Cost of living in Philippines compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 56% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Philippines is 56% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Philippines | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | Php317 ($5.65) | $21 | - 74% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | Php241 ($4.28) | $12 | - 64% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | Php127 ($2.26) | $5.86 | - 61% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | Php139 ($2.48) | $1.11 | + 124% | |
| 12 eggs, large | Php154 ($2.75) | $5.48 | - 50% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | Php139 ($2.47) | $4.85 | - 49% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | Php232 ($4.13) | $7 | - 44% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | Php136 ($2.43) | $4.32 | - 44% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | Php162 ($2.88) | $2.34 | + 23% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | Php83 ($1.48) | $3.50 | - 58% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | Php617 ($11) | $18 | - 39% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | Php70 ($1.25) | $2.94 | - 58% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | Php50 ($0.89) | $3.09 | - 71% | |
| Housing | - 61% | |||
| Housing in Philippines is 61% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Philippines | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | Php90,202 ($1,605) | $3,187 | - 50% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | Php42,386 ($754) | $2,455 | - 69% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | Php8,529 ($152) | $230 | - 34% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | Php29,555 ($526) | $2,236 | - 76% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | Php15,847 ($282) | $1,659 | - 83% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | Php5,878 ($105) | $167 | - 38% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | Php1,689 ($30) | $62 | - 51% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | Php27,709 ($493) | $247 | + 100% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | Php7,821 ($139) | $152 | - 8% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | Php353 ($6) | $15 | - 57% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | Php516 ($9) | $35 | - 73% | |
| Clothes | - 41% | |||
| Clothes in Philippines is 41% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Philippines | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | Php1,993 ($35) | $59 | - 39% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | Php1,588 ($28) | $51 | - 44% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | Php4,683 ($83) | $105 | - 21% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | Php3,751 ($67) | $141 | - 53% | |
| Transportation | - 58% | |||
| Transportation in Philippines is 58% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Philippines | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | Php1,291,510 ($22,983) | $30,967 | - 26% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | Php61 ($1.08) | $0.94 | + 14% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | Php1,092 ($19) | $86 | - 77% | |
| Personal Care | + 10% | |||
| Personal Care in Philippines is 10% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Philippines | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | Php670 ($12) | $9 | + 33% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | Php1,211 ($22) | $24 | - 12% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | Php18,000 ($320) | $169 | + 90% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | Php222 ($3.95) | $9 | - 58% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | Php222 ($3.96) | $5.31 | - 26% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | Php276 ($4.90) | $7 | - 29% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | Php86 ($1.52) | $5.13 | - 70% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | Php103 ($1.83) | $2.42 | - 24% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | Php368 ($7) | $30 | - 78% | |
| Entertainment | - 29% | |||
| Entertainment in Philippines is 29% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Philippines | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | Php1,103 ($20) | $60 | - 67% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | Php829 ($15) | $30 | - 52% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | Php3,736 ($66) | $216 | - 69% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | Php2,179 ($39) | $104 | - 63% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | Php416 ($7) | $15 | - 50% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | Php189 ($3.36) | $5.91 | - 43% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | Php169 ($3.01) | $8 | - 60% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | Php60,201 ($1,071) | $489 | + 119% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | Php34 ($0.61) | $0.55 | + 11% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | Php2,326 ($41) | $73 | - 43% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | Php176 ($3.14) | $11 | - 73% | |
| TOTAL | - 49% | |||
These prices were last updated on April 28, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.01780
USD
/
PHP
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 16,595 prices entered by 1,983 different people.
Cost of living in Philippines is 49% cheaper than in United States
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