Manila, Philippines
The Philippines' historic capital and cultural heart, a bustling metropolis where centuries-old churches meet modern skyscrapers.
Below Average vs Philippines Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Manila vs Philippines Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₱ 360,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 1,846,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 75°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a
Housing
- Median Home: ₱5,000,000
- 1BR Rent: ₱25000/mo
Cost of Living
Manila's cost of living index is 42 (Philippines average = 100).
| Category | Manila | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 42 | 100 | -58.0% |
| Housing | 30 | 100 | -70.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₱5,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₱25000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₱31,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₱3,333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Manila:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₱3000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ₱109 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₱800 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₱2000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₱300 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₱6209 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Manila scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Manila has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95°F | 75°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 90°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 93°F | 2.2" |
Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers
Natural Hazards
Manila faces the following natural hazards:
Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire with frequent earthquakes.
Frequently affected by typhoons.
Nearby active volcanoes including Taal and Mayon.
Archipelago frequently affected by tsunamis.
Typhoon-induced floods and monsoon rains.
Mountainous terrain with typhoon-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Philippines experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 12%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year shifted from June to August starting in 2024. Christmas break is the longest holiday.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Manila, Philippines?
The cost of living index in Manila is 42, which is Lower the Philippines national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Manila?
The median home price in Manila is ₱5,000,000. The housing index is 30.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Manila is approximately ₱25000/mo.
Does Manila, NCR have income tax?
Manila is in NCR, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Manila?
Manila enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 75°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.