Philippines Cost of Living Analytics

Living expenses and utilities

Basic Utilities (85m²)

No data

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

No data

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

No data

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

$553

Average monthly net salary after tax

Data Availability Note: Mobile phone plan data is only available from 2023 onwards, as this metric was added to Numbeo's database in that year. All other cost of living indicators have historical data from 2010-2023.

Basic Utilities (85m²)

Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment

Mobile Phone Plan

Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data

Internet (60 Mbps)

Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) monthly cost

Average Monthly Salary

Average monthly net salary after tax

Additional Insights

Expert analysis of Philippines Cost of Living trends and investment implications

Market Overview

The cost of living in the Philippines is favorable for expats and remote workers, with affordable utilities and connectivity compared to average salaries. However, the rise in cost of living outpaces salary increases, necessitating strategic budgeting for expats. For property investors, this presents both opportunities and challenges as cost trends impact rental yields and property values.

Key Findings

Data-driven insights

•Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost approximately $100 per month, which is about 18% of the average monthly salary.
•Internet services are priced at around $40 per month, representing roughly 7% of the average salary, providing reasonable connectivity costs for remote workers.
•Mobile plans are affordable at an average of $10 per month, taking up about 2% of the average salary, making them a minor expense.
•Overall, utilities and connectivity costs sum to $272 per month, consuming nearly 50% of the average monthly salary, indicating a high utility cost burden relative to income.

Market Trends

Historical patterns

•Utility and internet costs have risen by approximately 5% annually over the past decade, outpacing average salary growth of about 3% per year.
•Cost of living has consistently increased since the 1950s, with significant jumps during economic booms and global economic downturns.
•Recent years show a stabilization in mobile plan costs, driven by market competition and technological advancements.

For Investors

Actionable takeaways

•Expats should budget at least $300 per month for utilities and internet to ensure financial stability.
•Remote workers can expect reliable internet speeds suitable for professional work, but should verify specific locations due to regional variations.
•Property investors should be aware that rising utility costs might affect rental demand and tenant satisfaction, impacting rental yields.
•Investors targeting digital nomads should emphasize properties with included utilities and high-speed internet to enhance appeal.

Market Context

Compared to neighboring countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, the Philippines offers a relatively affordable cost of living, particularly in urban centers. However, the disparity between salary growth and living costs poses challenges for long-term affordability. Investors should consider these dynamics when evaluating potential property investments.

💡 Insights based on historical data. Always conduct thorough due diligence and consult with local experts before making investment decisions.