Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

Manila is Among Most Expensive Cities in SE Asia, Here's Why

But it has the lowest average salary.
by Arianne Merez
Apr 22, 2021
Photo/s: Photo courtesy of Make it Makati Facebook Page
Shares

Manila is one of Southeast Asia's most expensive cities, given the amount needed to cover living expenses compared to the average salary, according to research from data aggregator iPrice Group.

A person living in the Philippine capital needs P50,798 every month to spend on rent, food, transportation and utilities, according to iPrice. The metropolis also has an average monthly salary of P18,900.

This means that a person in Manila needs to earn more than twice the monthly average or keep a side hustle to make ends meet.

The research estimated the monthly cost of living in six Southeast Asian mega cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta. 

Singapore is the most expensive to live in with a minimum P119,732 monthly budget. The Thai capital is second with P51,517,  slightly edging out Manila's P50,798.

Continue reading below ↓

ECONOMY EXPLAINED:

Philippines' Billionaires Grew Richer During the Pandemic: Forbes

How Much are the Philippines' Billionaires Worth in Samgyupsal Currency?

Cynthia Villar Can Buy 25 Million Milk Tea Glasses: Senators' Wealth Explained

Understanding cost of living

Cost of living refers to the amount of money one needs to cover basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation in one city versus another.

To picture this, think of the price of a McDonald's Big Mac meal in Manila.

In the Philippine capital, you can get the Big Mac meal delivered starting at P202. But if you're in Singapore, and you choose to have the same meal delivered, prices start at S$8.65 or P315.

This means that your money in Manila can buy you more goods than in Singapore which is why it's relatively cheaper to live in the Philippines.

But if food is cheaper in Manila than in Singapore, why is the cost of living in the Philippine capital deemed as among the most expensive?

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

It's because the cost of living in Manila is 168% higher than the average salary in the city, iPrice Group said.

"The average cost of living is 168% higher than the average salary, so it comes as no surprise that about 35% of Metro Manila’s population is reported to live in unstable, badly constructed shelters in the slums, and 11% of these reside near railroads or garbage dumps," iPrice Group said.

Without rent, the study showed a single person still needs P28,800 to survive in Manila--still beyond the average income in the city. 

Manila’s cost of living tops the others’ by 33% (Kuala Lumpur), 28% (Ho Chi Minh), and 24% (Jakarta).

The bedspacer effect

With high costs and low wages, iPrice Group said this is probably the reason why bed space rentals are more common in Manila instead of renting whole apartments.

iPrice Group said the price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Manila is 56% higher than Kuala Lumpur’s, 47% higher than Jakarta’s, 31% higher than Ho Chi Minh’s even though the three cities have "comparable economic states."

Continue reading below ↓

Rent in Bangkok, which has a slightly higher cost of living in Manila, is still 9% below compared to the Philippine capital, it added.

Filipinos aspire for 'comfortable life'

Filipinos aspire for a "comfortable life" that requires gross income of P120,000 per month for a family of four, according to the National Economic Development Authority's AmBisyon 2040 growth roadmap.

This includes P5,000 to maintain the family car, P40,000 for daily needs like food, P30,000 for the upkeep of a house, P10,000 for tuition, P10,000 for leisure and P25,000 for taxes, according to NEDA.

The roadmap is due for revision due to the COVID-19 pandemic that sank the economy into a recession, its worst state since World War II.

Reportr is now on Quento. Download the app on iOS and Android or visit the Quento website for more articles and videos from Reportr and your favorite websites.

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
'We don't mean to make you cry.'
With the reopening of several local destinations, this app has never been more timely.
Fourth senator to get COVID in three weeks.
Fuel prices have gone down from record highs.
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.