Cost of Living – Philippines Information

Average Wages in Philippines 2018

Philippines Average Nominal Wages

Average Wages in the Philippines increased to 13,487 pesos per month in 2018, up from 12,646 pesos per month in 2017.

Monthly Average Wages for each year from the year 2001, in pesos per month.

2001 – 5,798
2002 – 5,905. An increase of 1.85% from last year.
2003 – 6,002. An increase of 1.64% from last year.
2004 – 6,106. An increase of 1.73% from last year.
2005 – 6,400. An increase of 4.81% from last year.
2006 – 6,831. An increase of 6.73% from last year.
2007 – 6,955. An increase of 1.82% from last year.
2008 – 7,275. An increase of 4.60% from last year.
2009 – 7,583. An increase of 4.23% from last year.
2010 – 7,995. An increase of 5.43% from last year.
2011 – 8,280. An increase of 3.56% from last year.
2012 – 8,707. An increase of 5.16% from last year.
2013 – 9,107. An increase of 4.59% from last year.
2014 – 9,582. An increase of 5.22% from last year.
2015 – 9,876. An increase of 3.07% from last year.
2016 – 12,220. An increase of 23.73% from last year.
2017 – 12,646. An increase of 3.49% from last year.
2018 – 13,487. An increase of 6.65% from last year.

That shows an average increase, if averaged over the years 2001 to 2018, of 5.09% per year. However, the increase in 2016 is the major influence on that.

Source: tradingeconomics.com/philippines/wages

However, a Government source shows these recent figures

Average Daily Salary, for all industries
Jan 2016 – 400.95
Jan 2017 – 414.64. An increase of 3.41% from last year.
Jan 2018 – 427.76. An increase of 3.16% from last year.

Source: Average Daily Basic Pay of Wage and Salary Workers by Major Industry Group, Philippines: 2016 – January 2018. Table 18.
psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/cls/Tab18_9.pdf

400.95 per day over 30 days would be 12,028 per month.
414.64 per day over 30 days would be 12,439 per month.
427.76 per day over 30 days would be 12,833 per month.

Average Wages in Philippines 2016

Daily Average Wages for these Philippine Major Occupation Groups in October 2016

987 pesos per day for Managers <..> 243 pesos per day for Elementary Occupations

Average Wages and Salary in the Philippines 2016

Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics

Daily Average Wages for these Philippine Major Occupation Groups in October 2016

987 pesos per day for Managers
919 pesos per day for Armed Forces and Special Occupations
874 pesos per day for Professionals
579 pesos per day for Technicians and Associate Professionals
541 pesos per day for Clerical Support Workers
396 pesos per day for Plant and Machine Operators and assemlers
369 pesos per day for Craft and Related Trade Workers
367 pesos per day for Skilled Agricultural
350 pesos per day for Service and Sales Workers
243 pesos per day for Elementary Occupations (this appears to combine the previous 2015 two groups (Farmers, Forestry Workers and Fishermen AND Laborers and Unskilled Workers)

TABLE 19a – Average Daily Basic Pay of Wage and Salary Workers by Major Occupation Group, Philippines: April – October 2016

Daily Average Wages for these Philippine Major Occupation Groups in 2015

920 pesos per day for Officials of Government and Special-Interest Organizations, Corporate Executives, Managers, Managing Proprietors and Supervisors
871 pesos per day for Special Occupations
838 pesos per day for Professionals
531 pesos per day for Technicians and Associate Professionals
491 pesos per day for Clerks
383 pesos per day for Plant and Machine Operators & Assemblers
347 pesos per day for Trades and Related Workers
311 pesos per day for Service Workers and Shop and Market Sales Workers
252 pesos per day for Farmers, Forestry Workers and Fishermen
224 pesos per day for Laborers and Unskilled Workers

Source: TABLE 19 – Average Daily Basic Pay of Wage and Salary Workers by Major Occupation Group

Laborers and Unskilled Workers, who make up the largest group of workers have seen a daily rate of pay increase from:

194.8 pesos in 2013
215.5 pesos in 2014 (Oct)
224.4 pesos in 2015 (Oct) Up 15% from 2013

Shop workers have seen a daily rate of pay increase from:

283.8 pesos in 2013
299.7 pesos in 2014 (Oct)
305.5 pesos in 2015 (Oct) Up 8% from 2013

2015 Average Family Income in Philippines

The 2015 Philippines Average Family Income varied substantially depending on the location in the Philippines, from an average of 8,173 pisos per week in Manila, down to 2,673 pisos per week in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Average Family Income in the Philippines in 2015 was 5,135 pisos per week

The average for the country was 5,135 pisos per week, per family, with averages for each region shown below:

267,000 – Philippines Entire Country – 5,135 per week
425,000 – National Capital Region – 8,173 per week
312,000 – CALABARZON – 6,000 per week
299,000 – Central Luzon – 5,750 per week
282,000 – Cordillera Administrative Region – 5,423 per week
247,000 – Davao Region – 4,750 per week
239,000 – Central Visayas – 4,596 per week
238,000 – Ilocos Region – 4,577 per week
237,000 – Cagayan Valley – 4,558 per week
226,000 – Western Visayas – 4,346 per week
222,000 – MIMAROPA – 4,269 per week
221,000 – Northern Mindanao – 4,250 per week
198,000 – Caraga – 3808 per week
197,000 – Eastern Visayas – 3,788 per week
190,000 – Zamboanga Peninsula – 3,654 per week
188,000 – SOCCSKSARGEN – 3,615 per week
187,000 – Bicol Region – 3,596 per week
139,000 – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – 2,673 per week

Source: psa.gov.ph Statistical Tables on 2015 Family Income and Expenditure Survey – TABLE 1 Number of Families, Total and Average Annual Family Income and Expenditure by Region 2015.pdf

This survey was based on 22.73 million families, in the following Regions:

22,730,000	Philippines Entire Country
3,251,000	CALABARZON
3,019,000	National Capital Region
2,507,000	Central Luzon
1,699,000	Western Visayas
1,672,000	Central Visayas
1,262,000	Bicol Region
1,170,000	Ilocos Region
1,156,000	Davao Region
1,055,000	SOCCSKSARGEN
1,029,000	Northern Mindanao
976,000	Eastern Visayas
824,000	Zamboanga Peninsula
816,000	Cagayan Valley
697,000	MIMAROPA
616,000	Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
579,000	Caraga
402,000	Cordillera Administrative Region

Food Prices in Philippines v Australia

Many people say that the Philippines is much cheaper to live in, than Australia or any other Western Country. I've lived in both countries, for over 2 years in each, and my experience has shown that both are actually very similar in cost, when we compare the same things.

Grocery Cost Comparison

Philippines v Australia

Many people say that the Philippines is much cheaper to live in, than Australia or any other Western Country.

I’ve lived in both countries, for over 2 years in each, and my experience has shown that both are actually very similar in cost, when we compare the same things.

During the last 6 months we have spent an average of $108 per week on groceries for 2 people in Australia
During the previous 6 months in the Philippines we spent an average of $79 on groceries for 2 people.

However, there was more eating out in the Philippines, and the combined weekly totals of Groceries and Eating Out came to:

$111 Australia
$ 95 Philippines

Philippines: April-Sep 2015

71,699 php on groceries = A$2,048 or A$79 pw
14,578 php in eating out = A$417 or A$16 per week

A$95 per week total

Australia: Oct 2015 – Mar 2016

$108 per week Groceries
$ 3 per week eating out

$111 per week total

FX rate used is actual net rate given in May 2016 (35.00)

An example of Australian Shopping prices today 12th May 2016

$ 2.99 12 eggs
$ 5.99 1kg Chicken Breasts Skinless
$ 2.00 2 litres Milk
$ 1.00 700 gm white bread sliced
$ 8.99 kg Boneless Pork Loin
$19.99 kg Eye Fillet
$10.99 kg Minced Lamb
$ 5.99 kg Mussels
$ 6.00 kg Cheese

Some example prices for grocery in mid 2015

Australian Price Comparison is based on similar quality products

Fresh Milk 80 peso per litre ( $2.35 ) but $1.00 in Australia
White Rice 48 peso per kg ( $1.41 ) but $2.00 in Australia
Eggs 35 peso per 12 ( $1.03 ) but $2.79 in Australia
Chicken Breast Fillet 194 peso per kg ( $5.71 ) but $8.99 in Australia
Ground Beef (Mince) 192 peso per kg ( $5.65 ) but $6.00 in Australia
Carrots 63 peso per kg ( $1.85 ) but $1.88 in Australia
Lettuce Iceberg 203 peso per kg ( $5.97 ) but $6.00 in Australia

FX rate used is actual net rate given in June 2015 (34.04)

Electricity Cost Comparisons Australia v Philippines

Comparing Electricity Costs between Philippines and Western Countries

Comparing Electricity Costs between the Philippines and Australia (and other countries), is not always easy, unless the living situation is similar.

But here is a good example, for very similar living conditions….

Electricity Cost Comparison Australia and Philippines:

After a couple of years in the Philippines, and now completing some months back in Australia, I have checked my exact Electricity costs.

Both locations were similar western style 1 bedroom apartments about 70sqm in size.
The one in Australia on the Gold Coast directly overlooking the Broadwater.

The exact costs, for a 3 month average were:

Philippines

10.99 Kwh per day at a cost of 91.03 Php per day (A$2.84)

Australia

10.1 Kwh per day at a cost of A$2.74 per day (87.68 php)

Cost per Kwh

Australia: $0.272 per Kwh
Philippines: PHP 8.56 per Kwh = $0.267

There appears to be very little difference in the actual real cost.

The way to save is to live like a local, and use less electricity. No fridge, no Air con, No computer or TV on 24 hrs a day.

The above figures are based on the current AUD-PHP conversion rate at the time of writing.

Senior Citizens Benefits for Over 60’s

Benefits for Senior Citizens in The Philippines

Senior citizens are granted several benefits and privileges under Republic Act No. 9994 and Republic Act No. 10645

Basic Qualifications are:

Must present a valid and original Senior Citizens’ Identification Card.

Must be a Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines
Must be 60 years old or above
have at least six months recent residency in the Philippines

How Much Do Expats Spend in The Philippines

Average Monthly Spend for Expats in The Philippines

Foreigners often say that they go to live in the Philippines for the low cost of living. But some find that it isn't as cheap as they expect when they start shopping in the Malls.

What is the average Monthly Spend for Expats in The Philippines

Foreigners often say that they go to live in the Philippines for the low cost of living.

Some find that it isn’t as cheap as they expect when they start shopping in the Malls.

Some example prices in August 2015

200 pesos – MacDonalds, Big Mac Meal – (A$5.78)
197 pesos – MacDonalds, Quarterpounder with Cheese Meal – (A$5.69)
530 pesos – Yellow Cabs Pizza, 14″ Hawaiian Pizza or New Yorker etc – (A$15.31)
480 pesos – Shakeys Pizza, Large Hawaiian Pizza – (A$13.87)
62 pesos – Supermarket, 600gm Loaf Bread – (A$1.79)
65 pesos – Supermarket, 12 eggs – (A$1.88)
200 pesos – Supermarket, 1 kg Breast of Chicken no bone – (A$5.78)
420 pesos – Supermarket, 1 kg Sirloin Steak – (A$12.14)
235 pesos – Supermarket, 1 kg Local Pork pieces – (A$6.79)
53 pesos – Supermarket, 1 kg Potatos (Small) – (A$1.53)
45 pesos – Supermarket, 1 kg Onions White – (A$1.3)
50 pesos – Supermarket, 20 Litres (5 US gallons) Drinking Water – (A$1.44)
Cornflakes and other breakfast cereals are not cheap, as they are all imported.

But for those who say it is cheap, they do say “NEVER shop at the Malls”, shop where the locals shop, eat Rice, and local meat etc. And, Yes, by doing that you can keep food costs low.

Accommodation cost in the Philippines.

Renting a house or a Condo. There are many cases of people paying 5,000 pesos per month for a local house.

20,000 to 50,000 pesos per month for a Condo is also quite usual.
The price difference is often down to quality and size.

A large condo, 70 sqm with one bedroom is about 37,000 in some places or 50,000 in others. But these will have hot water in bathroom and kitchen.

A small condo, 30 sqm, studio type is about 20,000 up to 40,000 in some places.

Some of the cheaper houses have no hot water at all, and very few have hot water in the kitchen.

We paid 30,000 pm for a brand new 3 bed house just South of Cebu. Each of the three bathrooms had hot water, but the Kitchen didn’t. Hot water is not needed, or common, for Filipinos.

A survey of about 120 Westerners living in the Philippines showed these results of average monthly spending:

15.5% Under 46,000 pesos per month
19.1% about 57,500 pesos per month
18.2% about 80,500 pesos per month
12.7% about 103,500 pesos per month
13.6% about 126,500 pesos per month
10.9% about 161,000 pesos per month
10.0% Over 184,000 pesos per month

This shows that on average:

About half spend upwards of 92,000 pesos per month (A$2,875)
About one third spend under 65,000 pesos per month (A$2,030)
About one third spend over 115,000 pesos per month (A$3,600)

FX Conversion rates at Aug/Sept 2015

Electricity Bills Compared – Philippines v Australia

The cost of Electricity in the Philippines compared to Australia

In Australia the Electricity bill is based on a Quarterly charge PLUS the amount of Electricity actually used.
In the Philippines the Electricity bill is based on the amount of Electricity actually used, no period charges.

Kwh = Kilowatt Hours. ie; In its simplest form this is the amount of electricity consumed in the period.

All cost conversions done in this article are based on the FX rate of 33 Pesos to one A$ (Aug 2015)

These are two actual bills in July 2015 for both countries

Australia Quarterly Bill (Including standing charges)
1871 Kwh used with total bill of A$540.02. This equals $0.2886 per Kwh (PHP 9.525)

Philippines Monthy Bill
306 Kwh used with total bill of PHP 2,657 (A$80.50). This equals 8.6830 per Kwh

Electricity is more expensive in the Philippines

The figures below show that the Unit cost of Electricity is higher in the Philippines

1 Khw is charged at 8.6830 in Pampanga, Philippines
1 Kwh is charged at $0.2537 (Peak Rate) [PHP 8.3721] in Queensland, Australia

However, this does not take into account any standing period charges

Electricity Bills are Higher in Australia

Ave Cost of Electricity Bill (per month)

The figures below show that Electricity costs over twice as much in Australia as it

PHP 2,657 Philippines (A$80.50) for two people
A$ 180.00 Australia (PHP 5,940) for four people

The figures above are based on two average electricity bills by people in each country with similar usage patterns.

Average Electricity Usage per day

10.20 Kwh Average KwH per day for 2 people in a 1 Bedroom 70sqm Condo, no Air Con in Pampanga, Philippines
20.34 Kwh Average KwH per day for 4 people in a 4 Bedroom 210sqm House, no Air Con in Queensland, Australia

Final Summation:

Electricity Cost per person per day (in Pesos)

My House in Australia: 47.90

My Condo in Philippines: 42.85

The above information is based on an Australian living in the Philippines in a more western lifestyle.

Why do Australians tend to use more Electricity than an Average Filipino?

Australians have more electrical appliances than an average Filipino, such as:

Fridge
Freezer
Hot Water Heaters
Washing Machine
Clothes Dryer
2 or 3 TV’s
PVR Recorder
DVD Player
Computers
Air Conditioning
Swimming Pool Pumps etc.

Can I Live in the Philippines For $600 USD per Month?

Can a Foreigner Live in the Philippines For $600 USD per Month?

You can live on whatever amount of money you like in the Philippines.

That is the simple answer to a simple question.

An Average Filipino lives on a lot less than that, so YES, it CAN be done.

An Average Filipino House however is not the same as an Average Western style house.

See: Average Houses in the Philippines.

The average Filipino wage in 2012 was 19,583 pesos per month. That is USD 435 or A$593 per month.

See: Wages in the Philippines in the years 2009 and 2012

The average Filipino has a very small Electricity bill. No Fridge/Freezer, No Air Con, No Hot Water, etc., means not much Electricity used.

If you want to live like an Average Filipino, then there is no reason why you can’t.

But, if you want to live like a Westerner, living in a modern property, shopping at the normal shopping centres, eating western food, then you may need a higher budget.

Those Filipinos that live a good life in the Philippines earn substantially MORE than US$600 per month though.

I have spoken to a few who have incomes between 200,000 and 400,000 per month. (That’s between US$4,500 and US$9,000 per month) They have western style houses, good cars, maids and drivers etc., and regularly shop at the Philippine branches of Marks and Spencer, Prada, Louis Vuitton etc. I was surprised to see that there are 24 branches of Marks and Spencer throughout the major centres of the Philippines.

Philippine Top 500 Earners in 2013

The average annual tax paid by the top 500 Individual taxpayers in 2013 was: PHP 13,604,666 according to the Philippines Tax Records.
The top rate of Personal Income Tax is 32% in the Philippines, so the Average Gross Salary, calculated from that average tax paid, would be about: PHP 42,514,581 which works out at about US$78,000 per month.

The breakdown for each group of 100 was:

Estimated Annual Income for Top Tax payers in 2013
PHP 92,989,965	$ 2,066,444	Est Average Annual Income for top 100 earners in 2013
PHP 41,431,627	$ 920,703	Est Average Annual Income for 2nd Top 100 earners in 2013
PHP 31,569,034	$ 701,534	Est Average Annual Income for 3rd Top 100 earners in 2013
PHP 25,244,850	$ 560,997	Est Average Annual Income for 4th Top 100 earners in 2013
PHP 21,337,428	$ 474,165	Est Average Annual Income for 5th Top 100 earners in 2013
PHP 42,514,581	$ 944,768	Est Average Annual Income for ALL Top 500 earners in 2013

These figures have been estimated based on 32% tax rate, and are very rough estimations

So, Can a Foreigner Live in the Philippines For $600 USD per Month?

YES, but you will be closer to the bottom level of Filipino spending , so a much lower Standard of Living when compared to the better off Filipinos

My Personal Experiences

When I first came to the Philippines, I had read that I could live well on $600 per month. I was also told that with $2,000 per month I could live like a King.

I do get by on US$1,500 (A$2,000) per month. But to live like I used to in Australia, I have calculated that I would need closer to US$3,000 (A$4,000) per month.

When I mention this to some others, they tell me to move to a province, get cheaper accommodation, stop eating in western style restaurants, etc., and live more like a local so that I can live better on less money.

The logic in that escapes me. I want to live a decent life, and understand I have to pay for that.

Most Filipinos also want to live a decent life, and would do anything to get a Visa out of their country, OR have a nice high income in the Philippines so they can live better.

How Much Tax is deducted from a Philippine salary

Tax on Salary and Wages in the Philippines

Using the Tax Rates quoted on www.bir.gov.ph I have calculated these approximate tax deductions for a range of salaries.

Approximate Tax rates on the Taxable part of Monthly salaries of:

10,000 would incur a tax charge of about 1,542 pesos or about 15.4%
20,000 would incur a tax charge of about 3,958 pesos or about 19.8%
30,000 would incur a tax charge of about 6,917 pesos or about 23.1%
40,000 would incur a tax charge of about 9,917 pesos or about 24.8%
50,000 would incur a tax charge of about 13,083 pesos or about 26.2%
60,000 would incur a tax charge of about 16,283 pesos or about 27.1%
70,000 would incur a tax charge of about 19,483 pesos or about 27.8%
80,000 would incur a tax charge of about 22,683 pesos or about 28.4%

These are APPROXIMATE and take no account of individual circumstances.

The Taxable part of a salary can be reduced by Exemptions such as the 25,000 (annual) per additional qualified dependents (Max 4).

Average Monthly Salary in Makati City 2015

Average Monthly Salary in Makati City

This is a guide to Various average Salaries quoted on the Internet in August 2015, for the Makati City Location.

Note: Manila has a separate figure.

Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) 29,555.56 PHP (www.numbeo.com)

Average Monthly Salary in Makati City: 57,452 PHP (www.salaryexplorer.com) (1)

Average Monthly Salary in Makati City by Occupation (www.payscale.com)

38,905 PHP Male All Jobs (2)
27,369 PHP Female All Jobs
35,500 PHP All Permanent Jobs

16,422 PHP Accounting Assistant (3)
17,672 PHP Customer Service Representative
29,233 PHP Accountant
30,805 PHP Executive Assistant
34,157 PHP Software Developer
35,697 PHP Software Engineer
78,360 PHP Project Manager, Information Technology (4)

How much Tax is deducted from a Philippine salary?

Using an online tax calculator, I checked some of the above figures, and got these results:

(1) 57,452 Monthly Salary = 13,777 in Tax ( 24.0%)
(2) 38,905 Monthly Salary = 8,003 in Tax ( 20.6%)
(3) 16,422 Monthly Salary = 1,816 in Tax ( 11.1%)
(4) 78,360 Monthly Salary = 20,467 in Tax ( 26.1%)

The above are based on Single without Dependents.

The Salary of 78,360 monthly would be taxed at 17,800 for married with 4 dependents ( 22.7%)
The Salary of 16,422 monthly would be taxed at 290 for married with 4 dependents ( 1.8%)

Wages in the Philippines in the years 2012 and 2015

The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2012 was 235,000 pesos per year. The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2015 was

Wages in the Philippines in the years 2012 and 2015

Average Family Annual Income 2015

I don’t have the 2015 figures yet, but I will estimate them based on the Wages in the Philippines in the years 2009 and 2012 figures:

2015 Average Family Incomes based on same growth rate as 2009 to 2012, for each 10% group.

800,039 Top 10% ( 66,670 per month)
429,470 Next 10% ( 35,789 per month)
325,880 Third ( 27,157 per month)
264,854 Fourth ( 22,071 per month)
203,215 Fifth ( 16,935 per month)
172,125 Sixth ( 14,344 per month)
149,558 Seventh ( 12,463 per month)
121,500 Eighth ( 10,125 per month)
103,220 Ninth ( 8,602 per month)
76,790 Bottom 10% ( 6,399 per month)

Average Annual Family Income 2012

The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2012 was 235,000 pesos per year.

NOTE: the psa.gov.ph site quotes: ” In 2012, Filipino families had an annual income of 235 thousand pesos, on average.”

The split of this income between each 10% group was:

715,000 Top 10% ( 59,583 per month)
381,000 Next 10% ( 31,750 per month)
286,000 Third ( 23,833 per month)
229,000 Fourth ( 19,083 per month)
182,000 Fifth ( 15,167 per month)
153,000 Sixth ( 12,750 per month)
130,000 Seventh ( 10,833 per month)
108,000 Eigth ( 9,000 per month)
92,000 Ninth ( 7,667 per month)
69,000 Bottom 10% ( 5,750 per month)

Average Monthly Salary in Manila 2015

Average Monthly Salary in Manila

This is a guide to Various average Salaries quoted on the Internet in August 2015, for the Manila Location.

Note: Makati City has a separate figure.

Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) 23,694.51 PHP (www.numbeo.com)

Average Monthly Salary in Manila: 41,987 PHP (www.salaryexplorer.com)

Average Monthly Salary in Manila by Occupation (www.payscale.com)

37,696 PHP Male All Jobs
27,960 PHP Female All Jobs
37,000 PHP All Permanent Jobs

19,245 PHP Customer Service Representative
19,693 PHP Civil Engineer
22,298 PHP Accountant
30,322 PHP Software Engineer
37,129 PHP Human Resources Manager
80,638 PHP Operations Manager
81,395 PHP Project Manager, Information Technology

Eating Out or Take Out in the Philippines

To help with some ideas of food prices here are some links to prices at various fast food places in the Philippines

http://www.maxschicken.com/index.php?/menus
https://www.shakeyspizza.ph/menus.asp
http://www.yellowcabpizza.com/orderonline
https://www.mcdonalds.com.ph/ourfood/view/burgers
http://www.jollibee.com.ph/menu-price-list
http://www.manginasal.com
http://www.gerrysgrill.com/ph
http://www.greenwich.com.ph

Average Wages in Philippines 2014

Average Wages and Salary in the Philippines

Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics

The figure of P9,508 per month, shown below for all occupations, gives an average Annual Individual Income of P114,096 per year in the report used.

Average Basic Pay of Wage and Salary Workers by Major Occupation Groups

July 2014

Philippine Pesos per Day and per Month
DAILY	MONTHLY
365.69	9,508	ALL OCCUPATIONS
867.69	22,560	Officials of Government and Special-Interest Organizations, Corporate Executives, Managers, etc
796.90	20,719	Professionals
511.21	13,291	Technicians and Associate Professionals
456.49	11,869	Clerks
295.39	7,680	Service Workers and Shop and Market Sales Workers
315.09	8,192	Farmers, Forestry Workers and Fishermen
329.79	8,575	Trades and Related Workers
357.76	9,302	Plant and Machine Operators & Assemblers
204.87	5,327	Laborers and Unskilled Workers
865.71	22,508	Special Occupations

Source: TABLE 22 – Average Daily Basic Pay of Wage and Salary Workers by Major Occupation Group

And from Table 21 –

Average Daily Basic Pay of Wage and Salary Workers by Major Industry Group

July 2014

Philippine Pesos per Day and per Month
DAILY	MONTHLY
181.29	4,714	Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry
194.57	5,059	Fishing and Aquaculture
334.70	8,702	Mining and Quarying
350.09	9,102	Manufacturing
632.02	16,433	Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply
447.24	11,628	Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities
330.14	8,584	Construction
300.89	7,823	Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles
393.49	10,231	Transportation and Storage
310.77	8,080	Accommodation and Food Service Activities
645.33	16,779	Information and Communication
582.02	15,133	Financial and Insurance Activities
433.49	11,271	Real Estate Activities
645.55	16,784	Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities
529.14	13,758	Administrative and Support Service Activities
588.44	15,299	Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Social Security
737.91	19,186	Education
588.31	15,296	Human Health and Social Work Activities
403.96	10,503	Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

Sourced from: www.bles.dole.gov.ph

Live Like a King in The Philippines

Is it possible to live like a King in the Philippines?

What does “Live Like a King” mean” ?. I ask that question after reading an Englishman saying the phrase “To Live Like a King” does not mean “To Live Like a King”. Now that is the worst English confusion example I have ever heard.

It appears that “To Live Like a King” means to live in the comfort that you want, with all the luxuries that you want.

Examples from various forums and web sites:

For 1200 US a month you can live like a king.
With your $2,400 monthly income you will live like a king
You can live like a king on $5,000 per month in the Philippines
How to Live Like a King in the Philippines on $500 a Month

So, where do we begin, to work out what it would cost to live a really comfortable, safe life in the Philippines, almost like a King?

Accommodation:

I first looked for a 3 bedroom condominium for rent in Fort Bonifacio, Manila. A nice safe area, and came up with this:

FOR RENT One Mckinley Place Condo, The Fort Fully-furnished 190 sq. m. 3 Bedrooms 3 T & B 2 Parking slots available. Monthly Rental : php 170,000 per month

So: 170,000 pesos at 44 pesos to the US dollar = $3,863 per month (at April 2015)

From that list of 4 examples, 3 of them appear totally wrong, leaving just “You can live like a king on $5,000 per month in the Philippines” as a possible, but with 77% of that figure taken with a 3 bedroom decent apartment in a safe area. Not in a Kings mansion!

Food:

T Bone Steaks, US or Australian quality and size, are about 5 times the price of local meat. Going by my budget grocery costs of about 16,000 pesos per week for food for 2, I would prefer to spend nearer 50,000 per month to feel “comfortable” by my standards. So that’s near enough $1,150 per month

Maids, Servants and Drivers:

Not too bad a price at about 5,000 peso per month each. (US$120)

What have we reached so far?

$3,863 Accommodation
$1,150 Food
$ 240 Maids etc (2 people)

$5,243 per month

Cars, Travel, Holidays, Eating Out, etc have not yet been added. Nor have Education costs or Medical Bills etc.

Conclusion:

I would have to say that I feel I would need more like US$10,000 (A$13,000) per month (440,000 pesos) to live like a king in the Philippines.
That way I would have some spare to go out to restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainment events.
IE: I could live in the comfort that I would like with most of the luxuries that I would be comfortable with.

In reality that is 5 times what I get by on here, on my budget, and that is NOT in an expensive safe area of Manila like BGC or The Fort.

Dictionary Meanings:

reference.com – Enjoy a lavish style of living, as in He spared no expense, preferring to live like a king
www.oxforddictionaries.com – Live in great comfort and luxury.
thefreedictionary.com – He lived like a king, drinking champagne and driving a Porsche.
macmillandictionary.com – to live in a very comfortable way, with much more money than you need

Cost of Living Comparison Manila v Brisbane

Manila or Brisbane, which is the cheapest cost of living

Calculation of Comparative Cost of Living in Two Cities comparing costs to the Average Income after tax

More Expensive in Manila

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) is 1.01 times the Brisbane cost
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre is 1.08 times the Brisbane cost
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) is 1.16 times the Brisbane cost
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant is 1.2 times the Brisbane cost
Water (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.23 times the Brisbane cost
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.31 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre (per month) is 1.35 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre (per month) is 1.47 times the Brisbane cost
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) is 1.57 times the Brisbane cost
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course is 1.57 times the Brisbane cost
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) is 1.69 times the Brisbane cost
Tomato (1kg) is 1.76 times the Brisbane cost
Imported Beer in Restaurant (0.33 liter bottle) is 1.87 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre (per month) is 1.89 times the Brisbane cost
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) is 1.9 times the Brisbane cost
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre is 1.99 times the Brisbane cost
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat is 2.06 times the Brisbane cost
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) is 2.11 times the Brisbane cost
Imported Beer in Market (0.33 liter bottle) is 2.16 times the Brisbane cost
Rice (white), (1kg) is 2.29 times the Brisbane cost
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) is 2.31 times the Brisbane cost
Eggs (12) is 2.55 times the Brisbane cost
Water (1.5 liter bottle) is 2.6 times the Brisbane cost
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre (per month) is 2.64 times the Brisbane cost
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) is 2.73 times the Brisbane cost
Potato (1kg) is 3.12 times the Brisbane cost
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) is 3.42 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) is 3.57 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Men Leather Shoes is 4.04 times the Brisbane cost
Cappuccino (regular) is 4.1 times the Brisbane cost
Lettuce (1 head) is 4.15 times the Brisbane cost
Monthy Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment is 4.25 times the Brisbane cost
Gasoline (1 liter) is 4.35 times the Brisbane cost
Apples (1kg) is 4.37 times the Brisbane cost
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) is 4.46 times the Brisbane cost
Local Cheese (1kg) is 4.51 times the Brisbane cost
Oranges (1kg) is 4.63 times the Brisbane cost
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) is 4.63 times the Brisbane cost
Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) is 5.23 times the Brisbane cost
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes is 5.39 times the Brisbane cost
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult is 5.47 times the Brisbane cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter) is 8.05 times the Brisbane cost

More Expensive in Brisbane

Monthly Travel Pass (Regular Price) is 1.98 times the Manila cost
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) is 2.36 times the Manila cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) is 2.37 times the Manila cost
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) is 2.48 times the Manila cost
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) is 2.72 times the Manila cost

Average Monthly Disposable Salary (After Tax) for Brisbane and Manila

PHP 25,096 Manila, Philippines
A$ 3,808.50 Brisbane, Australia

Original data figures taken from www.numbeo.com, and then compared against each City.

Notes:

These comparisons are based on the percentage cost of each item when compared to the average income for each country.

Example:

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre

Brisbane is $5,716.67 or 1.5 times the Brisbane Average salary
Manila is PHP 75,021 or 2.99 times the Manila Average salary. Therefore more expensive in Manila.

The fact that the Manila cost is the equivalent to only A$2,143.46 (as at March 2015) is not relevant in this comparison, but would be if the person in Manila was earning an Australian wage.

Wages in the Philippines 2009 and 2012

The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2012 was 235,000 pesos per year. The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2009 was 208,000 pesos per year.

Family Incomes in the Philippines in the years 2009 and 2012

Average Family Annual Income 2012

The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2012 was 235,000 pesos per year.

NOTE: the psa.gov.ph site quotes: ” In 2012, Filipino families had an annual income of 235 thousand pesos, on average.”

The split of this income between each 10% group was:

Average Family Annual Income 2009

The average Family Income in the Philippines in 2009 was 208,000 pesos per year.

The split of this income between each 10% group was:

639,000 Top 10% ( 53,250 per month)
338,000 Next 10% ( 28,167 per month)
251,000 Third ( 20,917 per month)
198,000 Fourth ( 16,500 per month)
163,000 Fifth ( 13,583 per month)
136,000 Sixth ( 11,333 per month)
113,000 Seventh ( 9,417 per month)
96,000 Eight ( 8,000 per month)
82,000 Ninth( 6,833 per month)
62,000 Bottom 10% ( 5,167 per month)

Philippine Incomes change from 2009 to 2012

The overall change in Incomes was a rise of 13% from 2009 to 2012

The 4th decentile (10% grouping) had the highest rise from 2009 to 2012, of 15.7% from 198,000 to 229,000 per year.

The bottom decentile (10% grouping) had the lowest rise from 2009 to 2012, of 11.3% from 62,000 to 69,000 per year.

This chart shows the change from 2009 to 2012 for each decentile group.

15.7% 4th
15.0% 7th
13.9% 3rd
13.0% This is the average for all groups
12.7% 2nd
12.5% 6th
12.5% 8th
12.2% 9th
11.9% Top 10%
11.7% 5th
11.3% Bottom 10%

Source: Table 2A, National Statistics Office,2009 and 2012 Family Income and Expenditure Survey Final Results

Electricity Costs in Angeles City

When renting long term in the Philippines, it is common for the renter to pay for the Electricity, and this cost can often be expensive.

Having rented in Manila, Puerto Galera and a few other places, I was pleasantly surprised at the electric cost in Angeles City.

March 2014: 28 Days came to 1,084 pesos.

This was 130 kWh at 8.34 peso per kWh. We don’t use the Air Con though, but we do have three PC’s / laptops in use a lot. Gas is used for cooking, so just the Fridge, Rice Cooker and Kettle in the kitchen. The shower has an instant hot water heater. One TV and cable, with cable internet in the living room.

Most other places have been up to about 5,000 pesos per month

UPDATE 2015:

Five Months Electricity Bills

4,331.00
3,381.00
4,010.00
3,733.00
3,243.00

This one had a limited use of Air Conditioning, in a 1 bedroom condo, all electric, no gas. and Included water heaters in bathroom and kitchen to all taps, not just the shower.

One month, with no air con and the cost for the month was only 2,656 pesos, but we also turned the water heaters down from two switches on, to just one on for each heater. It seems we were heating the water too much and needing to add cold to cool it down a bit. Now we need less cold water added, and save money on over heating the water.