The cost of living in the Philippines continues to evolve in 2025, with housing and real estate at the forefront of financial considerations for many residents. Rent and property prices in Metro Manila and other major cities remain a key concern, while lifestyle and leisure expenses also contribute to overall living costs.

Housing costs vary significantly across the country, with Metro Manila leading in rental prices. According to real estate platform Lamudi, the cost of renting a studio unit in prime locations such as Makati ranges from P25,000 to P35,000 per month, while a two-bedroom condominium in the city center can cost anywhere between P120,000 to P180,000 per month.

For those seeking more affordable options, suburban areas present a lower-cost alternative. A two-bedroom townhouse in Biñan, Laguna, for example, rents for P40,000 to P55,000 per month. Meanwhile, in Davao City, a two-bedroom detached house costs between P25,000 and P30,000, while a three-bedroom house ranges from P45,000 to P50,000 per month.

Apartments in Manila’s city center have an average monthly rental price of P17,160 for a one-bedroom unit, while those outside the city center average P9,687. Larger three-bedroom apartments cost around P36,272 in central locations and P20,406 in outer districts.

For those looking to invest in real estate, purchasing property in Metro Manila remains a high-cost endeavor. The price per square foot for an apartment in the city center averages P12,149, while outside the central business districts, prices drop to around P6,249 per sq. ft.

The range of property prices varies significantly depending on location, with some city center properties reaching P27,870 per sq. ft., while those outside the urban core can be as low as P2,322 per sq. ft.

Aside from rent and property prices, monthly utility expenses add to the cost of living. For an 85-sqm. apartment, average utility costs — including electricity, water, and garbage collection — stand at P6,018 per month.

Internet connectivity is another key expense, with high-speed internet (60 Mbps or more) averaging P1,724 per month. Mobile plans with at least 10GB of data range from P650 to P2,499 per month.

Beyond housing, lifestyle expenses contribute significantly to the cost of living. A gym membership in Metro Manila averages P1,804 per month, while a single movie ticket costs around P350.

Dining at international restaurants, nightlife, and recreational activities such as tennis or golf add additional expenses. Alcoholic beverages, for instance, range from P75 for a 500ml domestic beer to P120 for an imported beer per bottle.

How much does one need to live comfortably?

According to Numbeo, a single person in the Philippines requires around P31,770 per month to cover basic expenses, excluding rent. A family of four, on the other hand, needs approximately P109,770 per month to sustain a modest lifestyle, covering food, utilities, transportation and leisure activities.

The Philippine Statistics Authority provides a different perspective, setting the official poverty threshold at P13,873 per month for a family of five in 2023. However, many argue that this amount is insufficient, particularly in urban areas like Metro Manila where costs are considerably higher.

The cost of living in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila, continues to be driven by rising rent and property prices. As housing remains the largest expense for many, potential homeowners and renters must carefully evaluate location and affordability when making decisions. Meanwhile, lifestyle and leisure costs further shape household budgets, making financial planning crucial for those living in urban centers.

While inflation trends and economic conditions influence these costs, Metro Manila remains an expensive hub for housing, entertainment and daily living in 2025.