| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Makati City can cost around PHP 30,000 to PHP 50,000 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost around PHP 80,000 to PHP 150,000 per month. Outside the city center, the cost can drop to around PHP 15,000 to PHP 30,000 for a one-bedroom and PHP 40,000 to PHP 70,000 for a three-bedroom. |
| Apartment Purchases | The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center can range from PHP 160,000 to PHP 300,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter can range from PHP 70,000 to PHP 120,000. |
| Transportation | A monthly pass for public transportation can cost around PHP 1,500. The starting tariff for a normal taxi is around PHP 40, with an additional PHP 13 to PHP 15 per kilometer. The cost of gasoline is around PHP 50 to PHP 60 per liter. |
| Groceries | The cost of basic groceries such as bread, milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and meat can range from PHP 2,000 to PHP 4,000 per month for a single person. A liter of milk can cost around PHP 90, a loaf of bread can cost around PHP 60, a dozen eggs can cost around PHP 90, and a kilogram of chicken can cost around PHP 200. |
| Restaurants | A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around PHP 200 to PHP 300. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around PHP 1,200 to PHP 2,000. A combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around PHP 150 to PHP 200. |
| Utilities | Basic utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment can cost around PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000 per month. Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can cost around PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,500 per month. |
| Private School Tuition | Private school tuition can vary greatly depending on the school. For preschool, the annual tuition can range from PHP 70,000 to PHP 150,000. For elementary school, the annual tuition can range from PHP 100,000 to PHP 200,000. For middle school and high school, the annual tuition can range from PHP 120,000 to PHP 250,000. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Makati City
“The cost of living in Makati City, is considered relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while outside the city center, it is significantly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is moderate. Internet connection is also moderately priced. When it comes to groceries, prices can vary, with local markets being cheaper than supermarkets. Eating out at restaurants can range from inexpensive at local eateries to quite pricey at high-end establishments. Public transportation in Makati City is relatively cheap, with options including jeepneys, buses, and the MRT. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available at a higher cost. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of gasoline, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Makati City is of good quality, but it can be expensive, especially in private hospitals. Fitness clubs and sports activities can also add to the monthly expenses. Education, particularly in international schools, can be quite costly. Entertainment and leisure activities vary in price, with cinema tickets being reasonably priced, while tickets for theater shows and concerts can be quite expensive. Overall, while the cost of living in Makati City is higher than in other parts of the Philippines, it is still lower compared to many Western cities,” said one expat living in Makati City.
Can I live in Makati City on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Makati City for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but it does require some careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries, but Makati is one of the more expensive areas in the Philippines. For housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Poblacion or Guadalupe Nuevo. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, areas like Salcedo Village or Legazpi Village are more upscale and the rents there can easily go over $1,000 a month, so I’d avoid those if you’re on a tight budget. Food is relatively cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can get a meal at a local restaurant for around $3 to $5. If you prefer Western food, it’s more expensive but still affordable. Groceries are also quite cheap, especially if you shop at local markets. Transportation is also very affordable. Jeepneys and tricycles are the cheapest options, but they can be a bit uncomfortable if you’re not used to them. Taxis and Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) are more comfortable and still quite cheap. The biggest sacrifice you’ll probably have to make is on entertainment and leisure activities. High-end restaurants, bars, and clubs can be quite expensive. However, there are plenty of affordable options as well. There are many local festivals, markets, and outdoor activities that are free or very cheap. Healthcare is another area where you might have to make some adjustments. Public healthcare is not the best, so I’d recommend getting private health insurance. It’s more expensive, but the quality of care is much better. Overall, living in Makati on $1,500 a month is definitely doable, but it requires some adjustments and careful budgeting. It’s a vibrant city with a lot to offer, so I think it’s worth it,” commented an expat living in Makati City.
Can I live in Makati City on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Makati City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is definitely possible, even with a taste for modern amenities. However, you’ll need to be smart about your spending. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries, but it can still add up if you’re not careful. For housing, I’d recommend looking at areas like Poblacion or San Antonio. These neighborhoods are a bit more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500 to $700 a month. On the other hand, areas like Salcedo Village or Legazpi Village are more upscale and therefore more expensive. You could easily spend over $1,000 a month for a similar apartment in these areas. When it comes to food, eating out at local restaurants is quite affordable. You can have a good meal for around $5 to $10. However, if you prefer Western-style restaurants or high-end dining, you’ll be paying closer to what you would back home. Groceries are also reasonably priced, especially if you stick to local products. Transportation is another area where you can save. Public transportation is very cheap, and even taxis or ride-sharing services are quite affordable. However, owning a car can be expensive due to the cost of parking and traffic congestion. For entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. There are numerous parks, museums, and cultural events that are free or very cheap. However, if you’re into high-end clubs or bars, these can be quite pricey. Overall, I’d say that living on $3,000 a month in Makati City is definitely doable. You’ll need to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending, but you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities,” said one expat living in Makati City.
Can I live in Makati City on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Makati City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. Makati is one of the more expensive cities in the Philippines, but it’s still much cheaper than most Western cities. For example, you can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment in a good area for around $500 to $800 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Salcedo Village or Legaspi Village, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. But there are also more affordable neighborhoods like Poblacion where you can find cheaper rents. Food is also quite affordable. You can eat out at a decent restaurant for around $10 to $15 per person. If you cook at home, groceries will cost you around $200 to $300 a month. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet will cost you around $100 to $200 a month, depending on your usage. Transportation is also cheap. You can get around the city by taxi or Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) for a few dollars per trip. If you want to have your own car, gasoline is around $1 per liter. Healthcare is also affordable. A visit to a doctor will cost you around $20 to $30, and medicines are also cheap. If you want to have health insurance, you can get a good plan for around $100 to $200 a month. As for entertainment, there are plenty of options. You can go to the movies for around $5, or go to a bar and have a few drinks for around $10 to $20. There are also plenty of malls, parks, and other attractions that you can visit for free or for a small fee. The only thing that might be a bit more expensive than you’re used to is international travel. Flights to and from the Philippines can be quite pricey, especially if you’re flying to or from the US or Europe. But if you plan your trips well in advance and look for deals, you can still find affordable flights. So, to answer your question, yes, you can live comfortably in Makati City on $5,000 a month. You might have to make some adjustments, like choosing a more affordable neighborhood or cooking at home more often, but overall, you should be able to maintain a good standard of living,” commented an expat living in Makati City.
