Philippines · Metro Manila
Living & working in Manila
Everything a professional needs to relocate to Manila, Philippines — costs, salaries, visas, neighborhoods, healthcare and more.
Tier
1
Population
13.9M
Cost index
39
1BR rent / mo
$858
Deep dives on Manila
Living in Manila
Daily life, neighborhoods, and what to expect.
Working in Manila
Job market, hiring cycles, and work culture.
Cost of Living in Manila
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities in one place.
Rent in Manila
Rental prices and tenancy practices.
Healthcare in Manila
Public coverage, private insurance, and access.
Schools in Manila
International schools, curricula, and admissions.
Best Areas in Manila
Where expats and professionals actually live.
Public Transport in Manila
Metro, buses, taxis, and commuting times.
Safety in Manila
Crime rates, areas to avoid, and emergency contacts.
Internet in Manila
Connectivity, average speeds, and providers.
Weather in Manila
Climate, seasons, and what to pack.
Taxes in Manila
Income tax rates, social contributions, and treaties.
Banking in Manila
Opening an account, transfers, and digital banking.
Work Culture in Manila
Norms, hours, hierarchy, and communication style.
Moving Checklist in Manila
Pre-arrival and first-90-days task list.
Salaries in Manila
Software Engineer
$41k – $76k
Data Scientist
$44k – $83k
Product Manager
$49k – $91k
Business Analyst
$32k – $59k
UX / Product Designer
$34k – $63k
Marketing Manager
$33k – $62k
Sales Manager
$36k – $67k
Finance Analyst
$34k – $63k
HR Manager
$31k – $57k
Doctor
$59k – $111k
Nurse
$28k – $52k
Teacher
$21k – $39k
Pilot
$47k – $87k
Chef
$20k – $38k
Electrician
$23k – $43k
Construction Worker
$19k – $35k
Truck Driver
$22k – $41k
Logistics Manager
$33k – $62k
Customer Support
$18k – $34k
Healthcare Worker
$23k – $43k
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FAQs about Manila
Is Manila a good place to live for expats?+
Manila is a Tier-1 city in Philippines with strong infrastructure for international residents. High English proficiency simplifies daily life for English-speaking professionals.
What is the average cost of living in Manila?+
A single professional in Manila typically spends around $1,482/month including rent, food, transport and utilities.
How much is rent in Manila?+
A central 1-bedroom apartment in Manila averages ~$858/month. Suburban areas run 25–40% lower.
What's the population of Manila?+
Manila has a metro population of approximately 13.9M.
Is Manila safe?+
Manila's central and residential districts are generally safe with standard urban precautions. Refer to the safety guide for area-specific notes.