Housing snapshot
- One bedroom
- 25,000-50,000 PHP/month
- Three bedrooms
- 60,000-120,000 PHP/month
- Purchase, city center
- 150,000-300,000 PHP/m²
City research
Retire in Manila
A closer look at Manila, including Intramuros and Rizal Park.
17,800,000Population estimate
25,000-50,000 PHP/monthAverage rent
At a glance
The local signals that matter most for a first visit or a first budget.
Population estimate17,800,000Published city/urban-area estimate; scope varies
Safety50Safety index
Healthcare7/10Quality rating
Average rent25,000-50,000 PHP/monthMonthly cost
Why Manila
The character of the city matters as much as the national averages.
- Intramuros
- Rizal Park
- Chinatown
- Shopping Malls
Costs and daily life
Use these figures to build a realistic monthly budget.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 15,000-25,000 PHP
- Utilities
- 6,000-10,000 PHP
- Transport
- 800-1,200 PHP (LRT/MRT pass)
- Health insurance
- Approx. 3,000-6,000 PHP/month
Healthcare
- Hospital quality
- 3.5/5
- Doctor visit
- 1,000-2,500 PHP
- Emergency response
- 15-25 minutes
- Specialist wait time
- 1-4 weeks
Getting around
- Walkability
- 45/100
- Public transport
- 6/10
- Airport
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- Airport distance
- 11km from city center
Healthcare essentials for Manila
Digital Blood Pressure Monitor
FDA-approved upper arm monitor — track your health anywhere
Travel First Aid Kit (200+ pcs)
Comprehensive emergency kit — compact & TSA-approved
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Climate and community
The details that determine how a place feels through the year.
Climate
- Average temperature
- 27°C
- Summer high
- 31°C
- Winter low
- 23°C
- Rainfall
- 120 days/year
- Sunshine
- 2,500 hours/year
Expat community
- Expat population
- 35,000
- Population share
- 7%
- Main nationalities
- American, Chinese, Japanese
- Integration support
- Filipino language schools, Expat groups
Climate planning gear for Manila
SPF 50+ Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum UV protection for tropical climates
Mosquito Repellent Bands
DEET-free insect protection — ideal for warm, humid regions
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Neighborhoods to compare
A useful shortlist for a first visit, rental search, or longer stay.
Makati
Why it works: Business district, modern
Watch for: Expensive, busy
BGC (Taguig)
Why it works: Modern, planned
Watch for: Expensive
Malate
Why it works: Nightlife, dining
Watch for: Can be noisy
Quezon City
Why it works: Residential, large
Watch for: Vast, traffic
Lifestyle and recreation
A quick read on the parts of city life that do not appear in a rent index.
Dining4/5Local rating
Culture3.5/5Local rating
Nightlife4/5Local rating
Shopping4.5/5Local rating
Green space2.5/5Local rating
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about retiring in Manila
What is the cost of living in Manila?
The published one-bedroom rent for Manila is 25,000-50,000 PHP/month. Total monthly expenses depend on the local currency, housing choice, healthcare, taxes, and lifestyle.
Is Manila safe for retirees and expats?
The directory safety index for Manila is 50/100. A comparable citywide crime rate is not published here; conditions vary by district. The walkability score is 45/100 and public-transport coverage is 7/10.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Manila for retirees?
The listed retirement neighborhoods in Manila include Makati, BGC (Taguig), Malate. Compare healthcare access, services, transport, noise, and housing costs at neighborhood level before choosing.
How is the healthcare system in Manila?
Manila hospital facilities are rated 3.5/5. Doctor visits are listed at approximately 1,000-2,500 PHP; insurance acceptance and newcomer eligibility vary by provider and status.
What transportation options are available in Manila?
Manila has a public-transport efficiency score of 6/10 and coverage score of 7/10. The walkability score is 45/100, and the nearest international airport is 11km from city center.
What is the climate like in Manila?
Manila has an average temperature of 27°C with 120 days/year rainfall days listed per year; no snow days are listed. Seasonal comfort depends on personal needs and the specific neighborhood.
Are there other expats and retirees in Manila?
Manila has a listed international-resident share of 7% and the recorded nationalities are American and Chinese. Integration services are Filipino language schools, Expat groups, Visa assistance; availability should be confirmed locally.
What visa or residence route applies to retirees in Philippines?
Philippines lists Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV Classic). The published annual income figure is USD 9,600 per year; requirements, processing and eligibility are route-specific and should be confirmed with the responsible authority before applying.
What tax points should retirees check before moving to Philippines?
The country-level tax notes list income tax: Progressive up to 35%. CGT: 0%. Inherit: Progressive 5−20%.; property tax: Real-property tax varies by local government and assessed value; VAT or sales tax: 12%. Tax residence, pension source, treaty status, property and local rules can change the result, so obtain current advice for the individual case.
Can foreigners buy property near Manila?
Property ownership rules are country- and property-specific and are not a city-level guarantee in this profile. Check title, restricted-zone, tax, registration and residency rules with the relevant authority and a qualified local adviser before signing.