Philippines🇵ðŸ‡
At a Glance
How Philippines compares across key indices
Cost of Living
29 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
57/100
Healthcare
67/100
Quality of Life
87/200
Climate
68/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in Philippines
Cost of Living
29
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
7
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
35
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
20
100 = NYC dining
City Costs Comparison
Polomolok
Cheapest$232/mo
Puerto Princesa
$433/mo
Davao
$875/mo
Quezon City
$881/mo
Baguio
$957/mo
Cebu
$1,114/mo
Manila
$1,156/mo
Makati
$1,509/mo
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in Philippines — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
57/100
Crime Index
43/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
45/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
18 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 3,706 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities in Philippines
Philippines has 9 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $232 in Polomolok to $1,509 in Makati. Davao leads on safety, scoring 71/100. Davao ranks highest for quality of life at 108/200.
Polomolok
$232/mo
Davao
71/100
Davao
108/200
Davao
74/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polomolok | $232 | — | — | — | — |
| Puerto Princesa | $433 | — | — | — | — |
| Davao | $875 | 71/100 | 108/200 | 74/100 | 58 |
| Quezon City | $881 | 36/100 | — | — | 83 |
| Baguio | $957 | — | — | — | 72 |
| Cebu | $1,114 | 51/100 | 73/200 | 61/100 | 85 |
| Manila | $1,156 | 35/100 | 52/200 | 63/100 | 90 |
| Makati | $1,509 | 62/100 | — | — | 70 |
| Iloilo | — | 60/100 | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for Philippines
Healthcare Index
67/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 315 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
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Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in Philippines
Pollution Index
73/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 1,133 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in Philippines
Average One-Way Commute
42minutes
Average
Traffic Index
179
Moderate congestion
Inefficiency
231
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
5.7kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 235 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in Philippines, answered with data
What is the cost of living in Philippines?
Philippines has a cost of living index of 29 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US. Monthly costs for a single person start around $232 in Polomolok and reach $1,509 in Makati.
What is the cheapest city in Philippines for expats?
Polomolok is the most affordable city in Philippines with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $232 for a single person including rent. Puerto Princesa is the next most affordable at $433/mo.
Is Philippines safe for expats?
Philippines has a safety index of 57/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Davao scores highest on safety at 71/100.
What is the best city in Philippines for expats and digital nomads?
Davao ranks highest for quality of life in Philippines, scoring 108/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $875/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Polomolok offers the lowest monthly costs at $232/mo.
How good is healthcare in Philippines?
Philippines scores 67/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it good by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is Philippines cheaper than the United States?
Yes. Philippines's cost of living is roughly 71% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 93% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in Philippines?
Philippines has a pollution index of 73/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for Philippines
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
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Salary Calculator
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Compare Countries
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