Meat and rice prices are once again in the spotlight, In a recent radio interview, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa confirmed that the suggested retail prices (SRP) for pork — P380 per kilo for liempo and P250 for kasim and pigue — have been in effect since 10 March, although supermarkets remain exempt due to higher operating costs.

At the same time, the Department of Agriculture has considered a P4 per kilo cut in the SRP of imported rice, which could bring prices down to P45 per kilo by the end of March, assuming favorable global market conditions.

Amid these developments, the latest inflation report offers a mixed picture. Overall inflation in February eased to 2.1 percent from 2.9 percent in January, marking the lowest level since October 2024. The Philippine Statistics Authority attributed the slowdown to cheaper food, utilities, and transport. In particular, inflation in vegetable prices fell to 7.1 percent from 21.1 percent, while cereals, including rice, dropped further to -3.1 percent from -1.1 percent.

However, despite these improvements, not all goods followed the downward trend. Pork prices rose to 12.1 percent from 8.4 percent, with liempo reaching as high as P496 per kilo in Metro Manila. The increase has been linked to supply issues stemming from African Swine Fever, although the Department of Agriculture reports a decline in ASF cases this year. Poultry prices also increased, partly due to bird flu slowing supply.

With this uncertainty surrounding prices of staple goods, Filipinos might be asking what the cost of living looks like in 2025.

DAILY TRIBUNE examined available data and price benchmarks to get a clearer picture of how much everyday life in the Philippines costs; However, it's important to not that Numbeo, one of our sources, maintains a crowdsourced cost of living database. So, household expenditures and can vary depending on location, income, and household needs.

Daily expenses: food and groceries

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around ₱200, while a mid-range three-course meal for two typically falls between ₱750 and ₱3,000, according to Wise. Fast food options such as a McDonald's combo meal average around ₱200.

Grocery prices depend on the type of products purchased. One liter of milk costs about ₱102, a 500g loaf of fresh bread is around ₱72, and a dozen eggs can be bought for about ₱117.

Meat prices fluctuate, with chicken fillets averaging ₱247 per kilogram and beef round at ₱420 per kilogram. Fresh produce varies as well — apples cost about ₱167 per kilogram, bananas ₱84, and potatoes ₱125. These costs reflect average prices but may shift depending on location and seasonality.

Transportation

Public transportation in the country remains one of the most budget-friendly expenses.

As of March 2025, MRT-3 fares start at ₱13 for short distances like North Avenue to Quezon Avenue, with end-to-end trips from North Avenue to Taft Avenue priced at ₱28. The LRT system follows a similar structure, with fares ranging from ₱15 for shorter trips like Sucat to Ninoy Aquino Avenue to ₱43 for a full trip from Sucat to FPJ Station.

Taxi fares also depend on location. In Makati, the base fare is ₱45, with an additional ₱7 per kilometer. In Manila, the base fare remains at ₱45, but the per-kilometer rate is ₱15. In Quezon City, the base fare is slightly lower at ₱42.50, with the same per-kilometer rate of ₱15.

For those considering car ownership, the Toyota Vios, the best-selling car in the Philippines, costs ₱738,000 for its base model. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift has a base price of ₱989,000. For those needing a more powerful vehicle, a mid-level pickup truck like the BYD Shark 6 is an electric vehicle and starts at ₱2,098,000.

These figures place car ownership as a significant investment, making public transport a more economical choice for many residents.

Rent and utilities: The biggest expense

Housing costs in the Philippines vary widely depending on location. In Metro Manila, rents are among the highest in the country, according to real estate website Lamudi. A studio unit in Makati costs between ₱25,000 and ₱35,000 per month, while a two-bedroom condominium in the heart of the city ranges from ₱120,000 to ₱180,000 per month.

In the suburbs, housing costs are generally lower. A two-bedroom townhouse in Biñan, Laguna rents for ₱40,000 to ₱55,000 per month. Meanwhile, in Davao City, a two-bedroom detached house costs between ₱25,000 and ₱30,000, while a three-bedroom house is priced between ₱45,000 and ₱50,000 per month.

For those looking for more affordable rental options, apartments outside of Metro Manila generally cost less.

Utility costs for an 85-square-meter apartment, including electricity, water, and garbage collection, average ₱6,018 per month. Internet services with speeds of 60 Mbps or more cost around ₱1,724 per month, while mobile plans with at least 10GB of data range from ₱650 to ₱2,499 per month.

Lifestyle and leisure: The cost of enjoyment

Entertainment and leisure activities come at varying costs. A gym membership averages ₱1,804 per month, while a movie ticket typically costs ₱350. Dining at international restaurants, enjoying nightlife, or engaging in hobbies such as tennis and other sports add additional expenses. Alcoholic beverages like domestic beer cost around ₱75 per 500ml, while imported beer can be priced up to ₱120 per 330ml bottle.

How much does one really need?

According to data from Numbeo, a single person in the Philippines needs around P31,770 per month to cover basic expenses, excluding rent. For a family of four, that amount rises to approximately P109,770 monthly. While these figures are general estimates and not official benchmarks, they offer insight into the costs associated with maintaining a modest lifestyle — covering food, transportation, utilities, and other everyday needs.

Meanwhile, the government’s official poverty threshold provides a different reference point. Based on Philippine Statistics Authority data from 2023, a family of five needed at least P13,873 per month — or about P447 per day — to meet minimum basic needs, including food. Some commentators have noted that spending P500 a day for an entire household may not be enough to cover all necessities, even outside Metro Manila.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, head of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), explained that the threshold is intended as a tool to assess policy outcomes, not as a recommended household budget. He noted that the figure reflects the cost of a bundle of goods that meets basic energy and nutrient requirements, rather than a full picture of a decent standard of living.

While various estimates help outline the cost of living in the Philippines, they reflect only part of a complex picture. Actual expenses can vary widely depending on income level, household size, region, and personal lifestyle. It’s important to remember that each household’s situation — and budget — will differ.

Sources: Wise, Numbeo, data as of January 2025