Can You Live in the Philippines on $1,000 a Month in 2025?

More than 115 million people call the Philippines home, and most of them get by on far less than a thousand dollars each month. The average Filipino family lives on about $500, and many individual workers earn closer to $250. While these incomes are much lower than in most Western households, Filipinos manage their lives through family, community, and resilience.

Western culture, on the other hand, often emphasizes independence and self-reliance, with individuals expected to stand on their own. This contrast shapes not only daily life, but also the cost of living — expenses that feel essential in the West don’t always carry the same weight in the Philippines.

So, can you live in the Philippines on $1,000USD a month? This article is set out to give a real-world view of what’s achievable — not based on theory or guesswork, but on my own experience of living in Bohol as an expat. I’ll break down the kinds of living costs you can expect here and give a clear picture of what life on this budget might look like.

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Budget Considerations

Before we go further and break down the monthly costs, it’s important to establish the baseline for this $1,000 budget. The baseline has been designed to provide a lower-cost start-up approach, and the table below sets out the core assumptions that serve as the foundation for calculating living expenses in the Philippines.

Relocation & Start-Up Costs

Whatever budget you are running on, the initial up-front costs are often overlooked. Beyond your monthly living expenses, you’ll need to factor in things like visa fees, temporary accommodation while you find a long-term place, deposits for housing, and even basic household items to get started. These one-time costs can add up quickly, and planning for them makes the transition to life in the Philippines far smoother.

Estimated Start-Up Costs (Currency Conversion)

To make the total easier to understand, here are approximate conversions based on current exchange rates:

$6,160 – United States Dollar (PHP 56 = USD 1)

A$9,980 – Australian Dollar (PHP 34.6 = AUD 1)

£4,730 – Pound Sterling (PHP 73 = GBP 1)

€6,050 – Euro (PHP 57 = EUR 1)

Monthly Living Expenses in the Philippines

After the one-time start-up costs, the real test is whether day-to-day life can be sustained on a budget of around $1,000 per month. This section breaks down ongoing monthly and yearly expenses including rent, groceries, utilities, healthcare and transport, so you can see what regular living really costs. It’s a practical view of the basics plus a little room for lifestyle, giving you a clear picture of what long-term life might look like.

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Tourist Visa Extensions

In your second year of staying on a tourist visa, costs become more predictable. You’ll need six two-month extensions over the year, plus an ACR I-Card renewal. While these are paid in lump sums at the Bureau of Immigration, the table shows them averaged out for easier monthly budgeting.

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Housing & Utilities

Housing, alongside food, is usually the biggest expense for expats in the Philippines, and costs vary widely depending on location and style. In Panglao, Bohol, you’ll find a mix of very basic studio apartments for around ₱7,000–₱10,000, up to mid-size houses in the range of ₱30,000–₱50,000. I personally live in a three-bedroom detached house in a gated community and pay ₱32,000 per month in rent, plus a further ₱8,000 for utilities such as gas, water, and home internet. To maintain a good quality of life, most expats will find themselves somewhere in between these figures — with a one or two-bedroom furnished apartment typically secured for around ₱20,000.

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Groceries & Dining

Filipino families’ food costs are relatively inexpensive, with core staples of rice, fish, pork, chicken, and vegetables making up much of the diet. A typical budget is around ₱5,000 per month per person. In reality, you are more likely to have a western-style diet if you are an expat, and that pushes the costs higher. Imported items such as cheese, cereals, coffee, imported meats, and locally sourced European breads quickly increase the total. Once you also factor in household essentials like purified water, soaps, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, a realistic monthly grocery bill for two people often comes to around ₱25,000–₱30,000.

We also need to consider the costs of dining out and takeaways mid-range restaurants average ₱300–₱500 per person. If you prefer western-style cafés, pizza, or international dining, expect ₱600–₱1,000 per meal. Many expats mix local market shopping with occasional dining out, which keeps costs comfortable without giving up variety.

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Transportation

Transport costs in the Philippines can be kept low. Using a motorbike is one of the most affordable options, especially in provincial towns and smaller cities. For many expats, it becomes the main mode of transport, with occasional use of jeepneys, tricycles, or ride-hailing apps to fill the gaps. The table below outlines what a typical monthly spend looks like for this kind of mix.

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Leisure & Lifestyle

Budgeting for leisure, hobbies, and fitness is important for maintaining quality of life. The table below covers only the minimum regular monthly costs—things like streaming services, a gym membership, a phone plan, and occasional local travel. Larger pursuits such as diving, golf, or other personal hobbies are not included here, as they can add significantly to your budget depending on how often you take part. In practice, most expats will spend more than these figures once personal interests are factored in.

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Out of Pocket Expenses

Beyond regular bills and planned monthly costs, it’s important to allow for out of pocket expenses. These are the small, everyday purchases that don’t always fit neatly into a budget—things like fresh produce from the market, casual lunches, tricycle fares, snacks, pharmacy items, and occasional clothing. While individually minor, over the course of a month they add up. A realistic allowance ensures you stay within your budget without being caught off guard.

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Baseline Budget Monthly Cost: Key Points (August 2025)

The aim of this monthly expense breakdown is to provide a real cost of living estimate. It reflects a budget-minded quality of life based on sensible spending, offering comfort without being excessive. While it gives a reliable benchmark for day-to-day living, it is important to remember that no buffer has been built in for unexpected costs such as medical emergencies, major repairs, or other one-off expenses. These should be planned for separately to avoid disrupting your monthly budget.

We can of course look at each section of the costs and reduce totals—whether that be rentals, groceries, or lifestyle and leisure—but from my own experience of living here in Bohol, I believe the total monthly costs shown, around ₱85,000 (≈ $1,610), are already at the limit of what I would call acceptable. Reducing this down to a strict $1,000 budget (≈ ₱56,740) would mean cutting almost ₱30,000 each month—a significant reduction that would require major compromises in comfort, convenience, and overall quality of life. The table below highlights how the two approaches compare in practice.

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Baseline Budget Monthly & Yearly Costs (2025) – Currency Conversion

Frequently Asked Questions – Cost of Living in the Philippines

Why does Filipino culture affect the cost of living for expats?

Filipino culture emphasizes family and community support, reducing costs like childcare, elder care, and sometimes housing. In contrast, Western independence often means paying more for the same services. What feels essential in the West may be optional, shared, or approached differently in the Philippines, lowering everyday expenses for locals and expats who adapt.

What are the startup costs of moving to the Philippines as an expat?

Relocating requires one-time expenses many overlook: flights, temporary housing, rental deposits, license conversion, furnishings, or transport. For two people, a baseline of about ₱345,000 (≈ $6,160) covers essentials to settle into long-term life. These upfront costs are separate from monthly living expenses.

How much does housing cost for expats in the Philippines?

Rent varies by location and lifestyle. In Panglao, basic studios run ₱7,000–₱10,000, while larger homes reach ₱30,000–₱50,000. A typical furnished one or two-bedroom apartment averages around ₱20,000. Utilities like internet, gas, and water add roughly ₱8,000 monthly.

How much should expats budget for groceries and dining in the Philippines?

Local families may spend ₱5,000 per person monthly on staples. Expats often pay more for Western foods and imports such as cheese, meats, cereals, and coffee. For two people, groceries plus essentials like water and toiletries usually reach ₱25,000–₱30,000.

What are typical transportation costs for expats in the Philippines?

A motorbike keeps transport inexpensive, with fuel and upkeep remaining modest. Tricycles, jeepneys, or ride-hailing apps are used as needed. This mix keeps monthly costs low compared to owning a car, which adds high expenses for purchase, fuel, and insurance.

Can expats really live in the Philippines on $1,000 a month?

$1,000 (≈ ₱56,740) is possible but restrictive. My own monthly budget is nearer ₱85,000 (≈ $1,610), and cutting almost ₱30,000 would mean big sacrifices in comfort and lifestyle. For most expats, $1,000 allows survival but not a stable, enjoyable life.

Exploring the next steps — Whether you're still shaping your future plans or already considering a life change, the Philippines is a rewarding place to live. Beyond the Living in the Philippines Hub, we also explore Filipino Society—a great way to get to know the people and culture. And if you're a scuba diver, or have ever considered diving, the reefs here are among the best in the world.