How Much Does a Family of 4 Need to Live in the Philippines?

A family of 4 in the Philippines may need approximately 50,000 to 100,000 PHP per month to cover basic living expenses.

Cost of Housing

Renting vs. Owning

• Renting: Offers flexibility, easier to move, no long-term commitment. Average cost ranges from 15,000 to 50,000 PHP depending on the location and type of housing.
• Owning: Provides a sense of permanency, considered an investment. Initial costs can be high, including down payments and closing fees.

Types of Housing

• Condominiums: More common in urban areas like Metro Manila.
• Townhouses: Often found in both urban and suburban settings.
• Single-Family Homes: Most commonly found in suburban and rural areas.
• Traditional Huts or Bahay Kubo: Predominantly in rural areas.

Average Monthly Costs

• Metro Manila:
  • Renting a two-bedroom condo: 20,000 to 50,000 PHP
  • Owning a house: 3 to 6 million PHP upfront, excluding mortgage
• Provincial Areas:
  • Renting: 5,000 to 15,000 PHP
  • Owning: 1 to 3 million PHP upfront, excluding mortgage

Additional Expenses (Utilities, Maintenance)

• Utilities:
  • Electricity: 1,500 to 5,000 PHP
  • Water: 500 to 1,500 PHP
  • Gas: 500 to 1,000 PHP
• Maintenance Costs:
  • Repairs: Variable
  • Property Taxes: 0.5% to 2% of the property’s assessed value
  • Association Dues: 1,000 to 5,000 PHP for condos and gated communities

 

Food Expenses

Monthly Grocery Bills

• Staples like rice, bread, and pasta: Around 2,000 to 3,000 PHP per month
• Protein sources like chicken, beef, and fish: Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 PHP per month
• Vegetables and fruits: About 1,500 to 2,500 PHP per month
• Dairy products: Roughly 1,000 to 2,000 PHP per month
• Snacks and beverages: Around 1,000 to 1,500 PHP per month

Eating Out

Here’s a table summarizing the average cost of eating out at different types of establishments:

Type of Restaurant	Food Item	Average Cost in PHP
Fast Food	Fried Chicken Meal	150 – 200
Mid-Range	Grilled Fish	300 – 500
High-End	Steak	1,000 – 2,000
Street Food	Isaw	10 – 20
Local Eatery	Adobo	50 – 100

Special Dietary Requirements

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Special plant-based products can cost around 1,500 to 2,500 PHP per month.
• Gluten-free: Specialty gluten-free products usually cost 1,000 to 2,000 PHP more than regular grocery bills.
• Halal: Halal meat and products can add an additional 500 to 1,000 PHP to your monthly grocery bills.

Healthcare Costs

Public vs. Private Healthcare

• Public Healthcare:
  • Generally free or low-cost, but often comes with longer waiting times and fewer choices for doctors.
  • Usual consultation fees: Free to 300 PHP
  • Medications: Subsidized but limited in availability
• Private Healthcare:
  • Faster service, more choices in doctors, but considerably more expensive.
  • Consultation fees: 500 to 2,000 PHP
  • Medications: Full price, ranging from 100 to 5,000 PHP for common drugs

Health Insurance

• Government-provided (PhilHealth):
  • Monthly contributions: 300 to 1,200 PHP depending on income
  • Coverage: Limited to certain medical conditions and treatments
• Private Insurance:
  • Monthly premiums: 2,000 to 15,000 PHP
  • Coverage: Varies by plan, usually more comprehensive

Emergency Services

• Public Hospitals:
  • ER admission fee: Usually free to 1,000 PHP
  • Services like X-rays or blood tests: 300 to 2,000 PHP
• Private Hospitals:
  • ER admission fee: 1,000 to 5,000 PHP
  • Additional diagnostic tests: 1,000 to 10,000 PHP

Education

Philippine public and private schools

Here’s a table summarizing the average costs associated with public and private schools in the Philippines:

School Type	Tuition Fees	Uniform Costs	Transportation Costs	Meal Costs	Additional Fees (Books, Materials)
Public Schools	Generally Free	500 – 1,000 PHP	1,000 – 2,000 PHP	1,500 – 2,500 PHP	500 – 1,000 PHP
Private Schools	50,000 – 150,000 PHP	1,000 – 2,500 PHP	2,000 – 5,000 PHP	3,000 – 6,000 PHP	2,000 – 5,000 PHP

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Sports: Basketball, soccer, and swimming classes can cost from 2,000 to 5,000 PHP for a short-term course.
• Arts and Music: Classes for painting or musical instruments can range from 3,000 to 7,000 PHP for a few sessions.
• Coding and Tech: Specialized classes like coding or robotics typically cost around 5,000 to 10,000 PHP for a short-term course.

Transportation

Public Transportation

• Jeepneys: The most common form of public transport, costing around 9 to 20 PHP per ride.
• Tricycles: Useful for shorter distances, usually costing 20 to 50 PHP.
• Buses: Prices vary depending on distance but generally range from 12 to 50 PHP.
• Metro Rail (LRT and MRT): Around 15 to 30 PHP per ride.

Owning a Car

• Initial Costs: A brand-new compact car costs around 600,000 to 1 million PHP.
• Fuel: Average cost per liter is about 50 to 60 PHP, with monthly costs ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 PHP depending on usage.
• Maintenance: Routine check-ups, oil changes, and repairs can total around 1,000 to 3,000 PHP monthly.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance can cost from 15,000 to 25,000 PHP annually.

Other Transportation Costs

• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Base fares start at around 40 PHP, with total costs depending on distance.
• Bicycle: If you opt for a more eco-friendly mode, a decent bicycle can cost around 5,000 to 15,000 PHP.
• Motorcycle: For quicker commutes, a motorcycle costs around 40,000 to 80,000 PHP for a basic model.

Communication and Entertainment

Internet and Cable

• Internet Plans: Monthly fees can range from 1,000 to 3,000 PHP depending on speed and data limits.
• Cable TV: Standard packages usually cost around 500 to 1,500 PHP per month.

Mobile Phones

• Prepaid Plans: Average cost for text and call bundles is around 100 to 300 PHP per month per person.
• Postpaid Plans: Monthly fees range from 500 to 2,000 PHP, often including data, texts, and calls.
• Device Costs: A budget smartphone can cost around 5,000 to 10,000 PHP, while high-end models can go up to 50,000 PHP or more.

Leisure Activities

• Movies: A ticket typically costs around 200 to 300 PHP per person.
• Karaoke: Renting a karaoke room can cost 1,000 to 3,000 PHP for a few hours.
• Outdoor Activities: Fees for recreational areas like parks or swimming pools can range from 50 to 500 PHP per entry.
• Video Streaming Services: Subscriptions for platforms like Netflix or Disney+ range from 400 to 800 PHP per month.

Clothing and Personal Care

Regular Shopping

• Basic T-shirts: Cost around 200 to 500 PHP each.
• Jeans and Trousers: Typically range from 500 to 2,000 PHP per pair.
• Undergarments: Sets usually cost around 300 to 700 PHP.

Seasonal Clothing

• Raincoats and Umbrellas: Essential for the rainy season, ranging from 300 to 1,000 PHP.
• Sweaters and Jackets: For cooler months, these can cost 500 to 2,500 PHP each.

Personal Care Items

• Shampoo and Conditioner: Monthly costs are approximately 200 to 400 PHP.
• Soap and Body Wash: Expect to spend around 100 to 300 PHP per month.
• Toothpaste and Dental Care: Monthly expenses can be around 100 to 200 PHP.
• Makeup and Skincare: Depending on the products, these can range from 500 to 5,000 PHP per month.