Last updated on May 30th, 2024 at 03:03 pm
Philippines is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that serves as a tourist destination for both locals and foreign tourists. In addition to being a tourist destination, the Philippines is also a popular destination for people from other countries who wish to continue their education and work there.
This is because the quality of education available there is on par with that of other Southeast Asian countries, and the relatively lower cost of living makes the Philippines an attractive destination for people from abroad.
For those of you planning to work, continue your education, or settle there, you’ll certainly need to consider a few things—one of which is roughly how much it costs to live in the Philippines. Don’t worry—if you’d like to learn more about the estimated costs, cost of living in the Philippines Be sure to check out the information below!
Cost of Living in the Philippines
The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively lower and more affordable compared to other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and even Indonesia. For a more detailed look at the estimated cost of living in the Philippines, here are the details:
Transportation costs
The cost of living in the Philippines includes transportation costs, which facilitate mobility. Modes of transportation such as online taxis, conventional taxis, and jeepneys—which are a form of local public transportation—are available as reliable transportation options. A jeepney ride costs about 8 PHP, or approximately Rp2,200, while a taxi fare is about 15 PHP, or approximately Rp4,154, per kilometer.
Accommodation Fees
The first major consideration regarding the cost of living usually involves housing costs. Is your priority a location close to the office or campus, or do you prioritize a more affordable rent? The cost of living in the Philippines often presents a dilemma in this regard.
Rent for a comfortable, decent apartment in major cities in the Philippines typically ranges from 30,000 PHP to 45,000 PHP per month, or approximately Rp 8,200,000 to Rp 12,400,000. For studio apartments, you’ll need a budget of about 12,000 to 21,000 PHP per month. On the other hand, luxury apartments typically rent for around 50,000 PHP per month.
In small cities, apartment rent tends to be lower. To save on living expenses, sharing an apartment can also be an option for students in the Philippines.
Utility Bills
Utility costs are a crucial factor in calculating the cost of living. The cost of living for a family may tend to be higher than for an unmarried individual, as it depends on usage and the number of family members. On average, monthly utility bills—which include water, electricity, and waste management—range from 6,300 PHP to 7,300 PHP, or approximately Rp1,700,000 to Rp2,000,000.
To stay in touch with family in Indonesia, you’ll need to budget about 7 PHP to 8 PHP per minute for phone calls. The average cost of an internet data plan is about 730 PHP per month. As for Wi-Fi access, monthly costs vary, ranging from 2,000 PHP to 2,500 PHP for plans that include unlimited access.
Monthly Living Expenses in the Philippines
Regular shopping is necessary for daily necessities such as cooking ingredients, snacks, toiletries, and other items. On average, the price of rice in the Philippines is about 50 PHP (equivalent to about Rp 13,000 per kilogram). Meanwhile, the price of a loaf of bread is sometimes less than 50 PHP. In addition, here is the price range for several other food items:
- Milk costs about 90 PHP per liter
- Vegetables cost about 90 PHP per kilogram
- Eggs cost about 95 PHP per dozen
- Chicken costs about 200 PHP per kilogram
- Bottled water: about 35 PHP per 1.5-liter bottle
According to estimates, the average monthly cost of living in the Philippines for basic needs ranges from 10,000 PHP to 20,000 PHP.
Read Also: 11 Best E-Wallets in the Philippines
Food Prices in the Philippines
For those of you who are working or continuing your education in the Philippines and want to minimize your expenses while there, one way to do so is by cooking your own meals.
As you’ve read earlier, grocery shopping in the Philippines can cost around 10,000–20,000 PHP, depending on the basic food items you buy. Meanwhile, a single meal at a restaurant will cost around 150–250 PHP.
Monthly Cost of Living in the Philippines
It’s important to consider estimated living expenses before deciding to live in the Philippines, as these costs can vary from person to person. For example, dining out in the Philippines is more expensive than in Indonesia. For more detailed information, here are some estimated living expenses you might encounter while in the Philippines:
- The prices of brand-name clothing range from Rp 220,000 to Rp 700,000.
- Leather shoes range in price from around Rp 417,000 to Rp 1,600,000.
- Monthly fitness club membership fees range from around Rp 280,000 to over Rp 1,000,000.
- Tennis court rental rates range from approximately Rp 55,000 to Rp 91,000 per hour.
- Movie tickets cost between Rp 70,000 and Rp 125,000
- A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs between Rp 200,000 and Rp 700,000.
- Fast food costs between Rp 40,000 and Rp 55,000
- The price of a 0.5-liter bottle of beer ranges from Rp14,000 to Rp70,000.
Cost of Education in the Philippines
For those of you who want to continue your education in the Philippines, in addition to estimating the cost of living there, you also need to consider the cost of education in the Philippines. The Philippines has universities that are just as good as those in other Southeast Asian countries.
International students living in dormitories must pay program and housing fees two weeks before classes begin. These fees range from Rp 12,000,000 to Rp 22,000,000. The registration fee paid at the beginning will serve as a deposit and will be refunded by the agent once the student has paid the tuition in full. The registration fee ranges from Rp 1,500,000 to Rp 2,000,000, depending on which university you choose.
Other Needs
The other expenses referred to here include the cost of purchasing household furniture, clothing, entertainment, and other necessities. To cover these expenses, you’ll need to set aside at least 5,000 PHP—equivalent to Rp 1,300,000—per month. As for entertainment expenses, you’ll need to set aside at least 1,000 PHP—or the equivalent of Rp 275,000—per day.
Money-Saving Tips in the Philippines
Now that you know the estimated costs of living in the Philippines, what do you think? Is it cheaper? The answer is definitely yes—as you can see, the estimated cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low. So, for those of you who want to save money while you’re there, here are some tips to help you cut down on living expenses while staying or settling in the Philippines:
- Choose a place to live that is close to campus or your workplace to avoid traffic jams.
- Choose local fruits and vegetables because they are more affordable.
- Save on electricity, water, and heating by turning them off when not in use.
- Consider renting an apartment with a roommate or a classmate.
- Cooking at home is more economical, but there’s no harm in eating out at a restaurant or spending time at a café every once in a while.
Keep in mind that the cost of living in major Philippine cities such as Manila or Quezon may be higher in some respects. If you’re on a tight budget, considering living in smaller cities might be a wiser alternative.
So, what do you think? Now that you know the estimate cost of living in the Philippines Have you considered continuing to choose the Philippines as your destination for further education and future employment? Now you no longer need to worry about living in the Philippines—in addition to the affordable cost of living, you can also send money from Indonesia to the Philippines by Easylink. With Easylink, sending money to the Philippines is safer, easier, and faster. So, what are you waiting for? Send money to the Philippines with Easylink right now!
