Keystone logo

Study in the Philippines: Housing & Living Costs

Compared to many other countries, the Philippines has an affordable cost of living for international students. Manila, compared to the likes of London, New York or Boston, is extremely affordable. As many international students find themselves in the capital, these costs will reflect those of Manila.

Jul 30, 2024
  • Study Abroad in Asia

Compared to many other countries, the Philippines has an affordable cost of living for international students. Manila, compared to the likes of London, New York or Boston, is extremely affordable. As many international students find themselves in the capital, these costs will reflect those of Manila. 

Find a program

Want to study in the Philippines? Find & compare programs

Do note: the Philippine Peso can fluctuate - although nowhere near as wildly as the Argentine Peso or the Turkish Lira - so the US Dollar conversions here may vary slightly. 

Some average monthly living costs in Manila are (in PHP and USD):

  • Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment): 33,000PHP ($680)
  • Utilities (monthly average): 5900PHP ($120)
  • Monthly public transport pass: 670PHP ($15)
  • Meal (inexpensive restaurant): 150PHP ($3)
  • Coffee: 130PHP ($2.70)
  • Milk (1 liter): 90PHP ($1.90)
  • Vegetables (1kg): 90PHP ($1.90)
  • Eggs (dozen): 95PHP ($2)
  • Water (1.5 liter): 35PHP ($75) *
  • Chicken (1kg): 200PHP ($4.10)
  • Wine (bottle): 450PHP ($9.30)
  • Bread (loaf): 60PHP ($1.25)

*This reflects the cost of bottled water. You’ll need to factor this in as it’s not safe to drink the tap water in the Philippines.

moon

The average cost of living for one person in Manila is about 28,200PHP ($580) per month, excluding rent. As in many other parts of the world, rent is normally counted as a separate cost in the Philippines. 

Costs outside of Manila will generally be lower. That being said, Quezon City - the largest city - is, on some fronts, more expensive. 

cebu

To keep rent costs down, you can live in residences - known as dorms or corridors in North America and Europe. Rent can be up to only half that of private rooms. However, until you have your SSP in hand, you’ll need to find a small, cheap room or a hostel or hotel where you can stay.

Once you have your SSP, you can access state healthcare in the Philippines. The medical staff are highly trained, but the facilities can lack, especially outside of major cities. As such, many international students choose to take out private health insurance. This can be done relatively affordably once you’ve arrived in the Philippines. As English is one of the national languages, providers will easily be able to help you navigate the healthcare system. 

Study in the Philippines

Want an overview of the Philippines? This section gives you a quick insight into what life is like in these islands, as well as the Philippines' history and welcoming culture.

Education in the Philippines

Want to learn about how the higher education system works in the Philippines? The Philippines is an evermore popular destination for a variety of students, given its good programs, reasonable fees and its culture and hospitality. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in the Philippines!

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter the Philippines to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. Don't worry! The Philippines keeps it simple enough.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for degree programs in the Philippines can vary. Both international and domestic students are expected to pay tuition fees in the Philippines, but these fees can vary a lot. We've put together information on how this works, and on scholarships, in this section.

Language & Culture

The Philippines is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more! We also talk about how to stay safe in the Philippines in this section.

Application Process

Learn more about how to apply to schools using the Philippines' more ad hoc approach to higher education applications.

Programs

Ready to look at education in the Philippines? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in the Philippines today!