearer house rules, and better infrastructure around safety, delivery apps, and co-working. For foreigners staying 1–12 months, that means less friction and more choice—especially near business districts and lifestyle pockets.

As a practical benchmark in 2025, studios in Makati or BGC commonly list around ₱25,000–₱45,000/month, while 1-bedrooms fall in the ₱45,000–₱70,000/month range depending on the building’s age, amenities, and location. If you’re open to Pasig or Quezon City, comparable units often come in lower—think ₱18,000–₱30,000/month for studios and modest 1BRs.

Flexibility is improving, too. Many owners now accept monthly or quarter-based arrangements (not just 12-month terms), particularly on platforms geared toward mid-stays. You’ll pay a slight premium for flexibility, but you get time to “test” a neighborhood before you commit longer.

Best Neighborhoods for Long-Term Stays

Match the area to your lifestyle (walkability, vibe, budget)

Makati (Poblacion, Legazpi, Salcedo): A classic choice for business and lifestyle. Poblacion leans lively and creative; Legazpi and Salcedo are calmer with weekend markets and leafy pockets. Walkable, with plenty of gyms, cafés, and co-working.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC): Clean, organized, and very foreigner-friendly. Expect higher rents in exchange for top-notch security, open sidewalks, and international dining. Great if you want a polished, modern environment.

Ortigas & Pasig (Kapitolyo): An under-the-radar value play. You’ll find newer developments at better prices, plus a legit local food scene in Kapitolyo. Commute arteries and malls are close by.

Quick picks by priority

• Walkability & cafés: Legazpi/Salcedo (Makati), BGC High Street area
• Balanced value: Ortigas CBD, Kapitolyo (Pasig)
• More space for less: Eastwood or Tomas Morato (Quezon City)

Deposits, Lease Terms & What Foreigners Should Know

House rules vary—ask these questions before you sign

Expect the standard “2 months deposit + 1 month advance” for 6–12 month leases. Shorter terms (1–3 months) are often available at a premium or via mid-stay platforms. Always clarify what’s included: condo dues, internet, utilities, and parking aren’t uniform across listings.

Building management policies are a big deal in Manila. Some towers are strict with visitors and deliveries; others are more relaxed. If you host friends or plan frequent delivery app use, confirm rules up front. For comfort and continuity, ask if the building has a generator (elevators, lobby lighting, sometimes unit outlets) and fiber-grade internet.

Finally, do a simple but thorough move-in inspection: water pressure, AC performance, noise levels, and mobile/data coverage. It takes 20 minutes and prevents 6 months of small headaches.

• Ask for a video tour if you can’t visit—request shots of windows, AC units, and bathrooms.
• Confirm inclusions (Wi-Fi plan, drinking water setup, cleaning options).
• Note penalties/fees (lost keys, overstays, extra fobs, parking transponders).

Insider Tips to Find (and Keep) a Great Rental

Blend platforms + negotiate with context

Browse both local and global platforms: mid-stay-friendly listings often come better furnished and more “hotelized,” while local marketplaces surface value deals. Shortlist 5–7 candidates, then compare by noise, light, elevator wait times, nearest groceries, and travel time to your routine spots.

When you’re ready to commit, negotiate on length instead of price. Many owners will trade a modest discount for a 3–6 month commitment. Ask for small but meaningful upgrades: an extra desk chair, blackout curtains, or a router replacement are common wins.

If you’re staying beyond 60–90 days, set a cleaning cadence (weekly or biweekly) and discuss minor maintenance. The best long stays happen when expectations are documented in a friendly, bullet-point list.

Joshua’s tip: “Don’t just ask ‘Is Wi-Fi fast?’ Ask for the plan speed and whether the unit is on a mesh router or connected to the building’s shared line. It tells you a lot about day-to-day comfort.”

Life Inside a Manila Condo: Real-World Notes

Three quick perspectives from Joshua (ManilaNests)

“When I first moved into my Makati condo, I thought the traffic noise would be unbearable—but it’s the neighborhood hum that makes the city feel alive. From the balcony, the skyline lights up nightly; on weekends you’ll catch faint laughter from rooftop bars. Chaotic and comforting—very Manila.”

“Building management makes or breaks your stay. Some towers are strict with visitors and deliveries; others aren’t. Most central condos have fiber now, but the real game-changer is a generator—power dips do happen.”

Traveler Insight: “A lot of expats start in BGC, then shift to Ortigas or Makati after a few months when they want something less ‘polished’ and more local. Grabbing breakfast from a carinderia and coffee from Starbucks—that balance keeps people here long-term.”

Before you sign: a 3-point checklist

1. Test your daily route. Morning elevator wait, Grab ETAs, nearest grocery/pharmacy.
2. Stress-test the unit. Turn on ACs, run the shower, check for external noise and sunlight glare.
3. Clarify the fine print. Visitor policy, delivery access, trash hours, and Internet plan details.