Key Cost of Living Data
Philippines 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
vs NYC baseline
| Category | Index | Est. USD | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 30.2 | 70% cheaper than NYC | Cheap |
| Rent (1-bed city) | 11.4 | —/mo est. | Cheap |
| Groceries | 22.8 | —/mo est. | Cheap |
| Restaurants | 31.5 | —/meal est. | Cheap |
| Local Purch. Power | 24.6 | ×3.31 expat stretch | |
| GNI per Capita | $13.3k | World Bank PPP | |
| Inflation Rate | 3.21% | Annual 2026 |
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
Healthcare & Quality of Life
Key indicators for expats
Life Expectancy65.8 yrs
Physicians / 1,0000.8
Safety Index4.1Below Average
HDI Score0.71High Development
Education Index0.652
Gini Coefficient39.3
Air Quality PM2.522.7 µg/m³
Key Insight
The SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa) at age 35+ with just a $10,000 deposit makes the Philippines one of Asia's most accessible and affordable retirement destinations—renewable indefinitely with minimal bureaucracy.
Ultra Budget
Our Verdict for Philippines
Philippines is one of the most affordable destinations globally, with a CoL Index of 30.2 — less than half of New York City. Expats on Western incomes enjoy exceptional purchasing power here.
Best for
- Digital nomads & remote workers on foreign income
- Budget-conscious expats maximising lifestyle quality
May not suit
- Those requiring Western-standard amenities everywhere
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Philippines for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains, VAT & special regimes
Read guide →
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Monthly Budget Estimates
Philippines · all-in USD per month
Frugal
—per month
Shared housing, cooking at home, local transport
Comfortable
—per month
Private apartment, regular dining out, occasional travel
Western Expat
—per month
Premium lifestyle, frequent travel, international standard
Monthly Budget Estimator
Cost of living in —
Estimated monthly total
$0
10-Year Economic Trend
GDP per capita PPP (USD)
Annual Inflation (%)
Country vs Region Average
Regional cost comparison
This country
Region average
Frequently Asked Questions
Philippines cost of living
Comparisons
Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026 · OECD Statistics. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.