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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Alabang 2024
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Cost of Living in Alabang

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Alabang helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Alabang - Cost of Living in Alabang

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Alabang is around ?25,000 to ?50,000 per month. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Alabang is around ?3 million to ?10 million. This can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of transportation in Alabang is relatively low. A one-way trip on the MRT or LRT will cost around ?15 to ?20. A taxi ride will cost around ?50 to ?100, depending on the distance.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Alabang is relatively low. A kilogram of rice will cost around ?50 to ?60, while a liter of milk will cost around ?80 to ?90.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Alabang is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant will cost around ?100 to ?150, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around ?200 to ?300.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Alabang is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around ?1,500 to ?2,000 per month, while the average cost of water is around ?500 to ?1,000 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Alabang is relatively high. The average cost of preschool tuition is around ?20,000 to ?30,000 per year, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is around ?30,000 to ?50,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around ?50,000 to ?70,000 per year, while the average cost of high school tuition is around ?70,000 to ?100,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Alabang

"The cost of living in Alabang is generally considered to be higher than the national average. Rent prices for apartments and houses are typically higher than in other parts of the country, and the cost of food and other necessities is also higher. Transportation costs can also be expensive, as Alabang is a relatively far distance from the city center," said one expat living in Alabang.

Can I live in Alabang on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Alabang for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments or condos in areas like Alabang Hills, BF Homes, or Pilar Village. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly compared to more upscale areas like Ayala Alabang or Filinvest City.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transportation like jeepneys or tricycles instead of owning a car. This will save you a lot on gas, maintenance, and parking fees. If you really need a car, consider getting a second-hand one to save on costs.For groceries and other household items, I suggest shopping at local markets or budget-friendly supermarkets like Puregold or Savemore. Eating out can be quite affordable too, especially if you stick to local eateries or fast food chains. However, you might have to cut back on dining at high-end restaurants or frequenting expensive bars and clubs.In terms of entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable options in Alabang. You can visit local parks, malls, or catch a movie at a lower price compared to more expensive areas like Makati or BGC. However, you might have to limit your trips to these more expensive areas or cut back on other luxuries like spa treatments or gym memberships.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Alabang is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It's all about finding the right balance between enjoying the modern amenities and sticking to your budget," commented an expat living in Alabang.

Can I live in Alabang on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Alabang for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious house in one of the more upscale neighborhoods like Ayala Alabang Village or Alabang Hills, but there are plenty of more affordable options in the area.One neighborhood I'd recommend looking into is BF Homes Parañaque, which is just a short drive away from Alabang. It's a nice, middle-class neighborhood with a good mix of houses and townhouses, and you can find a decent place to rent for around $500 to $800 a month. Another option is to look for a condo or apartment in the Madrigal Business Park area, where you can find more modern buildings with amenities like pools and gyms. Rent for a one-bedroom unit in this area can range from $400 to $1,000 a month, depending on the building and location.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, dining out, and transportation are generally quite affordable in the Philippines. You can easily get by on a budget of $500 to $1,000 a month for these expenses, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Utilities like electricity and water can be a bit more expensive, especially if you use air conditioning a lot, but you should still be able to manage with a budget of around $200 a month for these costs.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to adjust to the local culture and way of life, which can be quite different from what you're used to. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, especially during rush hour, so you might want to consider living close to your workplace or using public transportation to avoid the congestion. Additionally, while Alabang has a good selection of international schools, they can be quite expensive, so if you have children, you might need to budget for that as well.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Alabang on a $3,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make a few adjustments and be mindful of your spending. It's a great area with a lot of modern amenities, and I've really enjoyed my time living here," said one expat living in Alabang.

Can I live in Alabang on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Alabang for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not even have to make too many sacrifices to make it work. Alabang is a pretty upscale area, but there are still affordable neighborhoods where you can find nice houses or condos for rent. For example, you might want to check out Ayala Alabang Village, which is a gated community with a lot of expats and has a good mix of high-end and more affordable homes. Another option is Hillsborough Village, which is also a nice, secure neighborhood with a range of housing options.On the other hand, you might want to avoid some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Alabang Hills or Alabang 400, as the rent prices there can be quite high. In terms of daily expenses, you'll find that groceries, transportation, and dining out are generally cheaper than in Western countries, so you should be able to save some money there. However, if you're into imported goods or luxury items, those can be quite pricey, so you might have to cut back on those if you want to stick to your budget.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Alabang on $5,000 a month is quite doable, and you won't have to sacrifice too much in terms of your lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and luxury items, and you should be able to live comfortably without any major issues," commented an expat living in Alabang.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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