Cost of Living in Pasay City
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Pasay City helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Pasay City is around PHP 10,000 to PHP 15,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around PHP 20,000 to PHP 25,000 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around PHP 8,000 to PHP 10,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around PHP 15,000 to PHP 20,000 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Pasay City varies depending on the size and location. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center range from PHP 2 million to PHP 4 million. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center range from PHP 4 million to PHP 6 million. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from PHP 1.5 million to PHP 3 million. Prices for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center range from PHP 3 million to PHP 5 million. |
Transportation | The cost of transportation in Pasay City is relatively low. A one-way ticket on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) is around PHP 15. A one-way ticket on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is around PHP 20. A one-way ticket on the Pasay City Bus is around PHP 8. A one-way ticket on the Pasay City Jeepney is around PHP 7. A one-way ticket on the Pasay City Tricycle is around PHP 10. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Pasay City is relatively low. A kilogram of rice is around PHP 40. A liter of milk is around PHP 80. A dozen eggs is around PHP 80. A kilogram of chicken is around PHP 150. A kilogram of beef is around PHP 250. A kilogram of apples is around PHP 80. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Pasay City is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around PHP 150. A meal at a mid-range restaurant is around PHP 300. A meal at a high-end restaurant is around PHP 500. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Pasay City is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around PHP 1,500 per month. The average cost of water is around PHP 200 per month. The average cost of internet is around PHP 1,500 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Pasay City varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around PHP 10,000 to PHP 15,000 per semester. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around PHP 15,000 to PHP 20,000 per semester. The average cost of middle school tuition is around PHP 20,000 to PHP 25,000 per semester. The average cost of high school tuition is around PHP 25,000 to PHP 30,000 per semester. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Pasay City
"The cost of living in Pasay City is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, and the cost of housing is also quite reasonable. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a variety of restaurants offering meals at reasonable prices. Overall, Pasay City is a great place to live for those looking for a low cost of living," said one expat living in Pasay City.
Can I live in Pasay City on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Pasay City for a while 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 adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Malibay, Maricaban, and San Roque. These areas are generally more affordable and still offer decent living conditions. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one without all the modern amenities you're used to, but it's a necessary sacrifice to stay within your budget.On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Newport City and Mall of Asia Complex, as these areas are more upscale and expensive. Rent in these areas can easily eat up a significant portion of your budget.Next, you'll need to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. Eating out at fancy restaurants and going out for drinks can quickly add up, so I suggest cooking at home more often and finding cheaper local eateries when you do eat out. Public transportation is quite affordable here, so using jeepneys, buses, and the LRT can save you a lot on transportation costs compared to using taxis or ride-sharing services.You might also need to cut back on shopping and entertainment expenses. There are plenty of local markets and thrift shops where you can find affordable clothing and household items. For entertainment, consider exploring the many free or low-cost attractions in the city, like Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.Lastly, be prepared for unexpected expenses, like medical bills or emergency repairs. It's essential to have some savings set aside for these situations, as they can quickly deplete your budget.Overall, living in Pasay City on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By finding an affordable place to live, cutting back on non-essential expenses, and being prepared for unexpected costs, you can make it work and enjoy your time in the Philippines," commented an expat living in Pasay City.
Can I live in Pasay City on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Pasay City for a while 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, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to look for affordable neighborhoods to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Pasay City include Malibay, Maricaban, and Villamor. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of residential and commercial establishments, so you'll have access to everything you need without breaking the bank. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Newport City and the Mall of Asia Complex, as the cost of living in these areas can be quite high.In terms of housing, you can find decent apartments or condos for rent in the affordable neighborhoods I mentioned earlier. You can expect to pay around $300 to $500 a month for a one-bedroom unit, depending on the location and amenities. If you're willing to share a place with roommates, you can save even more on rent.When it comes to transportation, using public transport like jeepneys, buses, and the LRT can help you save money. However, if you prefer a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab, but this will be more expensive.For food, eating at local eateries and cooking at home can help you save a lot. Dining out at fancy restaurants or international fast-food chains can be quite expensive, so you might want to limit that to special occasions.As for entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable options in Pasay City. You can visit local parks, museums, and cultural centers for free or at a minimal cost. However, if you're into high-end shopping, clubbing, or fine dining, you might have to cut back on these activities to stay within your budget.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Pasay City is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities," said one expat living in Pasay City.
Can I live in Pasay City on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Pasay City for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month as an expat. In fact, you'll probably find that your money goes a lot further here than in many other places. There are some sacrifices you might have to make, but overall, I think you'll find it to be a great experience.First, let's talk about housing. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Pasay City where you can find a nice apartment or house for a reasonable price. Some of the more affordable areas include Malibay, Maricaban, and Villamor. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Newport City and Mall of Asia Complex, as the cost of living there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transportation is quite affordable, but it can be a bit crowded and chaotic at times. If you're used to driving your own car, you might have to adjust to taking jeepneys, buses, or tricycles to get around. Alternatively, you could consider renting or buying a car, but keep in mind that traffic can be quite heavy in Pasay City.As for food, you'll find that eating out at local restaurants is generally quite affordable, and there's a wide variety of delicious Filipino dishes to try. However, if you're used to eating a lot of Western food, you might find that it's more expensive here, and you may need to adjust your diet accordingly. Groceries can also be a bit more expensive if you're looking for imported products, but local produce and products are usually quite affordable.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Pasay City without breaking the bank. There are numerous shopping malls, parks, and cultural attractions to explore, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. However, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars and clubs, you might find that these can be quite expensive in Pasay City.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Pasay City on $5,000 a month is more than doable, and you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with some minor adjustments. Just be prepared to adapt to the local culture and way of life, and you'll have a great time living here," commented an expat living in Pasay City.
About the Author
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.