Moving to Manila from the US or Canada: A Complete Guide to Costs, Lifestyle, and Planning

Thinking about moving to Manila from the United States or Canada? Manila is an exciting city with vibrant culture, an active expat community, and a much lower cost of living than most North American cities. But moving here involves more than just comparing prices—you need to understand where your money goes, how to live comfortably, and what to expect in day-to-day life. This guide provides a comprehensive, detailed picture of expenses, lifestyle considerations, and practical tips, especially useful for students or future residents like those planning to attend EACSOM.

Housing and Rent: More Than Just Numbers

Rent is the biggest single expense for most expats. But choosing the right neighborhood is about more than cost—it affects your commute, safety, and quality of life.

City Centre vs Outside City

• Makati, BGC, Taguig, and Ortigas are modern, secure, and offer easy access to malls, international restaurants, and hospitals. They are pricier: 1-bedroom apartments range from PHP 27,000–32,000 per month.

• Neighborhoods like Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong, or Parañaque are more affordable: PHP 10,000–18,000 for a 1-bedroom. You may trade shorter amenities access for lower rent.

Practical Advice

• Consider short-term furnished rentals initially to explore neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease.

• Always visit the apartment and check water pressure, air-conditioning, and security systems before signing a lease.

• Apartments near schools or hospitals may be more expensive but reduce commuting stress.

Utilities: Understanding the Hidden Costs

Utilities in Manila are generally lower than in North America, but air-conditioning can push electricity bills up dramatically, especially in summer.

Typical monthly costs

• Electricity, water, garbage: PHP 5,000–9,000 for an 85 m² apartment

• High air-con usage during summer months can increase bills by 30–50%

• Internet: 60–100 Mbps unlimited fiber plans range from PHP 1,300–3,500

• Mobile phone: prepaid and postpaid plans range from PHP 400–1,500 depending on data and call needs

Tips for Savings

• Use energy-efficient appliances and limit AC usage when possible

• Compare internet providers for speed, reliability, and bundle offers

• Choose a mobile plan based on your typical data usage rather than unlimited plans that you may not fully use

Food and Groceries: Beyond Just Prices

Groceries in Manila are affordable, especially if you shop local markets. Imported goods and Western brands are significantly more expensive.

Practical Grocery Tips

• Buy rice, vegetables, and seafood from local wet markets to save money and access fresh produce

• Chicken and pork are cheaper than beef; consider plant-based meals to reduce costs further

• Monthly grocery costs: PHP 6,000–20,000 per person depending on cooking habits

• Dining out: local eateries are inexpensive, while Western-style restaurants cost more

Eating Habits to Consider

• Cooking at home saves money and encourages healthier eating

• Trying local foods not only cuts costs but also immerses you in Filipino culture

• Meal prep and bulk cooking can reduce food waste and monthly expenses

Transportation: Managing Manila Traffic

Manila traffic is notoriously heavy, so transportation costs are not just about money but also time management.

Options and Costs

• Public transport: jeepneys and buses cost under PHP 30 per trip, LRT/MRT PHP 15–40

• Ride-hailing: Grab rides can cost PHP 200–500 for a 10 km trip, depending on traffic

• Car ownership is expensive, with loan payments, fuel, insurance, parking, and tolls adding up

Tips for Expats

• Live close to school or work to reduce commute time

• Use public transport or Grab for short-term living, consider renting a vehicle only if needed

• Be mindful of peak traffic hours; 30-minute trips can easily become 90 minutes

Healthcare: Balancing Quality and Cost

Private healthcare in Manila is high quality but can be expensive for complex procedures.

Costs

• General practitioner visit: PHP 500–1,500

• Specialist visit: PHP 1,000–3,000

• Private hospital stay: PHP 50,000–200,000+ depending on procedure

Tips

• International health insurance is recommended for expats, especially for inpatient care and evacuation

• Public clinics are affordable but may have longer waiting times

• Understand hospital packages and costs before procedures

Schools and Childcare: If You’re Bringing Family

• International schools: PHP 200,000–800,000 per year per child

• Local private schools are cheaper but may not follow international curricula

• Consider proximity to home to reduce commuting stress for kids

Lifestyle Considerations: Beyond Money

• Manila offers a rich cultural life, but safety, traffic, and climate are important factors

• Neighborhood choice affects convenience, quality of schools, hospitals, and access to amenities

• Plan monthly routines and leisure activities to balance costs and lifestyle

Student Life and EACSOM

For students moving to Manila for medical studies at EACSOM:

• Budget for tuition, housing, meals, transport, and school supplies

• Consider shared apartments or university housing to reduce costs

• Living near campus reduces commuting stress and transportation costs

One-time Moving Costs

• Security deposit: 1–3 months’ rent plus first month

• Furnishing an unfurnished apartment: PHP 20,000–150,000

• Visa, document legalization, and travel costs vary by nationality

Example Monthly Budget for a Student

• Rent (shared 1-bedroom near campus): PHP 15,000

• Utilities: PHP 3,000

• Internet: PHP 1,500

• Mobile plan: PHP 700

• Groceries: PHP 8,000

• Eating out: PHP 3,000

• Transport: PHP 2,000

• Miscellaneous: PHP 2,000

Total: PHP 35,200 ≈ USD 595 ≈ CAD 820

Final Advice

Moving to Manila from North America requires planning, budgeting, and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the cost of living and local practices will help you settle in smoothly. Tools like BMICape.com can help track your health and lifestyle goals while adapting to your new city. If you are a student at EACSOM, careful budgeting for tuition, living, and transportation will make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

References

1. Numbeo. Cost of Living in Manila. December 2025

2. Expatistan. Manila Cost of Living Index. December 2025

3. Wise. Philippines Cost of Living Reports. December 2025

4. Globe Telecom. Mobile and Broadband Plans in Metro Manila. December 2025

5. Meralco. Residential Electricity Rates November–December 2025

6. Pacific Prime. Expat Health Insurance in the Philippines. December 2025

7. Makati Medical Center, St. Luke’s, The Medical City. Hospital Service Rates

8. XE.com and Exchange-Rates.org. PHP to USD/CAD Rates, December 2025